I have a rather hefty library to move this week. I literally only brought 5 books with me to grad school and somehow I have managed to hike that number to closer to 50. This along with a rather large pile back home just waiting to be read is rather daunting but I can't help it, I just love books. I have been thinking about getting a Kindle to cut down on the amount of space all my books are taking up and while I do like them there is something to be said for being able to physically hold a book in your hands, turn the pages, and lay it down satisfied when you are done. Maybe I should use the library more.
My summer reading list is getting pretty long. I just finished The Help just in time for the movie to come out. I recommend it to anyone who is looking for a quick read. It is funny, thought provoking, scandalous, and even sad at times.
Currently I am reading Banana: The Fate of the Fruit that Changed the World. Not exactly something that I would have picked up off the shelf but I got it for free at the FYE conference as a promotion for First Year Reading Experience books. I am really enjoying it. The author, Dan Koeppel, makes bananas accessible beyond just the grocery store. It kinda makes me wish I liked bananas more although it sounds like maybe I just haven't tried the right one yet.
p.s. Who knew bananas come in different colors? Also, carrots do too.
Next up on the list... Lady Chatterly's Lover. I have had this book forever and have just never gotten around to reading it.
Also, at some point I have to read No Impact Man. It is the Freshman read this year and as I will be co-teaching U101 it is a must.
On the recommendation of several people The Happiness Project. I think this will just be fun and a good read going into my second year of grad school.
I also stumbled across this wonderful find while looking for a picture of the banana book and after reading the first chapter online I am adding it to the list. Spice: The History of Temptation. If you know me you know this clearly appeals to me because of the historical information and my love of anything naughty.
And a few Higher Ed. books including...
As well as some inspirations pieces....
Read My Freshman Year last summer. It was interesting, you can definitely tell it is from the viewpoint of a faculty member. She poses as a non-traditional student living in a residence hall, so I think that also changes the frame through which people view/interact with her. I also want to read The Happiness Project!
ReplyDeleteSome thoughts:
ReplyDelete1- I used an essay from Rebekah Nathan's book in my class this semester. The students really responded to it, so please let me know how the entire book is.
2- This I Believe Vol. 2 is the VT common read this year. I'm not sure how I feel about that, it seems like a significant downgrade from Kingsolver, but easier to implement briefly in the composition classroom.
3- No Impact Man is ridiculous. I haven't read the book, but I watched the documentary on Netflix (be sure to check that out). That guy is insane and I just felt so sorry for his wife and small child.
4- Let me know how The Happiness Project is, I keep seeing it in the bookstores, but I can't commit to something that might be the antithesis of me. Also, add Rebecca to the summer reading list. Seriously, you will not regret it. I feel like it's everything Wuthering Heights should have been!