Great SUmmer Reads 2024: Start Here

If you liked his previous novel, The Martian, you will probably like this one. Instead of an astronaut struggling on Mars, this one is about saving the Earth from outer space with science! I don't want to reveal too much, but I like how the story is told in parallel (with scenes from "now" mixed in with scenes from the past) and eventually converges. I think there's something here for fans of sci-fi and space travel certainly, but also biology, politics, linguistics, and more! -Carin Perilloux, Associate Professor of Psychology

This non-fiction book is perhaps not standard summer beach fare, but once I read it I haven't stopped thinking about it. Dr. Aktipis is an evolutionary psychologist, and in this book she takes a cross-species "cell's eye view" to explain cancer's evolutionary origins: how it has been, and will remain, an inherent adaptive problem for multicelluar organisms. Her message then is about how we can learn to live longer and better with it instead of attempting to (fruitlessly, in her view) eradicate it completely. Perhaps a somber read for some, but as someone with cancer in her genetic line, I found it pragmatic and hopeful. -Carin Perilloux, Associate Professor of Psychology (Note: this one is available as an ebook)

"A novel set in Sweden tells the story of Ove, who can best be described as a curmudgeon. The story takes place after the death of his wife, and shows how healing can occur with the unlikeliest of people, in the unlikeliest of ways." A classic tale of "the book is better than the movie", after reading it in 2021 and the movie coming out in 2022. -Kristi Sibole, Assistant Director of the Center for Career & Professional Development

A narrative about a female elite bodyguard hired to protect a superstar actor from his stalker. Only, she has to do it by pretending to be his girlfriend at his parent's barn. A romance that keeps you reading, laughing, and rooting for them to end up together in the end. -Kristi Sibole, Assistant Director of the Center for Career & Professional Development

A famous painter is suddenly at fault for the murder of her husband, committed to a insane isalem and hasn't spoken a word since the night he died. Visited by numerous mental health professionals, no one can get through to her. This book kept me turning every page and as someone who likes to think she can anticipate the ending, I did NOT see this one coming. -Kristi Sibole, Assistant Director of the Center for Career & Professional Development

I devoured this book. Maybe because I have six older brothers, the descriptions of a household full of boys were comforting. Maybe because I'm a mother, and I'll do just about anything for my children to live authentically. Maybe because I'm a former teacher and find such joy and, often, heartbreak in the way little children look at the world through innocent eyes. This book tackles big, timely issues, but they're also wrapped in a story about a family trying their best. It made me laugh, and cry, and think. -Eileen Roybal, Director of Stewardship

I have not read the book yet. It was given to me by a SU student. David Brooks observes, ""There is one skill that lies at the heart of any healthy person, family, school, community organization, or society: the ability to see someone else deeply and make them feel seen -- to accurately know another person, to let them feel valued, heard, and understood." I look forward to learning more this summer and encourage others to do so as well. -Ron Swain, University Chaplain and Director of Spiritual Life

This is such an interesting book about adaptation and provides context about our, often misunderstood feathered friend, the sweet pigeon. This is not a new book (published in 2008) but was new to me. I enjoyed it very much and have renewed appreciation for these resilient little birds. -Debika Sihi

Frankie McGrath is a young woman from an affluent California family who abandons her privileged life to serve as a nurse in the Vietnam War after her beloved older brother is killed in action. Trading her sheltered existence for the hellish conditions of the war-torn nation, Frankie displays remarkable courage and selflessness as she risks her life to save others. When she returns home, she finds an America that is hostile towards veterans and dismissive of women's sacrifices during the war. Frankie struggles to readjust to a society that fails to recognize the profound bravery and patriotism of those who served.
A story of friendship, remembrance, and shattering societal expectations, The Women shines a light on the often overlooked heroism of the courageous women who served during the Vietnam War with extraordinary courage and dedication against all odds. -Vicki Winstead

Few retellings focus on villains, first of all, but also few tragedies are written these days. As a bonus reason, it's always a joy to revisit Wonderland, even through a new set of eyes. Meyer is one of the most famous present day retellings writers, and although this book is aimed at a YA audience, it's not for lack of action or romance. -Lindsay Howard, Access Services Assistant

This one is a great non-fiction to get you interested not only in chemistry but also history and the way the two are intertwined! I had to read this in high school and it stuck with me more than almost any other non-fiction I've read. -Lindsay Howard

A story about a family whose mother leaves, father remarries - and then dies. This leaves the two children to be raised in their family home by the widow stepmother. The children try to understand what happened to their mother as they face their own issues as they age. Set in Brooklyn in 1920's and beyond, this book features great characters and tremendous writing. -David Tuttle

Pageboy is an honest and insightful telling of Page's exploration of his sexuality and gender. His writing is thoughtful and, at times, poetic. As a long time fan of his work in TV and film, I was happy to read about his life and journey to who he is today. I also appreciated the history he sprinkled throughout about Canada, from where he hails. -Jennifer Leach, Director of Advising and Retention