Maybe you're the type of person that likes to stretch out under a shady tree, or the kind that likes to curl up in a cozy nook, or the type that prefers to nestle your feet into the sand; however you choose to do it, reading in the summer is one of the best perks of the season. We asked some of our resident book lovers for their top picks to inspire the U of A community, and here's what they came up with:
"Air & Light & Time & Space: How Successful Academics Write" by Helen Sword
Image courtesy of Harvard University Press
"Sword's book both instructs (how to be more productive) and delights (how to take pleasure in your academic writing)." - Roxanne Harde, English Prof and Associate Dean (Research), Augustana
"The Art of Asking" by Amanda Palmer"The Art of Asking" by Amanda Palmer
Image courtesy of amandapalmer.net
"Amanda Palmer's book shares unique stories about modelling openness and gets to the heart of what it is to be an "open educator"." - Krysta McNutt, Open Education Program Lead, Centre for Teaching and Learning and U of A Libraries
"Exit West" by Mohsin Hamid
Image courtesy of Penguin Random House
"Set in an unnamed city in the midst of a civil war, the protagonists - Nadia & Saeed - discover a network of magic doorways that can transport them away from the violence surrounding them and take them to cities all over the world. During a time when the experiences of migrants, refugees, and asylum-seekers are at the centre of our consciousness, this novel feels more important than ever, asking us to think deeply about what it means to leave a home, and what it means to find one." - Hailey Siracky, Interim Director of Library Services at St. Joseph's College
"Native American DNA: Tribal Belonging and the False Promise of Genetic Science" by Kim TallBear
Image courtesy of Minnesota University Press
"Because it fundamentally challenges popular ideas about what Indigeneity is and the role of science in displacing Indigenous relations of identity." - Chris Andersen, Dean, Faculty of Native Studies
"The Feather Thief" by Kirk Wallace Johnson"The Feather Thief" by Kirk Wallace Johnson
Image courtesy of Penguin Random House
"Non fiction that reads like fiction. A fascinating look in to an obscure obsession, an audacious natural history heist and the collision of many social worlds (Victorian ornithological collectors, lady's fashion, flytiers, and contemporary science)." - Bonnie Gallinger, Public Services Assistant, Cameron Science & Technology Library
"Metis: Race, Recognition, and the Struggle for Indigenous Peoplehood" by Chris Andersen
Image courtesy of UBC Press
"It's one of the best books explaining Métis identity through an Indigenous lens." - Paul Gareau, Assistant Professor , Faculty of Native Studies
"Granta 141 Canada"
Image courtesy of Granata.com
"Guest-edited by Catherine Leroux and Madeleine Thien this issue features well known and emerging Canadian writers from Canada's major cities to its very far north - from the country's ongoing story of Indigenous history to languages and identity - the writers in this issue represent a range of form and style shining a light on the ways we imagine our vast and diverse land, settlement, reconciliation, loss, truth and how we belong." - Katherine Koch, Head, Coutts Education and Kinesiology, Sport and Recreation Library
"The Art of Gathering: How we Meet and Why it Matters" by Priya Parker
Image courtesy of Penguin Random House
"In all honestly, I haven't read this book yet but I have a hold on it from the public library. I feel it would be very fitting for those across campus involved in event planning, advancement, and communications. I personally can't wait to read it." - Meredith Bratland, Strategic Communications Manager, University of Alberta Libraries
The author's pitch is this:
"If you're secretly insecure about convening, if you feel disconnected at work, if you wish you and your friends had more meaningful conversations, this book can help you. Life is too short to gather in the old Martha Stewart way. Welcome to the new rules of gathering." - Priya Parker
Like to add a book to the list? Add your picks to the comments or email blog@ualberta.ca.