Reading Recs

This page turner documents the fascinating grifter Elizabeth Holmes and her multibillion dollar biotech startup Theranos. If you love drama and scandals this nonfiction is for you! – Emily Denlinger, Art & Design

This piece of afrofuturism is set in a dystopian Toronto ravaged by wealth polarization and climate change. The novek blends Caribbean folklore and the conventions of science fiction masterfully. The title is a reference to a West Indian children's song, and sets up an examination of the trauma of colonization through speculative fiction. If you liked the Blade Runner films, or the rebooted Black Panther comics series, this novel is for you. – Sandra Cox, English

Animal lovers will enjoy the way Quinn gives a "voice" to Chet and his human private investigator, Bernie, as they sniff out the bad guys in these easy-reading mysteries. – Karie Stroder, Academic Advising

Dr. Hamblin taught at Southeast for many years, began our Center for Faulkner Studies, and is a prolific author. This most recent book is a collection of poems he wrote as personal therapy as he cares for his wife, Kaye, who has developed Alzheimer's disease. He has a rare perspective. Husbands, as he notes in the poem about picking out their burial plot, are statistically less likely to be the caregivers for their wives. And even fewer of those husbands are poets. Anyone who has been on this journey with someone they loved will find he captures the emotions associated with it through his beautiful, raw, romantic and tragic imagery. – Brooke Clubbs, Communication Studies & Modern Languages

This book is based on a real event (the sinking of the Titanic), but with a fictional story line. Kate Alcott's narrative surrounding the harrowing ordeal stayed with me long after I finished the book. This one will leave you asking yourself, "what would I have done?" – Karie Stroder, Academic Advising

This is a fantastic memoir of a woman who found her place in the world through the power of education, from a house in Idaho where her father wouldn't allow her to even attend elementary school to a doctorate. – Sarah Cavanah, Mass Media

Death isn't always a topic Americans are super comfortable with, myself included, so I was excited to follow mortician Caitlin Doughty as she travels the world to observe how different cultures practice care and remembrance for the dead. She compares these practices, and the values that underpin them, with the modern, professionalized American funeral industry. Through engaging, reflective, and often quite funny analysis of what it means to show respect for the dead and provide solace for those who mourn them, Doughty really helped me see death rituals in a new light. – Carl Hess, Kent Library

An excellent memoir about the adventures of a 20-something stenographer from Barack Obama's presidency. Dorey-Stein shares her adventures as she accompanied the President during his travels. Her descriptions of inter-office politics and romantic entanglements will keep you engrossed throughout the entire book. An impressive read from this first-time author. – Theresa Haug-Belvin, History & Anthropology

The book is a retelling and revision of Shakespeare’s play “The Winter’s Tale,” about a jealous husband who mistreats his faithful wife. It’s a problematic play dealing with misogyny, paranoia, and the corruption of the powerful. The “happy” ending is a point of contention, and how can the play be modernized? Winterson finds the answer. – Susan Kendrick, English

Not just for CEOs, this book offers insight, gained from years of dedicated research, to anyone wanting to understand the (sometimes surprising) determining factors that build lasting successful companies, which can help any organization, group, or individual grow and create a legacy. – Tiffany Comfort, Campus Life & Event Services - Southeast Leadership Programs

Feeling overwhelmed by trying to work harder but enjoying life less? Take a breath, step back, and follow Haley and her husband as they got rid of most of their possessions and moved their family of five to a farm. Their story frames reflections on challenging the current culture by focusing on living rather than consuming. Shaped by the author’s faith, Haley graceful storytelling provides universal lessons to living an abundant life and being less-burdened. – Stephanie Hallam, Kent Library

Roxane Gay addresses the experience of living in a body that she calls 'wildly undisciplined.' She casts an insightful and critical eye over her childhood, teens, and twenties -- including the devastating act of violence that was a turning point at age 12 -- and brings readers into the present and the realities, pains, and joys of her daily life. With candor, vulnerability, and authority, Roxane explores what it means to be overweight in a time when the bigger you are, the less you are seen. – Randyn Heisserer-Miller, Kent Library

I am a huge Stephen King fan, but also someone who is terribly afraid of clowns. It took me a long time to work up to reading this book. To be honest, it's messed up, but in the best possible Stephen King fashion. I am a little over halfway through and I can stop reading. I feel sick, horrified, intrigued, appalled, fascinated, and so many other things all at once. Seriously if you love horror and have the patience to read 1100 words, read this book. – Brittany Colbert, Kent Library

This book is written by a lawyer that founded the Equal Justice Initiative, a legal practice that is dedicated to defending individuals that are most in need: the poor, the wrongly condemned, and women and children within the justice system. One of Stevenson’s most notable cases was for Walter McMillian, an individual that was sentenced to death row for a crime that he insisted that he didn’t commit. Throughout the book, McMillian’s case is discussed as well as other individuals on death row that Stevenson helped. Stevenson is truly inspiring and works tirelessly in the pursuit of justice. I highly recommend this book! – Lindsay Smoot, Mathematics

I would recommend this book to others. I enjoy reading Emile Zola's fiction because he so vividly captures the essence of peasant life in 19th century France. I also read Germinal by Zola and enjoyed it for the same reason. Reading Zola's fiction allows me a modicum of understanding of the strife and horrible work conditions that the peasant class endured in that era. It's impossible not to read Zola (at least the works mentioned here) as a 'cautionary tale' which, for me, is part of the allure. Never shall I stoop so low ... at least I hope not. Note about the title: "The title L'Assommoir cannot be properly translated into English. It is adapted from the French verb "assommer" meaning to stun or knock out." (source). – John Baken, Kent Library

Looking for Alaska, by John Green, is a coming of age story about a group of students at a boarding school who are struggling through adolescence together. The book has all the things you want in some leisurely mind-candy: teen angst, parents who just don’t get it, friendship issues, love interest, first time sexual awkwardness, and dealing with the tragedies that come with life...together. It’s the kind of book where you easily identify with the characters and their struggles…because its tough being a teen (Thank you Reverend Tim Tom from The Middle—such a handle catch phrase!). – Dana Branson, Criminal Justice, Social Work, & Sociology

This comic focuses on the cultural struggle of a girl growing up in revolutionary Iran, based on the author's own experiences. It gives you an insight into an Iran that you may have never known existed. – Sarah Haarmann, Southeast at Sikeston

If you enjoyed The Handmaid's Tale, you should read this spiritual successor (which was favorably reviewed by Margaret Atwood). It raises questions that will haunt you for days/weeks after you've finished the book. – Doc M. Billingsley, History & Anthropology

Salt, the only rock we eat, has a fascinating history that involves economics, science, politics, religion, and culinary arts. The author offers an in depth but approachable tale about this indispensable but often overlooked staple of our lives. According to the late Anthony Bourdain, it is a "must-have for any serious cook or foodie." As a chef and foodie myself, I concur! – Nick E. Johnston, Management

This book focuses on the "Great Migration" of sharecropper families that moved from the south to various places in the northern United State from about 1915-1970. It follows three individuals that are descendants of sharecropper families that decided to migrate in order to escape the Jim Crow south. This book paints a vivid picture of their daily struggles, accomplishments, and journey to find a better life. Absolutely fantastic book! – Lindsay Smoot, Mathematics

This book tells the story of the environmental scientist William Vogt (prophet) and Norman Borlaug (the wizard) who was the father of the green revolution. Lots of other characters including prophets such as Malthus, Hubbard, and Ehrlich and various wizards including Swaminathan and Lynn Margulis make an appearance. A fairly balanced account of the debate between those who warn of environmental collapse and those who have worked to come up with technological fixes. – Bill Weber, Economics