Ace of Shades by Amanda Foody

 Recommended by: Madison Lynch '24

"Ace of Shades is wildly entertaining. If you are a fantasy reader, I think you’d really enjoy this one. The world building and character development are fantastic, and the plot is really engaging and interesting, plus one of the main characters Levi is a POC and bisexual, so there’s some great representation to be had as well. Overall, a great read, plus it’s the first of a trilogy so it’d be great to get you out of a reading slump :)"
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American Gods by Neil Gaiman
Recommended by: Eddie Nicolas ‘23

"This standalone novel is about a man, Shadow, who is plunged into a world of myth and monsters upon his release from prison. It’s dark, gritty, and shock-full of references to legends and folklore from around the world. American Gods was my first introduction to Neil Gaiman while in high school, and he’s since become one of my favorite authors."

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 Anxious People by Fredrik Backman

 Recommended by: Marissa Lischinsky, Associate Director, Office of Student Engagement

"While at first this book may seem like a fun story about a failed bank robbery, it provides genuine insight into human nature, interconnectedness, and the importance of empathy. You never truly know what someone else if going through until you take the time to get to know them."

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  The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

Recommended by: Marissa Lischinsky, Associate Director, Office of Student Engagement

 "One of my all-time favorite books, The Book Thief is an engaging and insightful historical novel set in WWII Germany. Narrated by Death, readers follow the story of Liesel Meminger, who goes from being a shy and quiet foster child to a strong-willed advocate for education and empathy. I’ve re-read this book multiple times and think everyone should read it at least once!"
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 Book Lovers by Emily Henry

Recommended by: Madison Lynch '24

"This book is a very easy and heartwarming read, great for anybody who has given up their own needs or wants for the sake of others. Emily Henry’s writing is very witty and entertaining, and strikes a balance between a fairytale and real life."
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Dubliners by James Joyce

Recommended by Julia Lanzillotta '22

"I read the short stories that make up “Dubliners” in high school and James Joyce’s writing style really struck a chord with me. I appreciated how he was able to use his words in such an artistic way, and his work encouraged me to think more about the deeper meanings that the texts hold, beyond what they mean in a literal sense. This story prompted me to explore other Joyce pieces like “Ulysses” and “A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man”. I encourage anyone who enjoys to read to take a chance at Joyce’s dark humor and colorful language." 
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The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell by Robert Dugoni

Recommended by: Susan Silberger ' 97

"It is a book about a man who had a difficult childhood due to a condition called ocular albinoism and his struggle with the people around him and his faith. It is an excellent read."

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The Girl With a Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier

Recommended by: Matthew Adamski '24

"It's a historical fiction novel set in the Netherlands during the 17th century. It's a fictional story behind the painting by Vermeer by the same name. It's a light read, with a great plot and has fantastic historical details. I liked it a lot." 

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Grass Hopper Jungle by Andrew Smith

Recommended by: Eden Marchese '23, Major: English: Creative Writing, Philosophy, German, Peace & Justice, and Black Studies

"For as dark a subject as the end of the world, Grasshopper Jungle is an incredibly realistic look into the psyche of a 16 year old boy as he tries to navigate growing up alongside his best friend all while accidentally unleashing an army of unstoppable bugs bent on two things: reproducing and feeding. This novel is hilarious as much as it is serious and the author navigates this to create a nonstop, exciting experience. I never wanted to put the book down and found myself laughing as much as I held my breath; I cannot recommend this book enough and am eager to read the sequel that came out."

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The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

 

Recommended by: Elizabeth DeCristanti '24

"Loved this book so much! I thought the overall message was super important and I loved every character. I think it was super well written and I did not feel bored at any point of the book. I really loved the entire family, I loved their dynamics and how much love they had for each other."

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 The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab

 Recommended by: Danielle Sondgeroth '22

"I first discovered V.E. Schwab last year after reading her book, “A Darker Shade of Magic.” I adored it so as soon as I saw “The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue” on a shelf in Barnes and Noble, I knew I had to read it. It’s about a young woman who, upon being forced into an arranged marriage, calls upon the old gods to save her. The god that saves her grants her eternal life, but damns her to live without anyone remembering her. It’s a haunting novel with many twists and turns and a fantastic writing style."
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 Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Recommended by: Madison Lynch '24, BOOK CLUB MEMBER

"Of the books TJR has written, I think this one is the most light-hearted and fun of them. It’s a great novel to see if you enjoy her writing style, and the plot/character balance is great. Lots of excitement, moving parts, and character relationships to enjoy that make Malibu Rising a quick and exciting read."
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 The Midnight Library by Matthew Haig

Recommended by: Marissa Lischinsky, Associate Director, Office of Student Engagement

"I couldn’t put this book down and read it in one day. It’s a touching story about living life to the fullest without regret."

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 Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit by Jeanette Winterson

 Recommended by: Alexandra Kardos '24, Major: Accounting. Spanish minor

"This quirky coming-of-age story was recommended to me by a friend and was not something I probably would have read on my own. While the subject of a a lesbian girl growing up in an English Pentecostal community seemed a bit intense initially, Winterson’s dark humor is unmatched. She tackles everything from complex family relationships to faith in an honest but gentle way. I found it to be raw and poetic all at once and honestly such a fun read."

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The Secret History by Donna Tartt

Recommended by: Danielle Sondgeroth '22

"This is one of my favorite books that I've read this year. It follows Classics majors at an elite New England college and the dark underbelly of the department. Filled with mystery, murder, and lots of ancient Greek, The Secret History is a perfect book for anyone interested in the dark side of academia."
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Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin

Recommended by: Madison Lynch '24

"This novel, set in 18th century France, combines witchcraft, a unique magic system, and a high stakes plot that really engages the reader and never disappoints."

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A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini

Recommended by: Emma Kramer '24

"It is one that I had to read for my high school English class senior year and has been one of my favorite books ever since. The author is an Afghan immigrant who writes about Afghan women and their lived experience in a war-torn society during the 1990s. It was written in such a beautiful and emotional way that I couldn't put it down!"
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Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

Recommended by: Zana Imetovski '24

"It is my favorite fantasy fiction book in the whole world. The world building and character arcs are amazing. If you like fantasy fiction then you really need to check this one out!"

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Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
Recommended by: Katie Lentz ‘24

"I would recommend this book because it ties in a lot of popular themes, like mystery and romance. I read the whole book in a day this summer; I could not put it down. They also just made a movie based off this film, so it might be interesting to watch it after reading this book."

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Atlas of the Heart: Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience by Brené Brown
Recommended by: Isabella DelVecchio, Graduate Student

"Are you a human? Do you have emotions? Read this book to understand yourself and others better."

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Maid by Stephanie Land:

 Recommended by: Carolyn McDermott '24, Major: Nursing

"A memoir of a single mother on welfare's will to survive during the Great Recession. Stephanie, a survivor of domestic abuse, must make ends meet for her and her young daughter as a full time cleaner; a demanding, grueling profession that does not allow much childcare flexibility and does not provide a lucrative salary. On her meager salary, Stephanie is considered 'too wealthy' to qualify for Medicaid for her own health needs, yet is 'poor enough' that she cannot afford to purchase fruits and vegetables without the assistance of food stamps. Her elegantly-written story highlights the coverage gaps that exist within our society and the stigma surrounding supportive services for those of a lower socioeconomic status. Truly, an outstanding memoir that is a must read!"
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The Monuments Men: Allied heroes, Nazi thieves, and the greatest treasure hunt in history by Robert Edsel

Recommended by: Andy Gargiulo '05

"Millions of people have seen these works of art if it wasn't for a handful of people. It was cool to read about works like the Ghent altarpiece and then see it in real life in Belgium."

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 Untamed by Glennon Doyle

 Recommended by: Rachel Anderson '18

"I believe every female should dive into this book, not matter where you are in life. As Glennon says " we can do hard things" and this has helped me through so many pivotal moments in my life. A truly remarkable memoir to living your best life!"
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Also Recommended by Samantha Secora '23, Major: Marketing with Film Production Minor

"This is a great book about the journey of self-love and self-discovery through a rather tough time. Most women find it hard to confidently display their true self in front of others, but this autobiography emphasizes the idea that one should feel courageous and willing to defy the societal norms and live life to the fullest. This is an empowering book for young women to read and take advice on how to confidently be your true self in society today."
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 A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose by Eckhart Tolle

 Recommended by: Nicholas Ambrosino '23, Major: International Business and Finance

"A New Earth is an incredible self-improvement book and tool for spiritual guidance. In the book, Tolle breaks down humanity's inherent dysfunction, unpacks the roots of emotional pain, causes of harmful ego, and what it means to be conscious. This book provided me with new information that I implemented in my day-to-day, and I think it can provide valuable insight to many of my peers or anyone wanting to learn more about what it means to be human."
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Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community by Martin Luther King Jr

Recommended by: Pete Baron '23

"This is a great book that illustrates the power of compassion and peace. It inspired me to stand by my principles even when it is more convenient to abandon them and I believe this is a lesson everyone should learn."

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Wherever You Go, There You Are: Mindfulness Meditation in Everyday Life by Jon Kabat-Zinn
Recommended by: Isabella DelVecchio, Graduate Student

"Adding this book to your collection will add mindfulness to your life. Reading it will be an investment in your well-being."

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Over the past years the MFA in Creative Writing program has celebrated the success of many books published by MFA students and alumni. MFA students and faculty have also published hundreds of articles, essays, stories, and poems in renowned literary journals and magazines, won awards and have received honorable mentions.