One book that wasn't for you?

New Moon by Stephenie Meyer.

How do you decide what to read next? 

I usually either look up “books like (book I’ve enjoyed)” or walk around my local library and see what piques my interest.

Slog through a book not working for you or abandon ship?

Abandon ship. I have a hard time motivating myself to read if I am not thinking about the book outside of reading it. 

One book at a time or many? Why?

Many! I love graphic novels, so while I’m making my way through a longer novel, I can read a few graphic novels too. 

Favorite time to read?

Right before I sleep or while eating.

Favorite spot to read?

My bed!

Are there any titles you think EVERYONE should read at least once in their life? Why? (universal importance, mass appeal, or just a great work of art)

Girls Like Us by Randi Pink. It covers the stories of four teenage girls dealing with an unplanned pregnancy in their life, set in the 1970s. Their experiences are immensely relevant to understand in this age, and Pink’s writing made me feel their emotions like they were my own.

One book that changed you in some way?

Loveless by Alice Oseman. It gave me a view into what life as an out aro/ace person can look like, and made me feel seen and full of opportunity. 

One thing you want to be different about your reading life?

I want to read more. Letting myself relax is something I’ve struggled with, and reading is one of the best ways for me to do that.

What’s one piece of advice to our students about how to develop a reading life?

Just read the first three pages of a book that seems interesting. If you start thinking about the plot you’ve started to read at random times, pick up that book and continue. Trust when your brain is thinking about it! 

What’s on your TBR (To Be Read?) pile?

The Waning by Wunmi Aramiji and The Forbidden Book by Sacha Lamb.

One book that wasn't for you?

Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano. I found the book extremely frustrating. If anyone who loves the book can explain why please find me.

How do you decide what to read next? 

I ask friends what they’ve enjoyed reading. I read articles and reviews about books to find my next book, too.

Slog through a book not working for you or abandon ship?

I definitely abandon books. I’ve abandoned a book ten pages from the end before. Once I realize the book isn’t changing, and that what I don’t like is just the tone of the book, I say drop it. I also think it’s fine to skip to the end if you’re fed up.

One book at a time or many? Why?

Definitely many. I have books for different moods and different times of day. I believe whatever you’re most drawn to or in the mood for you should read. 

Favorite time to read?

Late at night, especially when you’re engrossed in a book and you can’t go to bed.

Favorite spot to read?

Definitely my bed.

Are there any titles you think EVERYONE should read at least once in their life? Why? (universal importance, mass appeal, or just a great work of art)

Calvin and Hobbes! It’s funny and relatable and it’s a great work of art. I believe the beauty of a walk in the woods or playing as a child is pretty universal. It’s a book or comic strip that can grow with you as you age.

One book that changed you in some way?

Sisters by Raina Telgemeier. It got me into graphic novels and reading as a kid.

One thing you want to be different about your reading life?

I wish I put aside more time for reading these days. I also haven’t been to my local library in a little while, and I would love to go soon.

What’s one piece of advice to our students about how to develop a reading life?

If you’re trying to read more, grab a book you know you can get through quick. Maybe it’s not a classic or a very long book, but reading should be about enjoyment. One book can be the gateway to another, so it doesn’t matter what you start with. Also audiobooks and webcomics are a great way to access books!

What’s on your TBR (To Be Read?) pile?

The two off the top of my head are Pachinko by Min Jin Lee and Oranges are Not the Only Fruit by Jeanette Winterson. I’ve started both books, but haven’t gotten very far yet!

One book that wasn't for you?

I have read many books that weren’t for me. The third book in the Ender’s Game series, Xenocide, is an incredibly irritating book in my opinion. The new characters are bland and lack anything that even resembles a character arc while taking up an excruciating amount of time. I won’t even get into the time travel but let’s just say this book abandons science fiction in favor of nonsensical fantasy that makes Harry Potter seem logically consistent and well-written in comparison. Everything I enjoy about the book is just a rehash of its superior predecessors which I will not allow to be tainted in my memory by this inferior third. 

How do you decide what to read next? 

This is an issue that I continually struggle with and mostly relates to the sheer volume of reading material available. I find taking a stroll through a library and selecting a tome at random is an easy way to discover new reading material. 

Slog through a book not working for you or abandon ship?

I have slogged through many a book and have yet to abandon one midway through. Without a doubt, the most painful was Twilight, which took an excruciating four weeks to complete. 

One book at a time or many? Why?

Honestly, one book isn’t really enough to keep me occupied for long unless it’s a series. I prefer reading several from various genres at the same time to keep things interesting.

Favorite time to read?

Weekend afternoons with nothing else on my mind. You can really get fully invested if you’re not worrying about anything else.

Favorite spot to read?

Outside on a sunny day in the shade. Fresh air frees the mind and natural light is always superior in my opinion.

Are there any titles you think EVERYONE should read at least once in their life? Why? (universal importance, mass appeal, or just a great work of art)

I strongly believe that everyone can benefit from reading 1984 by George Orwell. It’s an insightful book that proves relevant to the modern world and will forever serve as a reminder of the thin line humanity always walks between progress and tyranny. 

One book that changed you in some way?

Speaker for the Dead by Orson Scott Card changed my perception of the very concept of “the other” and explores the questions raised by an “other’s” existence. In this case, they’re aliens, but this book altered my notions of the unfamiliar in almost every context. Fantastic book.

One thing you want to be different about your reading life?

I would like to have an easier way to select new reads without spending too much time searching around a library. 

What’s one piece of advice to our students about how to develop a reading life?

Literature has been a part of humanity for around 4,000 years. With so much content, you can almost certainly find something that appeals to you even if you haven’t discovered it yet. It’s never too late to start looking.

What’s on your TBR (To Be Read?) pile?

Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand is currently on top of the TBR pile. It’s been recommended to me and seems right up my alley. 

One book you loved so much you go back to it (either would reread or do reread)? 

I reread Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston whenever I am in a reading slump, and it never fails to pull me right out of it. Hilarious, relevant, and a positive twist on the politics of today.

How do you decide what to read next? 

I either go on GoodReads or TikTok (BookTok?) for inspiration if I’m just looking to add to my TBR list. But if I’m not feeling inspired by my TBR pile, I have a lot of friends and family who are bookworms, and they always have something to suggest.

Slog through a book not working for you or abandon ship?

I would like to say that I slog through a book that isn’t for me, but in all honesty, if I’m bored with a book, I won’t be able to motivate myself to pick it up again.

One book at a time or many? Why?

Oh my gosh, one at a time for sure. I love completely immersing myself in a book, and if/when I’m reading more than one at a time, it makes it hard for me to focus or choose which one I want to read. 

Favorite time to read?

At night before bed, though, it does mean that I will either fall asleep 15 minutes after starting, or stay up until 2 AM to finish the book….

Are there any titles you think EVERYONE should read at least once in their life? Why? (universal importance, mass appeal, or just a great work of art)

Their Eyes Were Watching God (fiction) by Zora Neale Hurston or The Glass Castle (non-fiction) by Jeannette Walls. Though these are vastly different, they both tell stories of strength, growth, and resilience that I have grown to appreciate more and more. 

One thing you want to be different about your reading life?

I want to stop judging books by their covers. I am a huge fan of the artistry that goes into cover art, and I find myself avoiding books whose covers don’t appeal to me as much. I don’t want to miss out on stories because of that.

I realized this when I read The Abyss Surrounds Us by Emily Skrutskie on a recommendation from a friend. I would have never picked that book up because of its unfortunate cover, and had this friend not gone on and on about how great it is, I would never have read it! 

What’s one piece of advice to our students about how to develop a reading life?

Don’t be afraid to love books that aren't classics, “intellectual,” or lauded in some way - if something is entertaining and makes you excited to keep reading it, that’s the important thing! 

Don’t be afraid to reread/seek out books whose market age group is no longer your age group. I’m 23 and I still reread the Percy Jackson series every now and then because I loved it so much when I was younger! 

Don’t be afraid to not read as many books as your friends or family. Go at your own pace!

What’s on your TBR (To Be Read?) pile?

My top 5 books in my TBR pile are...

The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang

The Maidens by Alex Michaelides

Moon of the Crusted Snow by Waubgeshig Rice

The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune

The Daughter of Doctor Moreau by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

One book that wasn’t for you?

Because of Winn Dixie  by Kate DiCamillo.

How do you decide what to read next? 

I usually choose based on a book recommendation, or I pick something that catches my eye in the library or in a bookstore.

Slog through a book not working for you or abandon ship?

I try to slog through, I really do, but if it’s been weeks with little to no progress I’ll find something new.

Favorite time to read?

Morning and afternoon.

Favorite spot to read?

My couch or my bed, because I love my cushions and blankets.

Are there any titles you think EVERYONE should read at least once in their life? Why? (universal importance, mass appeal, or just a great work of art)

Everyone should be able to read a truly life changing book at least once. 

One book that changed you in some way?

Yellow Star by Jennifer Roy, because it’s an excellent use of poetry portraying a very dark subject through the eyes of a child.

What’s one piece of advice to our students about how to develop a reading life?

 If you have difficulty reading or find it boring, I’d suggest finding someone to read with. Not like, a person to read to you, but someone who will read or listen to the same book with you so you can talk about it and hopefully find it more entertaining.

How do you decide what to read next? 

Honestly, I either open Goodreads or go to the bookstore/library and hope for the best. 

Slog through a book not working for you or abandon ship?

Slog through, you never know what could happen, and I would rather be disappointed than left questioning. 

One book at a time or many? Why? 

Depends on who the reader is, but I tend to read multiple books at once. I guess this is because I have this need to read as many books as I possibly can in one lifetime.

Favorite time to read?

Whenever I get the chance!

Favorite spot to read?

Anywhere cozy, whether it be my bed or a small cafe.

Are there any titles you think EVERYONE should read at least once in their life? Why? (universal importance, mass appeal, or just a great work of art)

Yes there are, but I need to think more about it!

One book that changed you in some way?

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott changed me; it was the first chapter book I ever read. The reflection of the feminine experience between four sisters and their different passions had a deep impact on me. I relate to all of the March sisters in separate ways, I don’t think I could pick just one that I love most. 

What’s one piece of advice to our students about how to develop a reading life?

Don’t read something just because it is popular or a well known title. Find books that you can relate to in some way and take the time to explore different genres. Don’t give up on finding the perfect book for you, I promise it is out there!

One thing you want to be different about your reading life?

I wish I had more time to read!

What's on your TBR (to be read) pile?

Way too many books….

One book that wasn’t for you?

The Honeys by Ryan La Sala. It was just too weird for me. I started reading it thinking it was an interesting murder mystery book but it turned into something involving magic queen bees and the conversion of the main character from a good person to said queen bee. Other people may like that but it was not for me. 

How do you decide what to read next? 

Honestly, I either open Goodreads or go to the bookstore/library and hope for the best. 

Slog through a book not working for you or abandon ship?

It really depends on the characters in the book. If I adore the people but find the plot boring I will push through, but if both the plot and characters are boring I abandon ship. 

One book at a time or many? Why? 

Many. Maybe unintentionally, but if I am bored of one book, I always need a spare.

Favorite time to read?

Either late at night or early in the morning. I just like when it is quiet and I don’t have to pause my reading to talk to anyone. This is especially true during rainy or snowy days. 

Favorite spot to read?

The window seat at my family’s house in New Hampshire. It’s overlooking the lake and it is so cozy. 

Are there any titles you think EVERYONE should read at least once in their life? Why? (universal importance, mass appeal, or just a great work of art)

A Good Girls Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson. I will recommend this book until the day I die. It is an amazing novel, especially if you want to get into the murder and mystery genre, and every person I know who has read it has loved it. It got me out of my reading slump and changed my outlook on murder mystery books.  

One book that changed you in some way?

The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller. I have never cried so hard over a book. It made me think about and question social norms and gave me a fresh perspective on the original myth.

What’s one piece of advice to our students about how to develop a reading life?

If you don’t like the book you are reading, just drop it. To get into reading, you have got to enjoy the book and by trying and trying to like a book that is not working for you, reading is going to become a chore.

One thing you want to be different about your reading life?

I want to be able to have a consistent reading life because sometimes I read an entire 5-book- series in a week and others I don’t pick up a book for months.  

What's on your TBR (to be read) pile?

Too many things that I will probably never read. Also the Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins and The Housemaid by Freida McFadden. 

One book you loved so much you go back to it (either would reread or do reread)? 

A book that I loved that I re-read more times than I can count is Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo. It was about these six criminals going on an impossible heist. The book had amazing, in depth, lovable characters and the plot was amazing. I highly recommend it.

One book that wasn’t for you?

One book that wasn’t for me was They Both Die at the End [by Adam Silvera]. I found it a little slow and a little too sad for me. I only got 25% in but I wasn’t a big fan of the characters.

How do you decide what to read next? 

I decide what book to read next by using this app called Likewise. You can put in what genre of books you like and everyday it gives you suggestions of what to read. Also if there is a book I really like, I either see if the author wrote something else or look up books that are like the one I just read.

Slog through a book not working for you or abandon ship?

If a book is not working for me I usually stop reading it because I don’t like to waste my time reading a book I don’t like when I can read a new book that I will like.

One book at a time or many? Why? 

I can only read one book at a time because if I try to read more than one book I mix up the plots and characters between the books.

Favorite time to read?

I like to read all the time but especially on rainy days where I can cuddle with my dogs in bed. But honestly, I like to read anytime I can. I try not to read too late at night because I would probably stay up all night reading. 

Favorite spot to read?

I really like to read snuggled up in bed with my dogs curled into me. If it’s warm enough, I also like sitting outside and reading.

Are there any titles you think EVERYONE should read at least once in their life? Why? (universal importance, mass appeal, or just a great work of art)

I think a book everyone should read is The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid. It is a great piece of work with so much emotion and intrigue. I think most people would enjoy it.

One book that changed you in some way?

One book that changed me was the book Cinderella is Dead by Kalynn Bayron. The book showed me how fairytales can be damaging and the power of being true to yourself and breaking the hetero stereotype [of the story] to be your happiest self.

One thing you want to be different about your reading life?

One thing that I want to be different in my reading life is to read more physical books and read less on the kindle. 

What's on your TBR (to be read) pile?

Crier's War [by Nina Varela], Nothing More to Tell [by Karen M. McManus], and Murder in the Family [by Cara Hunter].

One book that wasn’t for you?

Generally a lot of books that have slow moving plots that feel very dull lose my interest quickly. Honestly I'm a lover of books with very heavy moods, so a lot of ‘summer beach reads’ or ‘happy go lucky reads’ aren't for me. The only example that comes to mind is coincidentally a book I had to read for advisory and also a book I gave up on. Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro left all the context for the plot till the very end of the book, which made it hard for me to focus throughout the rest of it. I have a feeling this book would be one that would be much more enjoyed on the second read, with the context.

How do you decide what to read next? 

I use sites like goodreads and storygraph, additionally I try to attend a lot of book talks and panels. I follow many of my favorite authors on social media and get connections of what books they like or take inspiration from. 

Slog through a book not working for you or abandon ship?

Generally I try to slog through, as I hate starting another book without finishing the previous, but if it's extremely painstaking and the plot feels forgettable, back on the shelf it goes.

One book at a time or many? Why? 

One for me! Either I'm reading books of a similar genre, or completely contrasting moods, either way I would either intermingle the plots or the moods would clash.

Favorite time to read?

During gray rainy days or in the evenings with comfy lighting and some quiet.

Favorite spot to read?

Anywhere with a copious amount of fluffy blankets and pillows.

Are there any titles you think EVERYONE should read at least once in their life? Why? (universal importance, mass appeal, or just a great work of art)

Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe and Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi. Both of these graphic novels are really important memoirs dealing with various conflicts of family, identity, etc. This book is one of many facing book bans in a majority of states.

One book that changed you in some way?

Lily & Dunkin [by Donna Gephart] was the first book to expose me to transgender and mental health struggles as parts of one’s identity, both of which I identify with now. I think this book started my journey to education on many underrepresented topics either that I identify with or want to fight for.

One thing you want to be different about your reading life?

I always wish I had more time, or a worse sleep schedule so I could continue binge reading through the long nights. Also and endless supply of money to spend on new favorite books- but pacing myself is good.

What’s one piece of advice to our students about how to develop a reading life?

I’d say carve out some time every day to read something you're passionate about. I often ask my friends for book recs, and once I have an idea of genres or topics I would like to read next I'll seek out recommendations either from sites or social media.

What's on your TBR (to be read) pile

There's a huge list, but I think up next based on my interest in psychology and my current horror kick is going to Camp Damascus by Chuck Tingle. This book (fiction) grapples with the very real, controversial, and abusive methods used in gay conversion camps in rural spaces and finding the courage and kinship to break free.

One book that wasn’t for you? 

‘Plain Bad Heroines’ by Emily M. Danforth - I don’t know what it was about this book and I tried really hard to like it and got about halfway through the novel before I moved on to a different book because I couldn’t motivate myself to pick it up and my reading for pleasure became non-existent. If you like mystery and a bit of fantasy, it’s definitely a good read for you but I found the switch between characters and time periods a bit too confusing and it really slowed down halfway through, boring me.

How do you decide what to read next? 

I either “accidentally” found myself in a bookstore towards the end of my current read and found a book that really captured my eye and I bought it and am super excited to read it or I look through my tbr (to be read) and decide which book jumps out at me the most. 

Slog through a book not working for you or abandon ship?

I always try to slog through a book because I hate leaving things unfinished but recently, my perspective has switched to life is too short to do that and there are so many books I want to read that it’s not worth wasting my time on books I don’t enjoy.

One book at a time or many? Why? 

This is another reading habit of mine that has recently evolved! I used to solidly be one book at a time but now I’ve switched to having a few long term reads that are usually nonfiction or quite difficult to get into so I need to be in the right headspace to read them and then I have one main read that’s a bit easier to pull out at any moment so I bring it with me everywhere and focus on finishing it within a month or so.

Favorite time to read?

Sunday afternoons - especially if I have all of my work done and I can just relax for a few hours with a book. I don’t mind if it’s rain or shine, but if it’s sunny I will definitely lay out a picnic blanket and bring my guinea pigs with me so that they can munch on grass while I read. If it’s raining, I’ll light a few candles and curl up with a blanket and a cup of tea. The lack of urgency Sunday afternoons bring me creates the perfect atmosphere to read in.

Favorite spot to read?

On a patch of grass in the sunlight in my backyard or my bed :))

Are there any titles you think EVERYONE should read at least once in their life? Why? (universal importance, mass appeal, or just a great work of art)

Coming back to ‘Braiding Sweetgrass’ by Robin Wall Kimmerer - it’s on the longer side but I think that everyone should at least read a few chapters. In this time period where climate change is accelerating and people are losing more touch with the natural world, I think it’s important to remind people that the first step to preventing extreme climate change is to understand what you’re fighting for and why the earth is so important. Kimmerer focuses on all the ways the earth impacts us and her writing is quite accessible and understandable so I think it’s an important read for everyone. 

One book that changed you in some way?

‘Crying in HMart’ by Michelle Zauner - I had no idea what to do with myself once I finished this book. The way she wrote about grief was so gorgeous and her own plotline about finding her place in the world as a young adult was very inspiring. She made me look at the world differently and my relationship with everyone around me. I also had deeply intense cravings for all the Korean foods she talked about for months after I finished it. 

One thing you want to be different about your reading life?

I just wish I had more time to read! School can be quite overwhelming and reading takes quite a bit of brain function sometimes so it can be hard to fit my reading habits into my daily routine.

What’s one piece of advice to our students about how to develop a reading life?

Just bring a book you’re enjoying everywhere around with you! In quieter moments when you might be inclined to pick up your phone, you could read a few pages instead. You’d be surprised about how quickly you could get through a book in this manner and my brain always feels clearer after reading instead of my phone.

What's on your TBR (to be read) pile?

‘The Book Eaters’ by Sunyi Dean, ‘Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit’ by Jeanette Winterson, ‘In the Dream House’ by Carmen Maria Machado, ‘Traveling With Pomegranates’ by Sue Monk Kidd

Slog through a book not working for you or abandon ship?

I would abandon ship and save it until I can or want to read it. But if I have to finish it, I will try to slog through it. 

One book at a time or many? Why? 

One book at a time. I like to focus on something.

Favorite time to read?

Weekend afternoons, especially when raining.

Favorite spot to read?

In my comfortable bed with pillows around!!

One book that changed you in some way?

I’d say The Wind Has Risen by Tatsuo Hori.

What's on your TBR (to be read) pile?

I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou, Four Spring by Lu QingYi, Night by Elie Wiesel

How do you decide what to read next?

I largely decide what to read based on what I’m in the mood for. I tend to lay out a vague schedule of what I intend to read in some loose order, however once I finish a book or read too much of the same genre I will often find that I’m wanting to read something else, so I don’t often tend to stick to these lists, and tend to flit around between what I feel like reading at the time. I also have a list of books on my phone that I don’t currently own, but would like to read at some point, so sometimes I will refer to this when I’m looking for something to read, however I prefer to shop for books in bookstores, so I don’t often come across the exact book that I’m looking for. I have found many interesting books simply by wandering about book stores under whatever section I feel like reading at the time, which have contributed to my lengthy list of books I intend to eventually read.

Slog through a book not working for you or abandon ship?

I most often will slog through the book, and I often find that once I get out of the slower beginning section, and reach around the middle of the book I will begin to enjoy it more, however if the book is super long and I’m not enjoying it then I will likely put it down, either to return to another time, or just entirely abandon.

One book at a time or many? Why? 

I tend to read several books at once, though not always actively. I often will be reading one fiction and one nonfiction book at the same time, and occasionally I will read two novels simultaneously, in which case they will be drastically different in tone and genre. I also have begun reading more short story and poetry collections, which allow me to read a full length novel, while taking breaks from it with something that is not a large dedication, and that I can pick up and read from whenever.

Favorite time to read?

I like to carry books with me throughout the day, so that I can read in any spare few minutes I have. I find that if I’m not actively holding a book then I won’t read as often during shorter periods of free time, and when I have the opportunity to sit down and read, then I will most likely have some other way to fill the time, such as working on an assignment. However, if I have the time I enjoy reading outside in the afternoon before it gets too cold, and inside in the evenings during the autumn and winter, when it’s too cold to turn the pages outside.

Favorite spot to read?

Preferably in an armchair by the fireplace, or in a library area. However the most important part to me, for an ideal reading location, is a cat for companionship and a warm drink. I also enjoy reading outside when the weather is nice.

On campus I have that the benches in the Garthwaite, near the koi ponds, are a pleasant place to read when there are not too many people around, as well as in the library.

Are there any titles you think EVERYONE should read at least once in their life? Why? (universal importance, mass appeal, or just a great work of art)

Not a book, but an author. I think everyone should try something by Fredrik Backman at some point. His writing is not difficult at all, and his stories feel very real. He manages to humanize the characters well, making them feel relatable, regardless of how different they may be from us. I really enjoyed reading A Man Called Ove, Beartown, and Anxious People.

One book that changed you in some way?

The Fall by Albert Camus was a book that I read somewhat recently. I read this, along with the essay Existentialism is a Humanism by Jean-Paul Sartre, and found the ideas discussed in them to be very interesting; I think it has made me rethink some of what I had previously considered about desire and aspirations, and our reasonings for them.

One thing you want to be different about your reading life?

I wish that I could read quicker. There are so many books that I want to read but had the chance to begin, I’d like to be able to work my way through books quicker so that I would have greater opportunities to read new books. That being said, I do enjoy reading at a meandering pace, such that smaller details won’t be lost.

What’s one piece of advice to our students about how to develop a reading life?

I think it is important to find whatever genre you find most enjoyable and just begin reading that. I find that once I begin reading one book it often leads to several other things that I hadn’t previously heard of. This can simply be the result of exploring other works by the same author, or books of a similar genre. There are also many resources on the internet where you can find good book recommendations, both within your interests, and outside, that may result in your checking out new authors and genres that you would not otherwise be exposed to.

What's on your TBR (to be read) pile?

The Passport — Herta Müller  , The Wind has Risen — Tatsuo Hori,  The Last Night at the Telegraph Club — Malinda Lo , Rebecca — Daphne du Maurier, The Brothers Karamazov — Fyodor Dostoevsky, Crime and Punishment — Fyodor Dostoevsky, The Magic Mountain — Thomas Mann, Wuthering Heights  — Emily Brontë, American Renaissance: Art and Expression in the Age of Emerson and Whitman — F. O. Matthiessen, Vestiges of the Natural History of Creation — Robert Chambers, Prisoner of Geography — Tim Marshall, The Pentagon, Climate Change, and War — Neta Crawford

How do you decide what to read next?

I usually have a huge stack of books on my to-read list, so I’ll pick what’s on top or ask for a recommendation from a friend!

Slog through a book not working for you or abandon ship?

I stick around for a couple chapters, then abandon ship.

One book at a time or many? Why? 

One book at a time. I end up confusing the characters if I read too many. 

Favorite time to read?

Late at night, right before I go to sleep.

Favorite spot to read?

In my hammock!

Are there any titles you think EVERYONE should read at least once in their life? Why? (universal importance, mass appeal, or just a great work of art)

Orphan Monster Spy by Matt Killeen, Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo, and Ego and Soul by John Carroll. These are all important stories, with great artistry.

One book that changed you in some way?

Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson was very influential in my childhood. 

One thing you want to be different about your reading life?

I want to prioritize reading while still getting my schoolwork done! I’m pretty busy, but I miss reading as much as I did in elementary school. 

What’s one piece of advice to our students about how to develop a reading life?

Start carrying a book with you! Instead of defaulting to just sitting or being on your phone, it helps you.

What's on your TBR (to be read) pile?

The Legacy of Luna by Julia Butterfly Hill, a woman who lived in a California Redwood for over two years as an act of protest.  

How do you decide what to read next?

I have a couple shelves of books that I’ve bought but haven’t read, so usually I look through those and pick whichever one I feel like. In theory I have a chronological list, but I almost never follow it.

Slog through a book not working for you or abandon ship?

Abandon ship. I read for fun, so I don’t see the point in reading on my own if I don’t enjoy it.

One book at a time or many? Why? 

When I was younger, I could do multiple, but now I just can’t read more than one book at a time. I’m not quite sure why - I think it’s just because I have such a hard time remembering plots already that many plots at one time would be too much.

Favorite time to read?

Afternoon.

Favorite spot to read?

I like to read on my bed.

Are there any titles you think EVERYONE should read at least once in their life? Why? (universal importance, mass appeal, or just a great work of art)

None that I’ve read. While there might be universally important concepts and moral principles, there’s no one text that could effectively communicate them to every single person in the world because of the vast diversity of life experiences.

One thing you want to be different about your reading life?

I wish I could read more often. I don’t have a lot of time to read.

What’s one piece of advice to our students about how to develop a reading life?

Find a book about something that interests you. It doesn’t have to be an epic fantasy story or a classic novel, just a topic or premise that you find intriguing. 

One book that wasn't for you? 

Where the Crawdads Sing By Delia Owens. It felt really long and none of the characters really interested me. There were too many pages where all I felt was boredom. 

How do you decide what to read next?

There is a stack of 20+ unread books in my room at any given time, so I usually look through those and choose the one that seems the most interesting at that moment. 

Slog through a book not working for you or abandon ship?

I always try to read the entire book, even when I don’t enjoy it. I like giving books a full chance, and I usually find endings much more interesting than beginnings so oftentimes it does pay off. 

One book at a time or many? Why? 

One book at a time. It’s difficult for me to try and keep up with separate books and stories at the same time. 

Favorite time to read?

During a rainy day when I have nothing to do.

Favorite spot to read?

On a plane or sitting on my bed with a blanket.

One thing you want to be different about your reading life?

I wish I would read more often. I’ve gone weeks without reading because my life has been so chaotic and I really regret not taking the time to sit down with a book.

What’s one piece of advice to our students about how to develop a reading life?

Don’t be afraid to judge a book by its cover, in the literal sense. Taking a book off a shelf because the cover caught your eye is never a bad place to start.  

What’s on your TBR (To Be Read?) pile?

The Murder of Mr. Wickham by Claudia Gray, If We Were Villains by M. L. Rio, The Atlas Six by Olivie Blake, The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides

One book you hate?

Snow by Orhan Pamuk.  It’s been a while, so I can’t honestly say I hated it but I deeply resented the time it kept me away from other books I might have enjoyed reading.

How do you decide what to read next? 

I’m influenced by podcasts, reviews and (occasionally) personal recommendations.  I tend to prioritize books that aren’t getting a ton of attention at the time, books that are available to borrow without waiting weeks or months in a queue, and books that might interest both adults and young adults.

Slog through a book not working for you or abandon ship?

If it’s a book I’ve chosen, I’ll abandon it.  If reading the book is a requirement, I’ll slog my way through.

Favorite time to read?

Anytime I can fully relax without one eye on the clock.

Favorite spot to read? 

Any warm or sunny spot.  It’s a bonus if I can put my feet up!

Are there any titles you think EVERYONE should read at least once in their life? Why? (universal importance, mass appeal, or just a great work of art)

I have a few thoughts on this:

1. I have yet to find a one-size-fits-all pleasure read, so I’ll leave this question for the English majors.

2. Maybe something short and informative, even practical?  I’m leaning toward a text on first aid, but I’m open to suggestions here.

3. Any book chosen as a CSW all-school read.  Seriously, just read it.

One book that changed you in some way?

Minor Feelings by Cathy Park Hong.

What’s one piece of advice to our students about how to develop a reading life?

Read what interests you–fiction or nonfiction, regardless of format or length.  It doesn’t have to be an “important work.”  When you’re ready for something different, feel free to move on.  But when you find what you love, keep reading.

One book you hate?

When I read Veronica Roth’s Divergent trilogy several years ago I originally liked it, but looking back I see many flaws. It has every trope of a stereotypical young adult book/series with an uninteresting romance and simple characters. I also dislike the derivative use of a system that suppresses a basic part of human nature and a teenage prodigy single-handedly destroying that system.

How do you decide what to read next? 

I hear about books in the genres that I like online, or read books related to topics that I like.

Slog through a book not working for you or abandon ship?

I have always believed that if a book isn’t working, it’s best to find a better one.

Favorite time to read?

Late afternoon or early evening, when I have some homework done and there isn’t much to do that could distract me.

Favorite spot to read? 

There’s not one place, but anywhere that I can sit comfortably and read with minimal distractions.

Are there any titles you think EVERYONE should read at least once in their life? Why? (universal importance, mass appeal, or just a great work of art)

I read George Orwell’s Animal Farm in middle school, and though it’s not the most interesting book, it has a significant message portrayed metaphorically, but is not cryptic.

One book that changed you in some way?

Over time, every book gives me something, but none stands out beyond all others.

What’s one piece of advice to our community about how to develop a reading life?

Set a goal to read for some amount of time every day. It’s also good to have a book club or someone else to talk to about the books that you read.