Summer is wrapping up and the new school year is in sight. But, for those looking for an escape or something to consume while soaking up the last days of summer break, we’re sharing our latest list of book recommendations from our University community.
If you haven’t already, browse our lists from last summer (vol. 1 and vol. 2) and view the list that News@TheU shared of summer reading University faculty and staff members were looking forward to enjoying. If podcasts are more your thing, check out our list of recommended podcasts.
Alexandria: The Quest for the Lost City
Edmund Richardson
“Alexandria is a carefully researched, true, and colorful account of a 19th century British army deserter, adventurer, and amateur archeologist, Charles Masson, who is obsessed with finding Alexander the Great's lost city on Afghanistan's Bagram plane. Despite his stunning archeological successes and his best efforts to avoid entanglement in the power intrigues of Britain's East India Company's exploitive nation-building, Masson is forced to become the company's “man in Kabul”—compelled to spy on and manipulate the Afghani khans who had befriended him. It's a fascinating read. This cast of characters and the stage on which they play are nearly 200 years in the past, but they provide surprisingly relevant context to contemporary events happening in that region of the world today.”—Lindy Brounley, UHealth marketing director
Subjects: Afghanistan, discovery and exploration, antiquities, history, 19th century, extinct cities, India
Becoming
Michelle Obama
“The former first lady talks about her childhood years in Chicago and educational experiences. She also gives details about meeting Barack Obama and carries us with her through the beginnings of their relationship and some of their time in the White House. In reading the book, I got a good sense of her down-to-earth, yet strong personality.” —Carol Reynolds-Srot, university editor, University Communications
Genre: biography, memoir, autobiography
Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood
Trevor Noah
“The biracial comedian and talk show host regales us with stories of growing up in South Africa as the product of a white father and a black mother. He also gives us a bird's-eye view of his relationship with his mother—a religious and rebellious woman who single-handedly raised him.” —Carol Reynolds-Srot, university editor, University Communications
Genres: humor, biography, autobiography
The Mastery of Love
Don Miguel Ruiz
“This book was a reminder to focus on the most wonderful relationship you can have: the relationship with yourself. It is not about being selfish but practicing self-love. Through insightful stories, the book offers a practical guide to the art of relationships.”—Janisse Patino-Martinez, director, HR Communications
Genre: self-help book
Mexican Gothic
Silvia Moreno-Garcia
“Great author and great story.” —Deserae Del Campo, editor/writer, College of Arts and Sciences
Genre: horror fiction, gothic fiction, fantasy fiction, historical fiction, historical fantasy
More Myself: A Journey
Alicia Keys
“This book is a biography of the singer from her point of view, along with recollections from a few people close to her. She takes us from her childhood in the Manhattan neighborhood of Hell's Kitchen along the path to self-discovery.”—Carol Reynolds-Srot, university editor, University Communications
Genre: biography, autobiography
Mrs. Sherlock Holmes: The True Story of New York City's Greatest Female Detective and the 1917 Missing Girl Case That Captivated a Nation
Brad Ricca
“It's a true story (the title is a nickname) of a female investigator that weaves together a kidnapping and a look at how business worked in 1917 America. It reads like a mystery novel so it's entertaining.” —Audra Hodges, UHealth Digital content manager
Genres: biography, true crime
The Road Less Traveled
M. Scott Peck, M.D.
“Talk about spiritual growth! This book helps us explore the nature of relationships and leads us toward a higher level of self-understanding. The opening line of the book alone sets the tone: ‘Life is difficult.’ The journey to spiritual growth is a long one.”—Janisse Patino-Martinez, director, HR Communications
Genres: self-help book
Romiette and Julio
Sharon M. Draper
“I think this book is really good for young adults. It’s really relatable and entertaining. I thought it put a nice spin on the original narrative. I’d definitely recommend it.”—Tai’Asia Hueston-Franks, student
Genres: novel, young adult fiction
The Silent Patient
Alex Michaelides
“Great psychological thriller of a woman who refuses to speak after an alleged act of violence against her husband and the therapist committed to uncovering her motive.”—Viena Perez, executive director for Public Affairs
Genre: novel, thriller, suspense, mystery, psychological thriller, psychological fiction
Thou Shall Prosper
Daniel Lapin
“It’s written by a Jewish Rabbi (I’m not Jewish), but basically breaks down why we shouldn't be morally embarrassed to succeed. If you’re engaging in moral and ethical business, not exploiting people, but rather meeting a need in the marketplace, you shouldn’t feel guilty about success. But, you should actually pursue it, because it means you are serving humanity.” —Gabriel A. Perez, School of Communication
Subjects: business and economics, accounting, personal finance, banking, religion, Judaism, wealth, money
Is there a book that has impacted you? Complete this short form to submit your title suggestions to participate in our next recommended reading list. For questions, contact our team at lifeattheu@miami.edu.
