Great SUmmer Reads 2023: Start Here

A nice look into the importance of six beverages that have shaped humanity from the first stirrings of sudsy civilization through over-caffeinated modernity. -Heath Roberie, AVP for Budgeting and Planning

I read a lot of books, and rarely do they stick in my mind like this one did. The main character is somewhat hard to love, but yet you still want her to be ok. The multiple narrators (my favorite is the dog!) added a lot to the book, too. Even though parts were rough to read, I loved it. -Katy Ross, Professor of Spanish

It's a fun fantasy series of 4 different London's with 4 different realities filled with betrayal, love, and magic. -Emily Ely, Program Coordinator for Student Success and Retention

300 years before A Game of Thrones, the inspiration for the House of the Dragon. Martin does a splendid job creating a complete fictional history with several moving parts. -Emily Ely, Program Coordinator for Student Success and Retention

Without saying much, this book will inspire, educate and most importantly challenge you. It takes you through a journey of love and loss, self-reflection on a ton of different accounts, and emotions on all levels from anger to depression to newfound love. I truly enjoyed this book. -Carmen Velez from the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department

This book uses science to explain burnout and -- more importantly -- to suggest strategies for reducing stress through easy daily habits. It's written with women readers in mind, but can help anyone who is interested in counterbalancing the effects of 21st-century stress on their body and mind. -Shelley Story, Dean of Students

This is the best book that I have read this year. It's a story about three other books, and the differences between them reveal the power of books to shape the narratives of the world. It is creative and unexpected. -Valerie Renegar

This is a six-book series that follows a young man into adulthood in a world where humans, and other species, can control elemental forces. More realistic than most fantasy books, these stories feature strategy, courage, and ingenuity. It has hints of the original Avatar series and its elemental benders, which made me love it more. The stories become more layered and complicated as he ages, and it is a thoroughly enjoyable progression. -Valerie Renegar

This is the first of a six-book series of mysteries that begin with the premise "What if Sherlock Holmes had been a woman?". They are smarter than the average mystery, and pleasantly devoid of any real violence or trauma. I appreciate the feminist retelling, and the relationships among the characters. Thomas is an engaging writer. -Valerie Renegar

The author becomes a guard at the Metropolitan Museum of Art following a family tragedy. His perspectives about the museum (the people, the art, the sights and sounds), is such an interesting and fast read. Really enjoyed this book! -Debika Sihi

Great mystery/whodunit that keeps you guessing until the very end, but at the same time offers beautiful perspectives into personal stories/struggles and the ongoing challenge that is life. -Madison Buechler, Assistant Director of Admission

It is imaginative, creative, at times mind-bending -- also witty and touching...set in the Caribbean. I keep thinking about it...... -Melissa Johnson, Professor of Anthropology

This book is a fantastical journey into stories and storytelling. There's adventure, love, mystery, and some thoroughly dimensional characters. If you enjoyed her first book (The Night Circus) or just enjoy fairy tales and wondering where stories come from and what happens to those stories when you aren't reading them, I think you'll find yourself gobbling this one up. -Carin Perilloux, Associate Professor of Psychology

This is the first book in Pullman's prequel trilogy to his original "His Dark Materials" trilogy. If you loved that trilogy, you will find a heartfelt and exciting origin story (for both Lyra and "Dust") that pops in little references throughout to keep you remembering those books. If you haven't read any other Pullman, this is a beautiful coming of age novel about a boy to whom you will instantly feel a great fondness. It's about this boy, and his boat, and a baby. It's about doing the right thing, even if it's hard, and believing in yourself and in the pursuit of knowledge and freedom. -Carin Perilloux, Associate Professor of Psychology

In the aftermath of his father's death, a teenage boy and his mother navigate the world through their grief. Benny begins to hear the voices of objects—from scissors, window panes, and the book itself chiming in, The Book of Form and Emptiness is an Anthropocene story of grand scale and a unique sensory experience. A love letter to books, this novel is whimsical, heartfelt, and will renew your enthusiasm for reading. -Col Roche, Coordinator of Mosaic

I just purchased this book and cannot wait to dive in June. This book examines different animal senses. I cannot wait to read it and then discuss with my colleagues/friends who are animal behavior experts in Biology, Psychology, and Kinesiology!! -Debika Sihi