Classes will end soon, so now is the time to start building a summer reading list. Studies show that reading improves memory, builds concentration, and relieves stress. It is perfect for preparing for next semester or winding down after graduation.
“Death Takes Me” by Cristina Rivera Garza, Director of the Ph.D. Program in Spanish with a Concentration in Creative Writing at the University of Houston, was released on Feb. 25. Featuring herself as the main character, Garza investigates a string of murders centered around gender violence. Pick this one up to ignite your inner sleuth and support a Houston author.
To feature another Texas author for fans of poetry, check out “Why I am Like Tequila” by Lupe Mendez. This collection of poetry spans a decade and focuses on the Mexican American experience. For those interested in learning more about Mendez’s work and to sample his poetry, check out the Spring 2011 issue of The Bayou Review available online.
If you find yourself worried about the future, grab a copy of “On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century” by Timothy Snyder. Snyder gives a brief synopsis of what is happening politically and what we can do about it. This short afternoon read will brush up on important moments in history while giving hope for the future.
“Who is Government? The Untold Story of Public Service, by Michael Lewis, et al., was released on March 18. Read this interesting collection of essays about a variety of government workers and the interesting jobs they do. “Who is Government?” tells the stories of unknown government workers in a very impactful way, inspiring appreciation and understanding of just how important civil servants are.
In the same vein, it never hurts to re-read George Orwell’s “1984.” A classic for a reason, Orwell’s picture of the dystopian future continues to resonate with readers even today. Grab the high school required reading off the shelf, read “1984” with fresh eyes, and make comparisons about our current reality.
For a different dystopian setting, Susan Collins’s “Sunrise on the Reaping” was just released on March 18. Delve into Haymitch’s time during the 50th annual Hunger Games and relive the nostalgia of a well-loved childhood franchise.
For something more casual and less gloomy, Emily Henry’s newest novel, “Great Big Beautiful Life,” dropped on April 22. Alice Scott and Hayden Anderson have both been contracted for a trial period to determine who will write the amazing story of Margaret Ives, but she’s being less than forthcoming. Dive into this tension-filled romance of Alice and Hayden trying to write the same story while they figure out their own.
Not quite hitting your reading goals for the year? Check out the sci-fi series by Martha Wells, “The Murder Bot Diaries.” For fans of space-themed action, follow Murderbot on various adventures when all he wants to be doing is watching TV. These short reads offer a fun way to get caught up on your Goodreads challenge.
UHD Librarians recommend “The Nickel Boys” by Colson Whitehead. A historical fiction, “The Nickel Boys” is based on an actual reform school in 1960s Florida. Follow Curtis Elwood as he grapples with his new reality after his college plans were derailed, and he tries to follow the teachings of Martin Luther King Jr.
If these summer reading suggestions do not satisfy all your reading needs, check out UHD’s book clubs that meet during the fall and spring semesters.
The UHD Library Book Club meets twice a semester. The librarians try and provide as many copies of the chosen reading as possible, so make sure to sign up for their newsletter and RSVP for the meeting to secure your spot. For more reading inspiration, check out past reads on their website.
UHD’s Feminist Literature Club meets six times during the fall and spring semesters, but they host additional events as well. Make sure to register online before attending. This past semester, the club has read through the works of Audre Lorde.
For those looking to bolster their classic literature knowledge, check out Reddit’s online “r/ClassicBookClub”. Classic books available in the public domain are selected by the community. A reading schedule is posted of one chapter a day, Monday through Thursday, with a daily discussion on each chapter that makes larger works easier to digest and discuss.
Make sure to look for books at the UHD Library, and if you have any questions, utilize their new online “Ask a Librarian” chat. For those who prefer e-books or audiobooks, use your Harris County Public Library Card to sign up for the Libby app.
Have reading recommendations? Let us know what you will be reading this summer.
