Books to Dive into This Summer
Compiled by Madison Schulman
It’s officially summer, and what better way to relax than with a good book by the beach or pool? We went straight to the experts at the Diane M. Halle Library for their must-reads of the season.
Laurie Souza, Coordinator of Library User Services
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus, as it delves into the cultural challenges faced by women in the 1950s and 1960s in their personal, professional, and social lives. Garmus skillfully incorporates the struggle for women's rights into the narrative with humor and verve. The book is a charming and captivating light read.
Brian Courtemanche, Library Director
Right now I’m reading The Best of Richard Matheson. It’s a collection of suspenseful tales right out of The Twilight Zone. In fact, I believe that Matheson wrote for The Twilight Zone TV show back in the 1950s. His book, I Am Legend, has been made into a Hollywood movie several times, most recently starring Will Smith in 2007.
My favorite genres are terror and suspense—from the tales found in the early pulp magazine era (1920s and 1930s) right up to the present day. I like reading stories and accounts that make the hair on the back of my neck tingle with a bit of spookiness.
Another book I’ve recently read is In Plain Sight: An Investigation into UFOs and Impossible Science by Australian 60 Minutes journalist Ross Coulthart.
Bridget Cunio, Reference Librarian
I just finished reading Small Things Like These and Foster by the amazing Irish author Claire Keegan. If you haven’t read her before, I highly recommend it!
Currently, I am about halfway through Priestdaddy—the award-winning memoir by Patricia Lockwood. I am also just starting the highly anticipated novel The Ferryman by Justin Cronin.
Anna Paquet, Reference Librarian
I recommend Biased: Uncovering the Hidden Prejudice That Shapes What We See, Think, and Do. This is an important, thought-provoking exploration of racial bias. Jennifer L. Eberhardt provides a personal narrative that raises critical questions, and outlines potential solutions for an essential, crucial discussion our society needs to have on addressing racial bias.
Melissa Natale, Reference Librarian
Next on my list is Drinking Games: A Memoir by Sarah Levy.
I like a memoir—especially one where the author puts all their messiest moments out there. It’s a very brave thing to do. In the book, Levy explores her relationship with alcohol and how it impacted her relationships and life in her 20s. I may not be in the same age group or have the same struggles as the author, but I think everyone can identify with taking responsibility for their choices, being authentic, and practicing self-compassion.
Also on my list is Now Is Not The Time To Panic by Kevin Wilson. I really enjoyed Wilson’s book Nothing to See Here—it was so wonderfully weird and I’m looking forward to Wilson’s latest!