When presented with the term “library”, a student might think of late nights cramming for finals or a dusty book on a shelf. However, if they take the time to look around, they can see a whole new universe created just through the pages of a simple story.
Each year, the DiMenna-Nyselius Library staff holds a Summer Reading Challenge (SRC). This challenge not only presents the opportunity for students and faculty alike to dedicate time to reading a good book but also for a sense of connection within the Fairfield community while summer is in session. With the SRC, participants could set reading goals and log them on the Library website, earning the chance to win a raffle prize.
Having ended Aug. 30, some amazing book recommendations follow, giving the Fairfield community an amazing list of stories to enjoy.
Katie Byrnes, Campus Minister for Community Engagement recommends the title, “Empire of Pain: The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty” by Patrick Keefe.
“It’s about the Sackler family and the development of OxyContin which led to the Opioid crisis. He is a reporter who has covered three generations of this family and it is terrifying the lengths they went to make money,” Byrnes summarizes.
A thrilling read those who are into history and complex family stories will enjoy.
Mary Kelly, Adjunct Professor of Marketing suggests, “Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine” by Gail Honeyman.
“One of my favorite literary characters of all time. Eleanor is a very unique girl getting herself into hilarious and often cringe-worthy situations. I laughed. I cried. You’ll be thinking about it for a long time afterward,” Kelly raves.
A book perfect for anyone who wants to read about the human experience.
Katie Magee, Assistant Vice President of Marketing nominates “Tomorrow, Tomorrow, and Tomorrow” by Gabrielle Zevin.
“Who would have thought a book about designing video games would appeal to so many different people in different stages of life, but this did. If you are interested in human connectedness, how we support and hurt each other, you can’t go wrong with this book,” Magee explains.
To those who are more interested in history, “The Women” by Kristin Hannah is recommended by Alumni Relations Coordinator Chelsea Picarazzi.
“It is about the women nurses of the Vietnam War and all of the obstacles they tackled while over in Vietnam and life after. It was very eye-opening to how they were treated, but had a heartwarming story throughout,” Hannah states.
Associate Director, Office of Student Engagement Marissa Lischinsky mentions “Anxious People” by Fredrik Backman.
“While at first, this book may seem like a fun story about a failed bank robbery, it provides genuine insight into human nature, interconnectedness, and the importance of empathy. You never truly know what someone else is going through until you take the time to get to know them,” Lischinsky describes.
Recommended by Lisa Thornell, Head of Library Outreach & Communications is “Call Us What We Carry” By Amanda Gorman.
“This book of poetry may resonate with students since Gorman is a young contemporary poet with national acclaim. In this collection, she gives us varied experimental forms which reflect on living through the pandemic, questions of identity and history and concludes with a hopeful vision for the future.”
Lastly, a book suggestion that has a great influence on the Fairfield community is “Success on the Sound” by Elise Bochinski, Paul Lakeland and Kurt Schlichting.
“I’m really looking forward to reading “Success on the Sound: A History of Fairfield University” which was just released this month. Written by two emeritus professors, Dr. Paul Lakeland and Dr. Kurt Schlichting, and our University Archivist, Elise Bochinski, I’m certain that this history of Fairfield is well-researched and thoughtfully told. It will also be fun to look through the many photographs to see how much our campus has changed and grown over the years!” Recommends Jennifer Mottolese, Outreach Librarian.
Other-must-check out titles include, “Daisy Jones & The Six” by Taylor Jenkins Reid, “Heaven’s Design Team” by Hebi-Zou and Tsuta Suzuki, “Red, White, & Royal Blue” by Casy McQuiston, “Have You Seen Luis Velez?” By Catherine Ryan Hyde, “Everything I Know About Love: A Memoir” by Dolly Alderton and “Big Summer” by Jennifer Weiner.
Each of these titles can be checked out at the library.
If this challenge sounds like something you would like to be involved in, do not fear that you missed out. This winter, the library will be hosting its Winter Reading Challenge.
Starting on Dec. 10, Stags will be encouraged to go outside of their comfort zone and choose a book from an array of different quirky categories in hopes of winning a prize.
The DiMenna-Nyselius Library is the place to be on campus. Not only for amazing book recommendations but for events that help to centralize the sense of community Fairfield holds at the heart of its academics.
For this back-to-school season, many must-see events and exhibits are taking place. On Sept. 23 and Oct. 25, Book Talk and Walk events will be held. Half hour events where you can stroll around campus and talk about all things books! Explore the “Master Filmmaker, Man of Courage: William Wyler in World War II” exhibit, where you can learn about the director’s tremendous impact on Hollywood.
Want to keep up to date on events happening? Make sure to follow @fairfieldulib on Instagram, or visit the Fairfield University Library Website.
Whether it is cracking open an index on the history of Fairfield, diving headfirst into a great lit fic or discovering something new, the DiMenna-Nyselius Library is where your next chapter begins.
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