Newsletter

Ever wonder what books are captivating our faculty and staff this season? We asked around to see what’s on their nightstands, e-readers, and library hold lists—and the answers were as varied and thoughtful as you’d expect.

Whether you’re looking for a story that challenges, entertains, or inspires, this collection has something for everyone. From page-turning thrillers to insightful nonfiction, here’s what your colleagues are currently reading:

Bethany
Crying in H Mart: A Memoir by Michelle Zauner
“It is so so sad.”

Noell
 The Wedding People by Alison Espach
“Trigger warning: suicidal ideation and infertility.”
Here’s a quote that stuck with her:
“I just mean, a story can be beautiful not because of the way it ends. But because of the way it is written.”

Also reading:
Chief Inspector Gamache series by Louise Penny
“Strong sense of place. Read about the cold when you are hot.”

Kevin
The Stranger in the Lifeboat by Mitch Albom
“Excellent.”

Judy
The Journal of a Thousand Years by C.J. Archer
“Listening to the audiobook. Good narrator.”

Princesa
Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek
“A favorite book. Second time reading.”

Diamond
Ethic by Ashley Antoinette
“Good. Page-turner.”

Nathan
The Fate of the Day by Rick Atkinson
“Great if you like military history.”

Beth
ADHD Is Awesome by Penn and Kim Atkinson
“Must read for everyone. Easy read. Helped me understand ADHD as a spouse, mother, and teacher.”

Sarah
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
“Awesome. Great summer read.”

Karyn
House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski
“Hard to get through. Super interesting.”
Also reading:
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
“Fantastic, intriguing, good author.”

Jan
 In Death series by J.D. Robb
“Really really great series.”

Holly
 Death in the Air by Kate Winkler Dawson
“Not far into it, but I enjoy the podcast by the author.”

Carlos
The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday
“50% through. Teaches about getting through life when things get hard and being present in the moment rather than stuck thinking about the future.”

Heather
The Moth Catcher by Ann Cleeves
“Murder mysteries: that’s my jam.”
Also reading:
No Shred of Evidence by Charles Todd
“About a Scotland Yard inspector with PTSD during WWI investigating a murder.”

Mishelle
Recommends checking out Battle of the Books reading lists if you’re looking for new reads.
Recent reads include:
 City Spies by James Ponti – “Good one.”
Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi – “Similar to Percy Jackson but with Indian mythology.”

Jess
The Shell Seekers by Rosamunde Pilcher
“A little slow.”

Have a recommendation of your own? We'd love to hear from you! Send us your current read and a quick note about why you’re enjoying it—your next favorite book could be just one suggestion away.

Happy reading!

Looking for your next summer read? The library team has been diving into everything from true crime-inspired mysteries to self-help and fantasy. Here’s a peek at what we’re currently reading—and why we picked them:

Ashley – Bonsai by Peter Warren
“My bonsai tree can use all the help it can get right now,” Ashley shared. This detailed guide offers practical advice and beautiful visuals for bonsai care and styling, making it a go-to for plant lovers hoping to revive or refine their trees.

Zachary – How to Solve Your Own Murder by Kristen Perrin
A quirky twist on the whodunit, this novel follows a woman who is told she’ll be murdered—and attempts to solve the crime before it happens. She fails but leaves clues for someone else to solve it. Zachary shared. “I’m reading mine for the Barnes & Noble Mystery/Thriller Book Club held monthly at the Jacksonville Barnes & Noble."

Norrine – Reconnected: How 7 Screen-Free Weeks with Monks and Amish Farmers Helped Me Recover the Lost Art of Being Human by Carlos Whittaker
Blending memoir and reflection, this book explores how disconnecting from screens helped the author reconnect with what it means to be fully present. “With the overwhelming access to information in our hands, I found this title intriguing,” she said. “Carlos reads the audiobook like a conversation, similar to his podcast. It’s just a light-hearted and fun read for the summer.” She’s also on hold for Mark Twain by Ron Chernow on Libby—because, she adds, “The English Lit girl in me will always be intrigued by classical literature and authors.”

Heather – The Marble Queen by Anna Kopp and  Aware: The Science and Practice of Presence by Daniel J. Siegel, M.D.
The Marble Queen is a graphic novel blending fantasy, romance, and political intrigue in an imaginary kingdom, as a princess unexpectedly finds love while navigating an arranged marriage and a kingdom at risk. “I needed another romance graphic novel after reading Ruined by Sarah Vaughn, and I love to get lost in a fantasy,” Heather said. "I found this one using Novelist Plus!"

She’s also listening to the audiobook Aware: The Science and Practice of Presence by Daniel J. Siegel, M.D., a blend of neuroscience and meditation practice. “Awareness is a skill I want to build,” she noted, after enjoying Siegel’s earlier work No-Drama Discipline.

Marilyn – Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann
A chilling true story of the Osage murders in the 1920s and the early days of the FBI. “It sheds light on a dark and often overlooked chapter of American history,” Marilyn said.

Kerry – Empty Mansions by Bill Dedman and Paul Clark Newell Jr.
This biography explores the strange and reclusive life of heiress Huguette Clark and the mystery surrounding her fortune. “I am fascinated with Huguette Clark’s life,” Kerry shared.