It’s a hot book summer at the University Libraries. Whether you want to self-improve before returning to society, escape into gritty or fantastical stories or glean inspiration from the writings of others, we’ve got you covered!
In addition to these titles, you can check out books from the libraries’ Popular Reading collection and stream documentaries and films through Kanopy and Swank Digital Campus.
Inspire
Clothes, Clothes, Clothes. Music, Music, Music. Boys, Boys, Boys
Megan Friedel, head of archives, suggests reading the memoir, Clothes, Clothes, Clothes. Music, Music, Music. Boys, Boys, Boys by Viv Albertine. “Written by the guitarist for the seminal British punk group the Slits, Albertine's memoir is the kick in the pants we all need to remember how to grasp life by its rocking, joyful horns, no matter what trouble gets slung your way,” explains Friedel. “Viv Albertine is a living legend, and her hilarious, fascinating, heartbreaking book makes me want to change out of my pandemic sweatpants ASAP and go make some loud and raucous memories out in the world again.”
Beauty is Embarrassing: The Wayne White Story
Kate Wright, outreach and student success coordinator, recommends the documentary Beauty is Embarrassing: The Wayne White Story directed by Neil Berkely. “Beauty is Embarrassing is an inspiring and funny documentary about the artist Wayne White best known for his work designing and voicing the puppets on Pee-wee's Playhouse,” Wright explains. “PBS put it best: ‘The film, like White, embraces the ragged edges and messy contradictions of life, art, and family with rabid humor and honesty.’”
Wild
Communications Specialist Claire Woodcock enjoyed the film Wild directed by Jean-Marc Vallée and based on writer Cheryl Strayed's 2012 memoir Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail. A beginning hiker, the story follows her 1,100-mile solo trek from California to Oregon. “This movie is an extreme and beautiful account of one woman’s ability to find strength in overcoming personal trauma,” said Woodcock. “There’s no way this film or book won’t inspire you to go for a long hike, whether it be in Boulder, Rocky Mountain National Park or elsewhere!”
Self-Improve
The Body is Not an Apology
Education and Ethnic Studies Librarian Linds Roberts recommends the book, The Body is Not an Apology by Sonya Renee Taylor. “This book is small and packed with powerful ideas that can help move us from shame through acceptance towards radical self-love,” said Roberts. “Taylor shows how these practices transform our relationship with ourselves and ripple out to connect with broader social change and a more just future. Readers will see Taylor's roots as a spoken word poet--her sentences reverberate beyond the page.”
Me and White Supremacy
Outreach Coordinator Mark Locy recommends the book, Me and White Supremacy by Layla Saad. “This is really an anti-racism workbook. Each chapter goes into the basics of different aspects of white supremacy.” Locy explains. “Not only that, each chapter ends with journal prompts and asks you to write responses. This really helps make the work of anti-racism more present and tangible.”
Escape
The House in the Cerulean Sea
Libraries Assistant Budget Officer Nissa Zimmer enjoyed The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune. “If you want a chance to escape in a story for a few hours after 2020, read this book,” Zimmer says. “It has a bit of everything—magic, mystery and quirky detail. You will fall in love with the children, including the gnome who threatens death by shovel and the antichrist who actually loves to cook. This book is a gem."
Red Notice: A True Story of High Finance, Murder and One Man's Fight for Justice
Dean of University Libraries and Senior Vice Provost of Online Education Robert H. McDonald recommends Red Notice: A True Story of High Finance, Murder and One Man's Fight for Justice by Bill Browder. McDonald states that “this memoir is very intriguing, spellbinding look at early investments in Eastern Europe after the fall of communism."
Say Nothing: A True Story of Murder and Memory in Northern Ireland
Nicole Trujillo, access and discovery librarian, suggests the nonfiction title, Say Nothing: A True Story of Murder and Memory in Northern Ireland by Patrick Radden Keefe. “The Irish Troubles, an archival project gone wrong, and a murder investigation. Follow up with any mystery by Tana French.”
My Hero Academia
Norlin Branch and Virtual Services Manager Brittany Reed, recommends the TV show My Hero Academia, adapted from the manga series by Kōhei Horikoshi. “It's a fun, silly and sentimental hero anime about persisting even when things seem impossible. The show manages to remain hopeful even when approaching serious topics.”