Eight books to add to your summer 2024 reading list

Independent People, by Halldor Laxness

“A father, a daughter, lots of sheep. Grass and rock, wind and rain, snow and ice. Self-reliance and self-delusion, ignorance and insight. Work and gain, exploitation and loss. And finally, heartbreakingly, back to the father and the daughter.”

—Prof. Chris Kennedy

The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer, by Siddhartha Mukherjee

Marcus Clark describes this history of cancer and its treatment as a story of scientific humility. For decades, radical mastectomy was considered the only option for breast cancer treatment, and scientists agreed because it made common sense—until new discoveries and treatments proved them wrong. “That struck me as a real cautionary tale of science that I try to impart to others. Just because something makes sense and it's an attractive model, doesn't mean it's correct,” he said.

—Prof. Marcus Clark

Thirty Million Words, by Dana Suskind

“Apropos the Quantrell Award, I met Dana at the Honorands Reception for my award and picked up her book right afterwards. Although things have evolved a bit since the book’s writing, the story is quite inspirational in terms of how her core work in cochlear implants led her to a broader, impactful effort for social good.”

—Prof. Fred Chong

The Latehomecomer: A Hmong family memoir, by Kao Kalia Yang

“I have appreciated how this firsthand account that is centered on the lived experiences of Yang’s grandmother reveals the resilience and determination of a family and culture that perseveres and rises up through sufferings of war, poverty, prejudice, distance, separation and relocation. Interwoven in the narrative, you come to see how culture, history, and family is the cornerstone to their strength and resilience which is beautifully depicted through the voices of this Hmong immigrant family.”

—Assoc. Prof. Miwa Yasui

The World-Ending Fire: The Essential Wendell Berry, by Wendell Berry & Paul Kingsnorth

“This collection of essays awakens us to the hope, value and meaning that is found in the simple things of life—caring, serving, and loving our neighbors, our land, our community, and slowing down to enjoying these gifts that are given. The essays illustrate that it is precisely in the ordinariness of life—its connection to our history, heritage, society, and nature that gives purpose and depth of meaning, and contrasts this to the constant call for progress and advancement that dominates our modern day society. In the fast paced world we live in that calls for constant change, Berry’s vision can give us a grounding we need to focus and cherish the life we have been given.”

—Assoc. Prof. Miwa Yasui