Summer Reading Suggestions - 2004

Sorted by Author

A list sorted by Title is also available.

Ali, Agha Shahid. Rooms Are Never Finished Find it in LINK+: A book of poems about the death of the author's mother reveals the universality of grief as well as giving a glimpse into the very particular culture of Kashmir. Also includes translations of Mahmoud Darwish--a revelation.
Alvarez, Walter. T. Rex and the Crater of Doom Find it in OSCAR: My reason comes straight from a quote on the book jacket: "The story that waited 65 million years to be told - how a giant impact killed the dinosaurs, and how the crater was discovered." Alvarez is an engaging tour guide and sleuth on this scientific mystery ride.
Atwood, Margaret. The Handmaid's Tale Find it in OSCAR: It is a very interesting book about a dark future which may be in store for us if we continue on the destructive path we are on.Well-written and very interesting
Baker, James Robert. Boy Wonder Find it in OSCAR: If Citizen Kane had been a novel first this is it. Tells the story of a young filmmaker born in Los Angeles and his ill fated ultimate film epic through interviews with his friends and associates.
Behm, Marc. The Eye of the Beholder Find it in LINK+: I heard it's an interesting private-eye/thriller that has a twist on the genre. I read a little of it on Amazon.com and thought it was weird and different from other books I've read.
Brands, H.W. The First American: The Life and Times of Benjamin Franklin Find it in LINK+: A biography of Benjamin Franklin; makes excellent reading.
Braun, Lillian. The Cat Who Said Cheese Find it in LINK+: This is one of "The Cat who" series of books by Lillian Braun which offer light, entertaining summer reading. You will learn about country folks, cheese, and you get to cogitate over a mystery in the process. These are always a delightful read.
Brown, Adrienne Maree and William Upski Wimsatt, editors. How to Get Stupid White Men Out of Office Find it in LINK+: There are 10 co-authors and each chapter is a real story about how people organized and mobilized to get women and people of color into their city councils and state senates. It is inspiring and written in very authentic, honest voices.
Brown, Dan. Angels and Demons Find it in LINK+: It's SO MUCH BETTER than that other book he wrote! And that other book was good! ;-)Everyone is reading The Da Vinci Code, but I have not. Instead I read Angels and Demons, which features Robert Langdon before The Da Vinci Code. Angels and Demons is fast-paced, fascinating reading about the relationship of science and religion, with emphasis on the Catholic Church. Neither my husband nor I could put it down, once we started reading.
Chabon, Michael. The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay Find it in LINK+: Great book, entertaining and well written. winner of the Pulitzer Prize, author lives in Bay Area
Cisneros, Sandra. Woman Hollering Creek Find it in OSCAR: I just finished reading it for a class and found it to be wonderful.
Clarke, Richard. Against All Enemies : Inside America's War on Terror Find it in LINK+: I recommend this book because it offers a new and unique perspective into the workings of our government. A behind the scenes look into how the past four presidents have handled terrorist threats, culminating with the 9-11 tragedy and our government's response. "Clarke, a veteran Washington insider who had advised presidents Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Clinton, and George W. Bush, dissects each man's approach to terrorism..."
Clavell, James. Shogun Find it in OSCAR: This is an excellently written story that provides ample history on Japanese politics and the reasons why the Japanese way of life clashed with that of the West. It's great for any history major, and it's even better for anyone who would like to know more about Japan around the time of the samurai and western invasion.
Coelho, Paulo. The Alchemist Find it in OSCAR: A very simple, short book with a very powerful message about fate, destiny, choosing the right path in life.
Condon, Sean. Sean and David's Long Drive Find it in LINK+: Hilarious travel journal of two twentysomething slackers and their road trip around Australia. Very dry wit that keeps the narrative from getting boring. Would be a good airplane or beach blanket read.
Doctrow, E.L. Ragtime Find it in OSCAR: Incredible historical fiction. I reread it every summer. It is on many "Top 100 books of the 20th Century" so definately a must-read. For those of you who have seen the musical it is based directly off this novel.
Dubus, Andre. House of Sand and Fog Find it in OSCAR: This book gives insight into Iranian-American culture, the mindset of recovering drug addicts, and the desperation of people that have gone a little to far with something. It's also a real page-turner, something unique for a book covering heavy subject matter.
Dumas, Alexandre. The Count of Monte Cristo Find it in OSCAR: A great epic novel full of action, romance, loyalty, betrayal and revenge.
Eggers, Dave. A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius Find it in LINK+: Fairly dramatic, but sarcastic in a sense. What I took from this novel is a sense of optimism, even on the worsts of the worst situations in my life. The author describes the many dramas surrounding his life in the funniest ways possible. This a great book for reflection, and because this would be for summer reading I feel that is is definitely appropriate.
Erdrich, Louise. Love Medicine Find it in OSCAR: It is a wonderful book that is unlike any other. I love how it correlates to Native American culture and invokes powerful images.
Eugenides, Jeffrey. Middlesex: A Novel Find it in OSCAR: It won the Pulitzer Prize Pulitzer Prize-winnning tale of generations of tangled DNA culminating in the life of a girl (well, perhaps) born into a Greek-American family in Detroit. Eugenides is an inventive and far-seeing writer, bending time and gender without ever losing the heart and soul of a great story. If Eugenides were a painter, he'd be Chagall.
Fielding, Helen. Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason Find it in LINK+: This sequel to Bridget Jones' Diary is hilarious and insightful about the trial and trauma of being a single girl
Fitch, Janet. White Oleander Find it in OSCAR: A wonderful epic of a young girl's life in foster care and her relationship with her mother. If you've seen the movie, the book is much more realistic and enthralling. A rare piece of modern literature that is popular for reasons beyond screen writing availability.
Follet, Ken. Pillars of the Earth Find it in LINK+: best book, ever
Gibran, Kahlil. The Prophet Find it in OSCAR: This book is Gibran's masterpiece (try to get a copy with illustrations by the author) and is a classic as well as a great summer read. His poetry is moving and thought provoking, inspiring and beautiful.
Golding, William. Lord of the Flies Find it in OSCAR: At approximately 200 pages, this novel is a quick read that works on many different levels. It is enjoyable as an adventure story, but you can also find in it layers of philosophy, psychology, religion, politics, etc. Laden with symbolism, the book is a tightly constructed exploration of human nature.
Greene, Graham. The End of the Affair Find it in OSCAR: a man who falls in love with another man's wife and they have an affair, and she ends it suddenly and never tells him why. The book explores his exploration of why the love was ended.
Haddon, Mark. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time Find it in LINK+: A short, fast read, but very touching. An autistic boy narrates in a very matter-of-fact manner, leaving out any mention of emotion, but the reader feels all the emotion of situations seen through the eyes of this boy.
Hamill, Pete. Forever Find it in LINK+: Over three-hundred years of history crammed into this engaging novel, following the very long life of one Celtic Irish immigrant from Belfast to New York, through slavery and indentured servitude, the American Revolution, the New York of Boss Tweed, and on, right up to 9/11. Gives new perspective on that tragic day, as we see New York burn at various times during its history.
Hansen, Ron. Isn't It Romantic?: An Entertainment Find it in OSCAR: This is just a really fun book to read, full of the kinds of odd and interesting romantic complications and characters I associate with some of great "screwball" comedies of the 1940s and 40s.
Harris, Robert. Pompeii Find it in LINK+: It is always a challenge when the reader knows how the book must end - in this case, with the eruption of Vesuvius - but remains engaged because the author has created such interesting characters and narrative. Welcome to Pompeii, a wonderful novel, with terrific dramatic tension, that extends beyond the increasingly threatening Vesuvius. In fact, for some, Vesuvius is the least of their problems!
Homer. The Iliad Find it in OSCAR: A good follow up to this Summer's block buster, Troy.
hooks, bell. killing rage : ending racism Find it in OSCAR: This book keeps it real about racism and sexism. bell hooks is a very important author to women's/feminist/ethnic studies.
Irving, John. The Cider House Rules Find it in OSCAR: This is a really interesting read that raises thought-provoking issues about abortion. But it's very graphic... just be warned.
Irving, John. The World According to Garp Find it in OSCAR: Irving writes in a witty fashion and his characters are so likable, you will be hooked. Garp is a wonderful summer read.
Kerouac, Jack. On the Road Find it in OSCAR: There is no better book to read while you're traveling. It inspires anyone who reads it to enjoy the process of getting from point A to point B. As the title might suggest, "On the Road" is an especially good road trip book.
Kidd, Sue Monk. The Secret Life of Bees Find it in LINK+: This is a relaxing and thought-provoking book...definitely an easy read.
Kingsolver, Barbara. The Poisonwood Bible Find it in OSCAR: It's a gripping book that provides such a unique take on the unique and dysfunctional Price family. Kingsolver's characters have so many dimensions and the multiple voices are executed so well. It truly takes you to another world- not just geographically, but socially, mentally, and emotionally. It is a long book, but one of the fastest you'll ever read and impossible to put down.
Kotlowitz, Alex. There Are No Children Here : The Story of Two Boys Growing Up in the Other America Find it in OSCAR: It is a magnificent book which follows the lives of two young kids growing up in one of Chicago's notorious West side public housing projects (the Henry Horner Homes). Not only is this book extremely entertaining and very well written, it calls to the reader's attention a very serious current event which has literally overwhelmed the city of Chicago in the last six years; as Chicago attempts to destroy all of it's high-rise housing projects and replace them with mixed, unsegregated housing options in viable, functioning neighborhoods.
Krakauer, Jon. Under the Banner of Heaven: A Story of Violent Faith Find it in OSCAR: Although focused on Morman fundamentalism, elements of this book could just as easily relate to other extremist groups.
Lahiri, Jhumpa. The Namesake Find it in LINK+: The book was given to me by my sister-in-law, and even though I hate everything she gives me, I absolutely ADORED this book. I was sucked into it's plot, it's journey to find out what's in a name. It is also a tale of first generation Indians who move to New England. It is written very vividly with MUCH focus on emotions, which are explained in metaphors that are piercing to your heart. I think it goes very well with the university's theme of learning about other cultures and of other's stuggles/journeys. Just an amazing book in general!
Loewen, James L. Lies My Teacher Told Me: Everything Your American History Textbook Got Wrong Find it in OSCAR: Fascinating and alternative view of American history - all that was left out when you learned it the first time in school.
Marquez, Gabriel Garcia. One Hundred Years of Solitude Find it in OSCAR: A book that confronts the human condition of solitude while living in communities. The story of a family over 100 years. A bit like House of Spirits by Isabel Allende.
Martel, Yann. Life of Pi Find it in OSCAR: A wonderful story, about a boy, a tiger, and a life raft. Sounds strange, but it may change the way you look at life.Amazing fictional story of true faith in religion and application to life in subtle, yet poignant ways.
Marx, Karl. Economic and Philosophic Manuscripts of 1884 Find it in OSCAR: different/most world-widely spread views of capitalism, economic systems and communist philosophy.
Mayer, Richard Multimedia Learning Find it in OSCAR: According to Mayer's cognitive theory of multimedia learning, constructive learning occurs when students select or organize relevant visual and verbal information, and can systematically integrate the newly constructed representations with existing schemata. Mayer based his research on cognitive load theory. CLT suggests that limitations on learning are a result of the capacity of working memory. By decreasing cognitive load, learning can be increased.
McCarthy, Colman. I'd Rather Teach Peace Find it in OSCAR: Inspiring account of one teacher's experiences trying to teach peace in a violence-oriented world.
McCullough, David. The Path Between the Seas: The Creation of The Panama Canal, 1870-1914 Find it in OSCAR: It's a great "true story" covering the drama of building one of the world's great engineering wonders.
Morris, Edmund. The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt & Theodore Rex Find it in OSCAR: The books are both scholarly, and, among the most engrossing reading of an American political figure I have since reading The Raven, a biography of Sam Houston (another book I would recommend, even though it was written quite some years ago). Theodore Roosevelt was one of most important and pivotal presidents and politicians. He well deserves his memorial on Mt. Rushmore, as reading this two part biography will make clear.
Oliver, Mary. Why I Wake Early Find it in LINK+: Mary Oliver is a poet who has won the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry and the National Book Award. This collection of poems is accessible, stunning, and of the kind that stay-with-you-to-lift-your-spirits.
Pearl, Matthew. The Dante Club Find it in LINK+: A fictional story based on historical figures, this book is an exciting read from start to finish. The book follows a group of notable authors (set shortly after the civil war) who are trying to bring Dante's Inferno to the mainstream, while at the same time catch a killer whose murders are done in an Inferno style. Great chance to relieve Dante's Inferno, having read it back in high school, while at the same time getting a chance to "see" how authors such as Longfellow may have acted on a day to day basis.
Pullman, Philip. His Dark Materials Find it in OSCAR: Extremely compelling fantasy trilogy that has generated a lot of controversy. On the one hand, it's quite critical of organized religion; on the other, it's about parallel universes. This broad recasting of Paradise Lost is about the conflict between freedom and control.
Puzo, Mario. The Godfather Find it in OSCAR: You've never met a bigger fan of the Godfather Trilogy than myself. I saw the movies first and fell in love with the characters. The book is even better (I know it's hard to believe). The reader gets to know the characters 100 times better than in the movie. The movie turns into a kind of visual aide. I definately recommend The Godfather as a perfect book for those who are familar with the movies and those who are ready to fall in love with a classic.
Quinn, Daniel. Ishmael Find it in LINK+: Adventure of the mind and spirit.
Raban, Jonathan. Hunting Mister Heartbreak Find it in OSCAR: Some of the best written prose about America.
Rand, Ayn. Atlas Shrugged Find it in OSCAR: As you read this philosophical masterpiece you will begin to see yourself in each of the characters. You will begin to recognize your deepest thoughts and desires that have yet to be voiced. I recommend this book to those who are looking for something more in their life and are burning with often unexplicable emotion and desires.
Roberts, Cokie. Founding Mothers: The Women Who Raised Our Nation Find it in LINK+: Fascinating new book about the women of the U. S. Revolutionary War period by the NPR columnist.
Rowling, J.K. Harry Potter Find it in OSCAR: Some may view Harry Potter with a sense of skepticism in wake of all the popular mumbo jumbo that accompanies the series. But I swear to you that the hype is well deserved. Because they are written for younger kids you will speed through them and be left waiting anxioulsly for the sixth one to be released.
Russel, Mary. The Sparrow Find it in OSCAR: This is a challenging book, but exciting book. Set against a trip to a distant planet (sponsored and led by the Jesuits!), the author examines science and religion, good and evil, faith and disbelief, and multiculturalism and the immigrant experience in the extreme! I did not agree with all the author had to say, but I find her voice to be compelling, and I was very drawn to the characters with whom I shared this journey.
Schlosser, Eric. Fast Food Nation Find it in OSCAR: Very interesting Presents fascinating view of looking at flaws within the fast food industry and American consumerism. Challenges you to think seriously about the food that you put in your body.
Sedaris, David. Me Talk Pretty One Day Find it in LINK+: The book is a humurous, poignant look at a boy growing up with a speech impediment, and coming to the realization of his sexual orientation. It's a great, fun read.
Shepard, Jim. Love and Hydrogen Find it in LINK+: Jim Shepard is one of the most interesting short story writers in America, and this "new and selected stories" collection is a great place to discover why. The title story concerns the last fateful flight of the huge airship "Hindenburg." Many others also deal fictionally with real people and situations, such as the assassination of the SS leader Reinhard Heydrich, William Beebe's exploration of the ocean deep in his bathysphere, the British rock group "The Who," and attorney general John Ashcroft. I have recommended this to many friends and students and all have been amazed.
Shields, Carol. The Stone Diaries Find it in OSCAR: Carol Shields is one of those very rare writers who can entice you with the poetry of her writing. She used wonderfully evocative phrases and nuances of speech to infuse her characters story with substance and a style that goes almost unnoticed because of the authenticity of her prose.
Shields, Carol. Unless Find it in LINK+: This is one of the most profoundly moving books I have yet come across. Shields' writing style is astounding and the
Steinbeck, John. East of Eden Find it in OSCAR: The best book ever! Such a different writing style than The Grapes of Wrath (which I didn't like). It had very interesting character developments and story line. It's even on Oprah's book list. Definitely very worth your time.This is truly a must read book!! Once I started reading it, I did not want to put it down. It follows two families, the Trasks and the Hamilitons. "It is a symbolic recreation of the biblical story of Cain and Abel woven into a history of California's Salinas Valley."
Steinhardt, Arnold. Indivisible by Four : A String Quartet in Pursuit of Harmony Find it in OSCAR: This is a lovely and affectionate autobiography of the Guarneri String Quartet, one of the great string quartets of the 20th century, written by its first violinist, Arnold Steinhardt. There is plenty here for both serious and not-so-serious musicians and music lovers. Steinhardt includes anecdotes of the famous musicians who have played with the quartet, including Pablo Casals and Artur Rubenstein. He also describes the rigor of performance, the method behind the quartet's decision about whether to play an encore, and how the quartet evaluates and decides upon new music to include in their repertoire.
Thompson, Craig. Blankets Find it in LINK+: "Thompson's graphic novel debut, Good-bye, Chunky Rice, was a delicate parable of loss that garnered deserved acclaim. [This] eagerly awaited, follow-up to it is more ambitious, more accomplished, and more accessible... this is a genuine graphic novel, with a universal appeal... —Gordon Flagg, Booklist, American Library Association."Top 10 Graphic Novel: BLANKETS ... Thompson's autobiographical second graphic novel portrays growing up in rural Wisconsin, first love, and loss of faith in that love that presages later loss of religious faith. A romantic and honest, artistically assured, authentically novelistic work." —Booklist
Thompson, Hunter S. Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas Find it in LINK+: Fantastic journalist. Interesting
Tolkien, J. R. R. The Hobbit Find it in OSCAR: If you enjoyed the "Lord of the Rings" movie trilogy and would like to see how it all began, this book is for you. Here we meet Bilbo Baggins and watch him discover the magic ring, and the Gollum makes his first, unforgettable appearance. Somewhat lighter in tone than the later trilogy, this "adventure" is a worthy introduction to what followed later.
Tolstoy, Leo. War and Peace Find it in OSCAR: In my opinion this is the greatest single piece of literature for a young man or woman to read. Many of life's greatest lessons can be gleaned from Tolstoy's immaculate prose. He masters compelling characters, rich dialogue, and adeptly shares his wise philosophy on history, life, war, and love.
Trocchi, Alexander. Young Adam Find it in LINK+: It's a good book and it's the story a recent film has been based on, starring Ewan McGregor.
Truss, Lynne. Eats, Shoots and Leaves Find it in LINK+: It is hilarious and I learned something
Von Drehle, David. Triangle : The Fire That Changed America Find it in OSCAR: This is an excellent account of the tragic fire at the Triangle shirtwaist factory in New York City at the beginning of the 20th century, and the profound effect it had on the social and politcal landscape for years to come.
Vonegut, Kurt. Slaughterhouse-Five Find it in OSCAR: Great book that reveals the truth about some of the US-caused atrocities in World War II. A realistic view of war and the blackness that exists in every culture.
Welsh, Irvine. Trainspotting Find it in LINK+: It's the book the popular 1996 film was based on.
Winchester, Simon. Krakatoa : The Day the World Exploded, August 27, 1883 Find it in LINK+: This non-fiction work describes the volcanic eruption of Krakatoa in 1883. The book goes into great detail, not only about the eruption itself, but also about the events leading up to and following the event. I'm not even done, and I can say that it is a must read this summer.
Winchester, Simon. The Meaning of Everything Find it in LINK+: It's a fascinating read on the documenting of the English language and how a world class dictionary came into being.
Wolff, Tobias. Old School Find it in LINK+: This is the text our incoming freshmen are being asked to read in preparation for summer orientation. Tobias Wolff (husband of the Arrupe Center's Catherine Wolff, by the way) is a prize winning author previously known especially for short stories; this is his first novel. It is beautifully written, and deals with issues of fitting in, academic and personal integrity, authenticity, and finding one's voice, among other things. A good read! Wonderful first book from Stanford professor. Regarded as one of the living masters of American writing. He has published beforehand several short story collections and a few memoirs. It closely mirrors his own life as a student at a prestigeous East Coast boarding school. Book centers around visits of Ayn Rand, Hemingway and Frost to his school. Interesting and engaging, wonderfully written.
Wouk, Herman. The Winds Of War Find it in OSCAR: The Winds of War is one of my favorite books. It is a long book but definately worth it, especially if you are interested in WWII fiction. Historical figures, such as Hitler and FDR, show up as characters in the book. It tells stories about WWII in America and abroad through the story of a family. There are battle scenes, romantic scenes, and everything else you could want in a book. I read it a couple of summers ago and it was a perfect book that I could pick up and put down throughout the entire summer. Plus there is a sequel for next summer.
Yunus, Muhammad. Banker to the Poor : Micro-lending and the Battle Against World Poverty. Find it in OSCAR: Inspiring book, about learning to use our knowledge for the common good of the people. The story of the power of one! As a economics professor he took a minute, he looked around and he acted. Plus he came to out campus and gave and inspiring speech many still talk about
Zelazny, Roger. Doorways In The Sand Find it in LINK+: I really enjoyed this because of the "What if I never had to graduate and deal with things angle...." Although I must admit the Crown Jewels hostage aspect was facinating as well. A brief synopsis: Fred Cassidy is a permanent student, partly because he likes learning, partly because he continues to draw from his rich Uncle's trust fund as long as he is in college. Meantime various advisors scheme to get him to graduate, while Fred, an acrophiliac, climbs all over the roofs of the college town. But all of a sudden he has a lot more to worry about. Various beings seem convinced he knows the whereabouts of the alien "starstone", a cultural artifact given to Earth in exchange for the British Crown Jewels and the Mona Lisa, and the maintenance of which in good condition is essential to Earth's nascent status in Galactic civilization.
Zipes, Jack. Don't Bet on the Prince : Contemporary Feminist Fairy Tales in North America and England Find it in LINK+: Escape into an enchanted forest this summer. There is nothing like the healing trance of a fairy tale; these are guaranteed to intrigue, stimulate, and make you laugh at life. One of the premier modern folklorists has put together the first comprehensive anthology of feminist fairy tales to appear since the women's movement in the 1960s. Tales you'd never find, by authors that are well known: Angela Carter, Margaret Atwood, Tanith Lee, Jay Williams, Jane Yolen, Anne Sexton, Olga Boumas, Joanna Russ. Each tale in an innovative story that draws upon —then unexpectedly breaks —from classical fairy tale tradition. Written for adults with an appreciation for the absurd and a love of the traditional. Enchanted forests aren't what they appear, princesses aren't always beautiful, choices are difficult, and spells show up when you least expect them. You'll be tempted to pass on the book, but don't; you'll never get it back.
Zola, Emile. Germinal Find it in OSCAR: Very interesting novel about French miners in the 1860's. Shows a true depiction of the working class of the time. It is very intriguing, a good book that makes you turn the pages for more.

Also Available