Currently Reading:
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams; Sherlock Holmes, Volume 1 by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle; The Snowman by Jo Nesbø; Space Chronicles: Facing the Ultimate Frontier by Neil deGrasse Tyson; Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas by Hunter S. Thompson; Ulysses by James Joyce; Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg; This Girl by Colleen Hoover; Star Wars Omnibus: Boba Fett by various authors; The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
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Fans’ Picks
Lysistrata by Aristophanes. “Hilarious and can be found free online- the story of women on a sex strike to bring about the end of the Peloponnesian war. Many of my students still can’t believe it was written over 2000 years ago.” -Zach
Antigone by Sophocles. “It’s a book that asks important questions about civil obedience v. disobedience, natural law v. state law, and authority. It’s about questioning authority, and doing what’s right.” -Maddie G.
Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell. “C’mon, it’s a classic! Plus, Scarlett O’Hara is the original HBIC!” -Sara W.
Still Life With Woodpecker by Tom Robbins. “Though I love all of his stories, this one really stands out for me. It is deeply philosophical, but written in a way that is so highly hilarious, sexy, and witty that you hardly feel burdened with the intensity. Robbins uses great fictional stories involving bizarre characters and plots that sweep you right away. If I had to recommend any book to anyone, it would be this one – every time. The story has been called a “post modernist fairy tale”, dealing with a redhead and the search for love, as well as aliens, consumerism, and a pack of camel cigarettes. Check it out! And if reading this story doesn’t make you want to read all of his other works, too, then you’re doing it wrong.” -Laura C.
Zorro by Isabel Allende. “An adventure-packed, swashbuckling tale of the masked outlaw’s origins. Funny, romantic, and full of betrayal, revenge, and redemption.” -Christopher A.
Z, A Novel of Zelda Fitzgerald by Therese Anne Fowler. “The way Fowler writes the famous Fitzgerald’s infamous wife is pure magic. Should be required reading before viewing Baz Luhrmann’s Gatsby and a companion book to the novel.” -Madelyne A.
To The Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf. “I can go back to it a thousand times and always find something new.” -Cassie
And the Mountains Echoed by Khaled Hosseini. “I didn’t think Hosseini would take my breath away yet again, but here he goes diving into the missing pieces of our own hearts and souls.” Paige E.
One Thousand Splendid Suns by Kahled Hoessini. “I never cry over books, except One Thousand Splendid Suns.” -Courtney M.
Fragile Things by Neil Gaiman. “I have never loved and been scared by a book so much. I’m always amazed how beautifully Gaiman writes about such dark things. This is a book I can read over and over.” -Jessica B.
The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver. “The book gives the history of the Congo through unique perspectives. It’s fun to find allusions to the real Bible in the novel, as well. It definitely provides an interesting outlook on grief.” -Emma E.
As I Lay Dying by William Faulkner. “It’s tragically funny. If you read it objectively and don’t try to associate with the characters, it’s one of the most twisted and hilarious books.” -Emma E.
Blood Orange by Drusilla Campbell. “My must read pick! A great mystery.” -Cherie
Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes. “Birth of the modern novel? Whatever it is, how can you go wrong with fart jokes and laughing at others’ follies?” -Zach
Three Men in a Boat (To Say Nothing of the Dog) by Jerome K. Jerome. “A ‘holiday’ on the Thames with 3 friends and the dog is as humorous now as when it was written 124 years ago. Timeless comedy mixed with beautiful poetic descriptive verses make it a must read.” -Eric T.
Straight Man by Richard Russo. “Smart, dry, great dialogue. Laugh-out-loud funny that leaves you smiling when you think about the book.” -Greg O.
If On a Winter’s Night a Traveler by Italo Calvino. “A crazy fragmented book that follows you as you read through the book, pursue the girl and try to find the endings to stories that are continually left interrupted and unfinished. A difficult and rewarding piece.” -Zach
The Elegance of Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery. “It is a NYT bestseller that is set in Paris, and it intersperses lovely philosophical tidbits throughout the book (the author is also a philosopher). It is a beautiful and poignant novel–I promise it will be well worth your time!” -Ayah R.
The Elegance of Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery. “It is absolutely lovely- erudite, and ethereal… a must-read!” -Sophia O.
Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen. “This book was magical! It takes the reader on a journey into the exciting past of an old man, the journey of a traveling circus, and the crazy twists of love! It’s hard to put down! It’s extremely well paced, and will take you into the book the way the main character is taken in by the circus life!” -Adam S.
The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux. “Paris? Romance? Creepy stalker with a killing streak?! This is a classic that still makes a splash!” -Kendra S.
The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand. “It may seem long, but it was impossible to put this book down.” -Joseph R.
The Orphan Master’s Son by Adam Johnson. “I’m not surprised that, Lit Camp faculty member, Adam Johnson, won the Pulitzer. This is an amazing novel.” -Matthew D.
The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck. “I love this book…it has stuck with me over the years in a way that not many books do. It is so wonderfully written that I found myself truly involved in the plight of the family and characters. You will find yourself, at the same time haunted, disturbed, and filled with hope.” -Heather R.
Zorba the Greek by Nikos Kazantzakis. “A wonderful story, capturing the fascinating beauty of Crete and bringing closer the culture of its people. At the same time, its being deeply philosophical. Finishing this book, the first thing you’ll want to do is book a flight there and read it again in the Mediterranean sun.” -Michael O.
In the Woods by Tana French. “It’s one of the few books that kept me super-glued to my seat. I read it in like a day, two tops. It has a fantastic story line, and the emotions are so human.” -Emily B.
The Odyssey by Homer. “It’s the original road trip! Kidding, but it’s a classic Greek myth that’s still analyzed and redone and talked about today! It’s the classic quest archetype, with a badass hero who, by his own human error, must correct his mistakes and bring back order.” -Maddie G.
The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce. “A totally unexpected pleasure. Wonderful writing, and an engaging main character. You will love it.” -Cindy S.
Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy by John le Carré. “A classic British espionage novel-dry wit and dialogue-driven storyline-and for all that, it’s a fascinating peek into the lives of Cold War era spies. I’d recommend reading the entire George Smiley series, not just this particular title.” -Kerri
Third Policeman by Flann O’Brien. “This is Alice in Wonderland on crack, or more specifically from the brilliant mind of a drunk Irishman.” -Zach
This Side of Paradise by F. Scott Fitzgerald. “Amory Blaine’s adventure to self-discovery is one we can all relate to as he finds himself amongst the roaring twenties. Written in true Fitzgerald style this novel is compelling and and an amazing insight to find out why we are who we are now and who we become.” -Seth B.
The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova. “Vampires meet The DaVinci Code. Enough said.” -Mandy B.
The Recognitions by William Gaddis. “A monster of a modern masterpiece, misunderstood in its time, but a major influence on the great writers of today. So many layers to dig into.” -William G.
Fictions by Jorge Luis Borges. “Often called a labyrinth of the mind.” -Zach
Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier. “One of my favorites. I could read this book over many times and immensely enjoy it each time.” -Jude G.
A Spy in the House of Love by Anais Nin. “Dark but uplifting. Has been a fav since I first read it. It’s one of those books I always have around.” -Jan
The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger. “Holden Caulfield is the embodiment of teen angst. A must read.” -Christi R.
A Fire Upon The Deep by Vernor Vinge. “One of my sci-fi faves – imaginative and exciting!” -Kristen P.
Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury. “An incredible view into the human psyche – disturbing, thrilling, and gripping from the beginning. Read it in grade school and again as an adult. Amazing story!” -Heather R.
The Sound and the Fury by William Faulkner. “Teaching it now and falling in love all over again! Good stuff!” -Melanie H.
Map of Time by Felix J. Palma. “Fantasy/Sci-fi/Steampunkish time travel that includes HG Wells among its characters. How could it be bad? 
” -Dawn B.
The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger. “I know that a book is powerful when I can’t get it out of my mind. The characters are so vivid, and the story so moving, that I couldn’t stop worrying about Henry and Clare long after I put the book back on the shelf.” -Laura S.
Ready Player One by Ernest Cline. “Fun, fast-paced and full of pop culture references perfect for life-long nerds like me.” -Amy
Special Topics in Calamity Physics by Marisha Pessl. “Pessl’s style for writing is more like reading a movie than a book. She captures high school in all its glorious awfulness and enraptures readers with a mystery to boggle the mind. Hard to put down, and even harder to forget.” -Alexandra M.
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green. “I’m not really one to cry, but when reading this book, it is impossible not to.” -Dean G.
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury. “Your life is simply incomplete if you have never read this.” -Courtney M.
Alone in Berlin by Hans Fallada. “An incredibly, and I thought surprisingly, moving book,all the more so because it is based on a true story. Possibly the only book I have ever read that I can truly use the phrase ‘I couldn’t put it down’. The final chapters are hauntingly beautiful.” -Liam A.
American Gods by Neil Gaiman. “Gaiman always entertains with his humor, imagination and empathy. I have read and listened to American Gods several times, and it remains, with Anansi Boys, a favorite.” -Caryn
When She Woke by Hillary Jordan. “A homage to The Scarlet Letter with contemporary religious and political themes that give one pause when thinking about where our society is heading.” -Vivian T.
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde. “Narcissism at its best.” -Lisette S.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon. “Christopher is such a magnificent character, so real and so funny, that I sometimes forget that I can’t just fly to England to visit him. He is my favorite literary character, and I think his point-of-view helps illuminate the struggles Autistic children can undergo. It is a great chance to see through someone else’s eyes.” -Ashly S.
Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke. “Over 1000 pages and I would have gladly read twice that or more. Clarke’s world building and the way she blends the fantasy into real history is amazing.” -Chris S.
The Last Policeman: A Novel by Ben H. Winters. “What’s the point in solving murders if we’re all going to die soon, anyway?” A wonderful mystery set in a PRE-apocalyptic world full of twists that kept me guessing wrong at every turn. Loved it!” -Erin D.
Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese. “It’s one of those books that carries you away for a lifetime and the characters stay inside you.” -Heather T.
Still Life With Woodpecker by Tom Robbins. “Though I love all of his stories, this one really stands out for me. It is deeply philosophical, but written in a way that is so highly hilarious, sexy, and witty that you hardly feel burdened with the intensity. Robbins uses great fictional stories involving bizarre characters and plots that sweep you right away. If I had to recommend any book to anyone, it would be this one – every time. The story has been called a “post modernist fairy tale”, dealing with a redhead and the search for love, as well as aliens, consumerism, and a pack of camel cigarettes. Check it out! And if reading this story doesn’t make you want to read all of his other works, too, then you’re doing it wrong.” -Laura C.
Watership Down by Richard Adams. “Epic rabbit adventure. Adams’s ability to make these rabbits human without sacrificing their actual behavior is a feat of genius.” -Julie J.
The Gates and The Infernals by John Connolly. “They’re listed as YA but they’re for adults as well. Perfect for fans of Good Omens.” -Mary K.
The Border Trilogy by Cormac McCarthy. “These 3 novels are great reads to themselves, but as a trilogy it is outstanding. Some of the most beautifully written passages I have ever read. Multiple times I found myself on the verge of tears.” -Grant W.
The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Díaz. “It is a gorgeous book. The story is not beautiful or haunting because of the content, it is a must-read because of the way it unfolds. Like a sweater becoming undone by a simple pull of the thread, the book takes something complex and changes it. For lovers of any type of book, this is an indelible read.” -Naomi M.
Neither Wolf nor Dog; On Forgotten Roads with an Indian Elder by Kent Nerburn. “Tears aplenty!” -Rachel S.
The Sheltering Sky by Paul Bowles. “It is an incredibly eerie, almost ethereal read describing the landscapes of South Africa and a group of Americans – all of whom have complex emotional relationships to one another, and plenty of problems themselves – who are diving into its depths. It was one of those books that I randomly found on a used bookstore’s bookshelf, picked up because I thought the cover was a lovely shade of blue, and then couldn’t put down until I finished it.” -Shannon M.
Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky. “One of my favorites; brilliant, haunting, thought-provoking.” -Heather R.
You or Someone Like You by Chandler Burr. “It’s incredibly well written, thought provoking and begs to be read again and again.” -Brenda D.
The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath. “Unfortunately that was the only novel she ever wrote before her suicide in 1963 but it is a captivating book. I couldn’t put it down once I had started it. Her vivid descriptions and blunt, raw narrative style really allows you to feel all the emotions that she intended. She was such an interesting woman and that is very much evident from her book. Though it is officially a work of fiction, the book is actually quite autobiographical in the sense that many of Plath’s own life experiences have been incorporated into the story. It is honestly a book that I could re-read about 50 times and still learn something new, pick up on a little detail that I had missed the time before. It is most definitely my favourite book at the moment.” -Anya P.
1Q84 by Haruki Murakami. “It’s quietly disturbing with a great, subtle pacing and a mystery at the heart of it that I wouldn’t mind reading on indefinitely to figure out. Also, it would look great on your bookshelf.” -Claire S.
Skippy Dies by Paul Murray. “I know, the title is a bit strange but it has a lot of interesting and honest things to say about the toils of youth and the regrets of adulthood. One of the best books I’ve read in a while.” -Andrew B.
The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay by Michael Chabon. “It’s the best example of an American epoch mixed with meta-fiction I could ever hope for.” -Danielle S.
Villa Incognito by Tom Robbins. “It’s a humorous tale involving a lustful tanuki, an ambitious circus performer, and MIAs from the Vietnam War who chose to stay MIA. It’s undoubtedly a wild book, but for a book written by Robbins, it’s definitely standard. I recommend it if you can make the time. It’s a hilarious story.” -Brianna P.
Her by Christa Parravani. “Just breathtaking…” -Deborah D.
Written on the Body by Jeanette Winterson. It iss a beautiful and thought provoking book. It resonates with all of the depth of a much longer novel, and clocking in at under 200 pages, can easily be imbibed in a single sitting. I’m on my third copy, from loaning out prior copies to folks who’ve happily adopted those copies into their own fold for frequent re-reading. -Vera
One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez. “I honestly can not find the right words to describe my feelings towards that book! It was Original, hilarious, sad, amusing, unforgettable and more!!! But it requires time; not a book to finish in a week! I spent about a month on it and it was all worth it!” -Elina T.
Anathem by Neal Stephenson. “My must-read pick!” -Sarah D.
My Year of Meats by Ruth L. Ozeki. “It recounts a year in the life of a half-Japanese documentarian as she travels around the United States filming episodes of My American Wife!, a new TV show designed to bolster US meat sales in Japan. The book manages to tackle some tough topics (everything from gender roles to culture clashes to the bloodier side of the meat industry) while remaining entertaining and downright funny. It’s a fantastic read.” -Katie K.
State of Wonder by Ann Patchett. “It’s about science in the Amazon. The experiment be conducting was a little far out, but the description of the Amazon is riveting.” -Sonja B.
Old Man’s War by John Scalzi -Tyler L.
Blue Highways by William Least-Heat Moon. -Frank G.
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern, The Keep by Jennifer Egan, The Submission by Amy Waldman, Tell the Wolves I’m Home by Carol Rifka Brunt. -Dinna F.
The Heart is a Lonely Hunter by Carson McCullers, In Cold Blood by Truman Capote, The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien, Wonderland by Joyce Carol Oates -Cristina B.
“Anything by Jo Nesbo (Norwegian Author). This author is an amazing, gripping thriller writer. This year I read, Snowman, Leopard, Headhunters, (brilliant) and The Redeemer. Also, do you read graphic novels, try the Walking Dead: Compendium One & Two. The best selling novels that inspired the TV show and just as gripping.” -Romeo
War and Peace, Middlemarch, Our Town, Heart of Darkness, The Jungle, Bonfire of the Vanities, Armies of the Night, A Doll’s House, Anna Karenina, To Kill A Mockingbird, In Cold Blood -Barbara S.
Midnight In The Garden Of Good And Evil, The Picture Of Dorian Grey, I Capture The Castle, Looking For Alaska, An Abundance Of Katherine’s, The Golden Compass, Fried Green Tomatoes At The Whistle Stop Cafe, Silver Linings Playbook, If I Stay, Where She Went, Matched Trilogy, The Farie Path Series by Fredwin Jones, Mrs. Peregrine’s Home For Peculiar Children, Wicked Trilogy by Gregory Maguire, Wither (The Chemical Garden Trilogy), Divergent series, Vampire Academy Series, The Peach Keeper, The Girl Who Chased The Moon, The Sugar Queen, Garden Spells -Stephanie H.
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Some of the books we’ve read in 2013
2BR02B Kurt Vonnegut
A Clash of Kings George R.R. Martin
A Storm of Swords by George R.R. Martin
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle
Anthem Ayn Rand
As I Lay Dying William Faulkner
Bella Summer Takes a Chance by Michele Gorman
The Brooklyn Follies by Paul Auster
Cat’s Cradle Kurt Vonnegut
For Whom the Bell Tolls by Ernest Hemingway
Gone Girl Gillian Flynn
How Music Works by David Byrne
How to Win at the Sport of Business Mark Cuban
Love in the Time of Cholera Gabriel García Márquez
Peter Pan by J.M Barrie
Point of Retreat by Colleen Hoover
Retromania: Pop Culture’s Addiction to Its Own Past by Simon Reynolds
Slammed by Colleen Hoover
Sutton by J.R. Moehringer
Tender is the Night F. Scott Fitzgerald
The Big Trip Up Yonder Kurt Vonnegut
The Ghost Runner by Bill Jones
The Illustrated Man Ray Bradbury
The Maltese Falcon Dashiell Hammett
The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
The Sense of an Ending by Julian Barnes
The Swerve: How the World Became Modern by Stephen Greenblatt
Twelve Days of Christmas Trisha Ashley
Wild by Cheryl Strayed
