Arts & Culture: What We’re Reading this Summer
The world has recently been inundated with think-pieces about how college students are functionally illiterate, as they are no longer interested or capable of reading seriously and are completely reliant on AI for even the simplest assignments. However, we at Arts and Culture still believe that reading is a necessary part of not only an education, but a fully formed life and personality. Summer is the time to read for pleasure and develop your interests outside of assigned course readings.
In that vein, below we round up our summer reading list. We hope you enjoy and that it inspires you to pick up a book this summer!
Liev’s Picks:
“One Hundred Years of Solitude” by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
Why: I was searching through my house’s bookshelves and found Garcia Marquez’s Nobel prize-winning novel about the rise and fall of the Buendia family in the mythical Colombian town Macondo. I have never read much Latin American literature and thought that this would be a good place to start.
“The Prince” by Niccolo Machiavelli
Why: I read “The Prince” last year for a political philosophy class, and it is assigned to me once again for a summer seminar I am participating in. I will happily oblige re-reading Machiavelli’s masterpiece, which is known for its political revelations, but is most memorable for its humor. It is not easy to write lucid, witty and innovative political philosophy, but Machiavelli succeeds at all three, making reading “The Prince” a must for anyone who is interested in politics or philosophy.
Kayla’s Picks:
“Outline” by Rachel Cusk
Why: During the spring semester, I took a short fiction class with Dr. Ann Peters, where she referenced authors that have influenced her in passing, including Rachel Cusk. She mentioned that her writing may be something I would enjoy, and I thought summer would be a great time to read Cusk’s famous trilogy, starting with “Outline.”
“Cultish” by Amanda Montell
Why: I’ve been watching, reading and researching cults for a while and was curious about Montell’s perspective on how modern society may have fallen victim to these “cultish” ideas in our everyday lives.
Dani’s Picks:
“There Are Rivers in the Sky” by Elif Shafak
Why: My mother has been raving about this novel for months and I kept putting off reading it because I was busy focusing on my schoolwork. I am excited to finally have the time to sit down and enjoy it.
“The Prophet’s Wife” by Milton Steinberg
Why: This year I read Steinberg’s watershed novel, “As A Driven Leaf,” and I really enjoyed it. After finishing it, I discovered that he has a second novel, an unfinished manuscript that was found and published after he passed away. I’m a big fan of Steinberg’s writing style and I can’t wait to read this book, even if it is unfinished.
Sruli’s Picks:
“A History of the English-Speaking Peoples” by Winston S. Churchill
Why: Churchill makes clear that his magisterial work is not intended as an academic history. Rather, it’s a “personal view” on the ways in which Churchill believes that the English-speaking world has influenced human civilization. The evolution of parliamentary democracy, the rule of law and individual liberties are central themes. We are introduced to the political heroes of the greatest political hero of the 20th century, and encounter his perspective on the importance of the British (and American) constitutions. Who better to opine on the significance of the English political system than the individual who did more than anyone else to defend it?
“The Power Broker” by Robert A. Caro
Why: I’m a big fan of Caro’s incredible books on the life of Lyndon Johnson, which are a deep exploration into how the most cunning political operator of modern America gained, used and abused his incredible power. This summer, I’m hoping to turn to Caro’s first book, about Robert Moses, the (now largely forgotten) urban planner who became the most powerful man in New York — without ever winning an election. New York City would’ve been greatly different if not for his massive projects that etched themselves permanently into our cityscape.
Hadassah’s Picks:
“My Friends” by Fredrik Backman
Why: Backman is one of my favorite authors and his latest book was just published earlier this May. Anticipating his new book was a light at the end of the finals-season tunnel. It carried me through, and I am so excited to start reading it.
“Don Quixote” by Miguel de Cervantes
Why: My grandfather mentions this book all of the time and I am tired of not understanding his references. This summer is a perfect opportunity to invest the required time into reading such a hefty classic.
Photo Caption: Summer is the time to read for pleasure and develop your interests outside of assigned course readings.
Photo Credit: Lilly Rum / Unsplash
