What to Read While Social Distancing

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As we navigate a new way of working, physical distancing, and other challenges in the coming weeks, a good book may provide a welcome, if momentary, escape from reality. We asked several avid readers for recommendations. The books range from a sci-fi thriller with galaxy-traveling astronauts to a survey of the history of humankind from the Stone Age to the 21st century.

The Butterfly Girl

By Rene Denfeld, HarperCollins (2019)

The Butterfly Girl is a quick and interesting read. A female detective sets out to try to find her missing sister, but discovers a young runaway who needs help along the way. The detective’s past creeps into the present when she decides to investigate her own abduction as a child. Connecting the dots from her memory and facing her past brings personal and professional challenges to overcome. The characters are well developed, the narration simple to follow as it shifts back and forth between characters, and the outcome is not what you would expect.”

—Holly Shikano, coordinator for staff and community development, Department of Housing and Residence Life

 

Providence

By Max Barry, G.P. Putnam’s Sons (2020)

“This science fiction thriller is a true page-turner, following a team of four astronauts in an enormous galaxy-traveling AI warship as they fight humanity’s war against the ‘salamanders,’ an alien race that wants nothing but to annihilate us all. The balance between action, character, and mystery make this a perfect summer read.”

—Charlie Bennett, public engagement librarian

 

All About Love

By bell hooks, Harper (2000)

“bell hooks outlines a definition and examples of love and compassion that includes, yet goes beyond, the romantic version. In this book, she describes how and why people can embrace love for self, each other, and community. In a time where our inter-connectedness is on major display, her book reminds us how to demonstrate an ethic of care in our workplaces, schools, and homes.”

—Tiffany D. Johnson, assistant professor, Organizational Behavior Area, Scheller College of Business

 

Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI

By David Grann, Doubleday (2017)

“In the 1920s, the Osage Indians were among the wealthiest people in the U.S. thanks to the millions of barrels of oil discovered on their Oklahoma reservation. And dozens of them were victims of mysterious deaths and unsolved murders. In Killers of the Flower Moon, journalist David Grann proves an adept historian and gifted storyteller, scouring archives, court records, financial documents, and newspapers, and interviewing descendants of people who lived during the ‘Reign of Terror.’ It is a tragic story, but a gripping read and an important reminder that atrocities against Native Americans did not end with the closing of the frontier.” 

—Stacy Braukman, senior writer and editor, Institute Communications

 

How to Stop Time

By Matt Haig, Viking (2018)

“Tom, the narrator in this enjoyable novel, was born in 1581. Yet he is living in present-day London, and looks to be in his mid-40s. He may be falling in love for the second time in four centuries. The setting switches from 17th-century England (he had a brief stint working for Shakespeare) to other memorable places. His benefactor is a wealthy man who is head of the Albatross Society (and who has dubbed people with his condition ‘albas’). There are rules in this Society, and there are severe consequences to Tom if the main rule — not falling in love — is broken. A bit of intrigue and romance, with an English backdrop to boot. All in all, a breezy summer read.”

—Patricia Kenly, business reference librarian

 

Becoming

By Michelle Obama, Crown Group (2018)

“I typically do not read memoirs, but wanting to learn about Michelle Obama and her truth was my inspiration for selecting the audiobook. It did not disappoint. A modern inspirational memoir, it gives readers a view into her roots growing up on the South Side of Chicago, family challenges, education, and law career. Then of course there’s Barack Obama, their relationship, her reluctance in agreeing with his decision to run for president, and ultimately her experience as the first African American first lady of the United States.”

—Charming Jobe-Moseley, program manager, Office of Development, International

 

College of Design Graphic Designer Jessie Brandon recommended two books:

Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind

By Yuval Noah Harari, Harper (2011)

“Honestly, this book blew my mind. Even just in the first 100 pages, there was information that has completely recontextualized how I think about the human race. Its description sounds very academic, but it’s not a hard read and is incredibly interesting and unlike most other books I have read.”

 

The Houseguest and Other Stories

By Amparo Dávila, New Directions Publishing (2018)

“The short stories in this book are all a little creepy in their own way, but beautifully written and thought-provoking. Everyone else I have talked to who has read them has different interpretations of what is actually going on in each story. I’ve never been a huge fan of short stories, but this opened my eyes to what is possible. I recommend reading them at night.”

Note: Some of these books are available electronically from Georgia Tech via Overdrive. You may also use the Libby app to borrow eBooks and audiobooks from your local public library for free.

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