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June 4, 2008
Librarian's top picks for summer
University Park, PA—Wondering what to read over the summer? Look no farther than the University Park Leisure Reading Collection. With the emphasis squarely on reading for pleasure, this collection comprises current bestselling fiction, non-fiction and popular titles. The collection occupies part of the Reserves Reading Room, on the first floor of Pattee Library, west. "New titles are added every month, and with students mostly away for the sum
mer, there are sure to be some volumes on the shelves that haven’t been available in a while," says Anne Behler, information literacy librarian and Leisure Reading Collection selector.
"In choosing titles for this summer reading list, I’ve made an effort to include a variety of genres, as well as both fiction and non-fiction. Most of the titles are newer, although some fit the category of 'oldies but goodies,'" says Behler. "I invite you take a break in the Leisure Reading Collection, and who knows? While you’re browsing the shelves for one of these, a new, different, or thought-provoking title you’ve not read before might just jump out and surprise you!" Behler welcomes suggestions of popular titles to add to the collection. (E-mail suggestions to goodreads@psulias.psu.edu. For more information, see: http://www.libraries.psu.edu/lls/leisure_reading/index.html)
Here are Behler's top 10 picks from the collection. Links to the title's record in The CAT, the Libraries' online catalog, are included for each book.
The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch and Jeffrey Zaslow
"Randy Pausch is a computer science professor at Carnegie Mellon University, who is living with terminal cancer. This book expands on his final lecture, which is full of hope and inspiration, rather than sadness or defeat. Randy and his book have grown famous, his message reaching millions. I have seen television interviews with Randy, and know without even cracking the cover that this is sure to be a meaningful, inspirational read."
Any book by Stephenie Meyer
"Stephenie Meyer's rising popularity can’t go unnoticed. She is an up and coming writer in the science fiction genre, and her books don’t stay on the shelves! Most notable for this summer are the recently released The Host: a Novel and Breaking Dawn, the fourth book of the Twilight Saga which is due out on August 8."
Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
"This, of course, is not a new title. However, it is one of the best Latin American novels ever written and it hit the movie screen last year. It is also being discussed by the Schlow Library’s Adult Book Discussion Group on June 10. In the book, Nobel Prize winning author Marquez eloquently and richly tells the story of many types of love – passion, marital, lustful – as the reader follows main characters Florentino Ariza and Fermina Daza through their intertwined lives. This is one of my favorite books, and one that will continue to stand the test of time."
Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman’s Search for Everything Across Italy, India, and Indonesia by Elizabeth Gilbert
"There has been a buzz about this book since it hit the shelves. Elizabeth Gilbert tells her story of travel and self-discovery following a divorce. The book has been praised for its humor, colorful descriptions, and honesty. This one is on my reading pile for the summer!"
When the Emperor was Divine by Julie Otsuka
"In case you missed this year’s Centre County Reads program, now is your chance to catch up! Otsuka’s novel takes on a period of history that isn’t often addressed. The main characters in her story are Japanese and are forced to leave their California home for an internment camp after the bombing of Pearl Harbor."
The Brief, Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Diaz
"Trying to catch up on your Pulitzer Prize reading? The winner for 2008, this is the first novel for Junot Diaz, and from all accounts, readers are unable to put it down. Diaz tells the story of Oscar de Leon, an overweight awkward teenager whose interests are science fiction and fantasy, Dungeons and Dragons, and writing in the style of J.R.R. Tolkien. The novel itself is praised for its variety of writing style and genres within, as well as its colorful portrayal of Oscar, the Dominican Republic, and multicultural, multigenerational families."
A New Earth: Awakening Your Life’s Purpose by Eckhart Tolle
"Read along with Oprah’s book club. Eckhart Tolle's newest book expands upon The Power of Now and takes readers on a spiritual journey that talks about building a better life, for a better world."
The Case for Democracy: the Power of Freedom to Overcome Tyranny and Terror by Anatoly Shcharansky
"This is your opportunity to read what the President has read. Shcharansky’s book does exactly what the title says and makes a well-argued case for democracy in the world."
Weird Pennsylvania by Matt Lake
"Staying close to home because of high travel costs? Discover Pennsylvania all over again with this guide which is chock full of road trip ideas. Staying home doesn’t have to be boring!"
Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life by Barbara Kingsolver, Camille Kingsolver, and Stephen L. Hopp
"This book will change the way you think about your food. The Kingsolver family takes the reader on their own journey through their first year of living as complete locavores, primarily subsisting on food from their own land. The book is full of tips for living green, shopping local, growing your own food and/or supporting your local farmers. Not only does the book provide information, it tells a warm, inviting, sometimes humorous story, of family and food."