Boley Blog: L&C Law School Faculty & Staff Book Recommendations for Winter Break Reading
by Rob Truman on 2021-11-23T22:46:00-08:00 | 0 Comments
One of our favorite Boley traditions returns. Every year we ask the faculty and staff of the Law School to share a favorite book or two for your winter break (and perhaps even Thanksgiving break) reading enjoyment. This year we've added a selection of children's books.
We hope this list contributes to a most literate and relaxing break, whether before or after exams.
Links are provided to titles available in the Boley and Watzek Libraries of Lewis & Clark, or our partner Summit libraries. If your book isn't available in our libraries we are happy to request titles for our community members via Interlibrary Loan.
Good luck on exams and happy reading!
The Alchemist by
Recommended by Ronna Craig, Faculty Legal Assistant
This book is the antidote to reading Confederacy of Dunces, but you need to read both to understand how our own hero journeys are really just walks on a very, very large beach (or maybe it is a desert). Regardless, you are a hero!
Begin Again by
Recommended by Rob Truman, Associate Dean and Director
Painful, beautiful, insightful, and I think the best thing I've read in years. Glaube Jr. dives into James Baldwin's post-civil rights era journey to help guide us through our own "after times."
Cassandra at the Wedding by
Recommended by Sarah Hunsberger, Acquisitions and Circulation Specialist
This is a midcentury escape that is a great for when you have limited time but want a satisfying story line and a sophisticated (yet unpretentious) writing style. I found the heroine of the novel to be irresistible.
The Checklist Manifesto by
Recommended by Hadley Van Vactor Kroll, Assistant Professor of Lawyering
My Lawyering students will not be surprised to learn that I'm recommending a book about checklists, but this short read has some great insights about how and why using checklists can make us more efficient and effective at completing complex tasks--like legal analysis!
Crying in H Mart by
Recommended by Mari Cheney, Associate Director of Research and Instruction
A loving memoir about her relationship with her dying mother, the author takes you along to Eugene, to Korea, to New York, and while you know all along how the story ends, her writing is so accessible and endearing, you don't want it to.
The Dinner List by
Recommended by Lydia Ruiz-Hom, Faculty Legal Assistant
An easy read about the question, "if you could have dinner with 5 people dead or alive who would they be" and the interactions between the invitees when they are all sitting with you at the table at the same time.
The Empathy Diaries by
Recommended by Wendy Hitchcock, Foreign and International Law Librarian, Emeritus
Turkle, an MIT professor, grew up poor in Brooklyn, won a scholarship to Radcliffe in the first wave of "diverse" students in the late 1960s, was a graduate student of Lacan in Paris during the student protests, fought for tenure at MIT, and wrote prescient bestsellers on the effects of technology on ethics and empathy. Part intellectual history, part personal history of an outsider, living at the right place during a time of seismic societal shifts in psychology, technology, and the role of women.
The Ethics of Microaggression by
Recommended by David Schraub, Assistant Professor of Law
A really sharp, sensitive, nuanced take on a complex issue -- Rini gets why microaggressions matter and also why they're a difficult subject to craft even moral (to say nothing about legal) rules around. It also stands out for being both rigorous philosophy while also being exceptionally readable.
Facing Reality by
Recommended by James Huffman, Emeritus Dean and Professor of Law
In the interest of heterodoxy, on a subject dominated by orthodoxy.
Fuzz by
Recommended by Tung Yin, Professor of Law
Mary Roach is my favorite science writer, and by chapter two, this was already my favorite of her books. She takes you along on her "ridealongs" with scientists, rangers, forensic scientists, and others who have to manage animal-human interactions (some dangerous or deadly, others funny). She's wickedly funny, especially if you like poop jokes.
Good Boy by
Recommended by Kerry Rowand, Executive Assistant to Dean Jennifer Johnson
A beautiful memoir. I read it quickly, then headed back to the library shelves to read more by this author.
Hamnet by
Recommended by Molly Taylor, Law Admissions Specialist
Gets my vote for best winter break binge read. It's a story about Shakespeare, his family and how he came to write Hamlet. Love, loss, hardship, plague — what could be better?
A Hero Born by
Recommended by Tung Yin, Professor of Law
This is book 1 in a four book series set in the Tang Dynasty in China. It's a classic wuxia (martial arts) novel, where the heroes and villains have almost magical kung fu abilities. All the attack and defense moves have their own names! The hero is orphaned when his parents are killed by one of the villains, and he's raised initially by Genghis Khan's clan, but then he falls in with a nomadic group of fighters who train him and set him on his path of vengeance. Absolutely thrilling!
How We Do Family by
Recommended by Kerry Rowand, Executive Assistant to Dean Jennifer Johnson
I was first introduced to Trystan at a L&C Opt-In event. His storytelling talents definitely extend to the written page (though you may want to have a tissue nearby. . .)
The Invisible Life of Addie Larue by
Recommended by Jim Kite, Research, Instruction, & Law Practice Librarian
A fantasy novel that thoughtfully explores the silly central premise of an immortal woman no one can remember after she leaves the room, and the result is dark and sweet, like good chocolate.
A Ladder to the Sky by
Recommended by Brian Blum, Jeffrey Bain Faculty Scholar and Professor of Law
A novel about an ambitious and ruthless would-be novelist who purloins the work of others and commits all sorts of other psychopathic acts. A wonderfully dark and twisted tale by a superb Irish writer.
The Last Thing He Told Me by
Recommended by Hadley Van Vactor Kroll, Assistant Professor of Lawyering
This fast-paced page-turner isn't going to change your life, but it may well be engrossing enough to make you (temporarily) forget all about the fall semester.
The Left Hand of Darkness by
Recommended by Joyce Tischler, Professor of Practice, Animal Law, Center for Animal Law Studies
Better late than never, I've discovered Ursula Le Guin, one of the best-ever science fiction fantasy writers. I started with The Left Hand of Darkness, which will take you to another world, far, far away from law school. Now, I'm savoring The Earthsea Cycle. [see children's books section, below].
Magpie Murders by
Recommended by Brian Blum, Jeffrey Bain Faculty Scholar and Professor of Law
An English-style Agatha Christie-type murder mystery within a murder mystery. Clever and a great vacation read.
Nine Perfect Strangers by
Recommended by Melissa Powers, Jeffrey Bain Faculty Scholar & Professor of Law
I haven't watched the show, but the book is super fun and engaging. A great book for anyone looking for a break.
Public Citizens by
Recommended by Melissa Powers, Jeffrey Bain Faculty Scholar & Professor of Law
Explores the legacy of Ralph Nader and other citizen activists who challenged government failure to regulate to protect the public interest. While these citizen activists achieved some notable successes, Sabin argues they also contributed to the attack against "big government liberalism," and, by extension, helped weaken liberal democracy.
The Second Kind of Impossible by
Recommended by William Chin, Professor of Lawyering
Join theoretical physicist Steinhardt's quest as he travels to distant lands, engages with smugglers, battles scientific dogma, and overcomes "That's impossible!" naysayers to discover a new kind of matter.
Silverview by
Recommended by Elaine Sutherland, Distinguished Professor Emerita of Law
Following his death last year, fans of le Carré were thrilled to learn that he had left behind the manuscript of one more novel and this is it. Written in his usual crisp, elegant style, it is a modern spy tale drawing together two apparently distinct strands that have their origins in the murky past.
Still Life (and rest of The Chief Inspector Gamache Series) by
Recommended by Erica Jayne Lyman, Clinical Professor of Law & Director Global Law Alliance for Animals and the Environment
If you didn't spend the pandemic taking comfort in the cozy village of Three Pines in Quebec, where the murder to hygge ration is unexpectedly high, then by all means, do yourself a favor and get started now. Plus, it comes with a cookie recipe.
The Three-Body Problem by
Recommended by Molly Moshofsky Matheson, Gift Officer
What happens if human society finds out that earth is going to be invaded... in 450 years?? (this is book 1 of a trilogy and the entire series is superb sci-fi!).
The Thursday Murder Club and The Man Who Died Twice by
Recommended by John Grant, Distinguished Professor of Law Emeritus
Two recent best sellers in the UK by the unlikely Richard Osman, better known as a game show personality. Equally unlikely is the setting, a retirement community, and the four principal characters, all residents in their late 70s. The first is The Thursday Murder Club, in which the four intrepid septuagenarians set out to solve a murder in their neighbourhood. Great characters, great story and great fun. The worthy sequel involves clever Elizabeth, annoying Joyce, reckless Ron and thoughtful Ibrahim, in another murder investigation. Osman proves what all right thinking already know - that the late 70s is the real prime of life.
A Time for Mercy by
Recommended by Ronna Craig, Faculty Legal Assistant
Grisham is exploding each element of what we love — law and using it wisely — in a context of hard-wrought misunderstandings, fear, and anger over vigilantism, police misconduct, continued racism, and the pace of civil change. He puts the shadow of The South right behind you, and it isn't getting any sunnier for anyone.
Washington Black by
Recommended by Carra Sahler, Staff Attorney, Green Energy Institute
This is an intriguing, beautiful, and sometimes heart wrenching story about slavery in Barbados in the 1830s, but it is also a story of friendship, courage, and invention.
We Begin at the End by
Recommended by Mari Cheney, Associate Director of Research and Instruction
A mystery with heart, this is a haunting tale of generational pain that is so well-written I can't stop recommending it.
We Were Liars by
Recommended by Juliet Stumpf, Robert E. Jones Professor of Advocacy and Ethics
This book, set on an island off the coast of Massachusetts owned by a wealthy white family with an Indian American family friend, has a mystery at its heart that unravels via delicious prose to its devastating ending—one that will stay with you for a long, long time after the final page.
West with Giraffes by
Recommended by Marilyn Cover, Executive Director of Classroom Law Project Emeritus
An emotional, rousing novel inspired by the incredible true story of two giraffes who made headlines and won the hearts of Depression-era America. A true hit with both of my Book Clubs!
For the Kids
1000 Things Under the Sea by
Recommended by Hadley Van Vactor Kroll, Assistant Professor of Lawyering
I was skeptical about this book, which, as the name suggests, literally lists 1000 things under the sea, but I promise your sea life enthusiast will be fascinated by the beautiful illustrations and the chance to learn about many unusual creatures.
The Book of Three by
Recommended by Tung Yin, Professor of Law
Book 1 in the Chronicles of Prydain, the classic fantasy series based loosely on Welsh mythology, with a teenager main character who's the Assistant Pig-Keeper of a magical pig with oracle powers. Others in his group include a dashing Prince, a Bigfoot-like creature, a loyal Bard, and a tomboyish Princess.
The Book With No Pictures by
Recommended by Aaron Cheney, son of Mari Cheney, Associate Director of Research and Instruction
Because parents have to say silly things words and noises.
Elmer: The Story of a Patchwork Elephant by
Recommended by Mari Cheney, Associate Director of Research and Instruction
A lovely kids' book about diversity and inclusion with playful and colorful images.
The Gruffalo by
Recommended by Hadley Van Vactor Kroll, Assistant Professor of Lawyering
This book (like Donaldson's other books) is charming, imaginative, and fun for kids and parents alike.
Hilo Book 1: the Boy Who Crashed to Earth by
Recommended by Peter Cheney, son of Mari Cheney, Associate Director of Research and Instruction
The whole series. It's funny, cool, and kind of about science.
I Got Two Dogs by
Recommended by Rob Truman, Associate Dean and Director
This book is so much fun and catchy and children absolutely adore it. It’s pure magic. Get the CD with Lithgow singing or just watch on YouTube.
Masterminds by
Recommended by Tung Yin, Professor of Law
The main characters are a group of young teens in a seemingly idyllic small town. Maybe too idyllic. They discover that they are part of a secret experiment (someone did not get informed consent!) to test nature vs nurture...It's not a horror novel, more of a middle school thriller. No inappropriate language or sexuality. A little bit of action violence but no gore.
Riding Freedom by
Recommended by Rob Truman, Associate Dean and Director
Well written, fast-paced historical fiction/adventure tale. Kids love it! It’s about Charlotte "Charley" Parkhurst who lived her life disguised as a man. It wasn't until after her death that anyone discovered she was a woman.
Watership Down by
Recommended by Sarah Hunsberger, Acquisitions and Circulation Specialist
My all-time favorite book to read aloud as a family because the author has created a whole language that needs to be spoken out loud to be fully appreciated. A break from school is the best time to read this one because you can ignore bedtime and just keep reading late into the night when you get to the exciting parts. Kids enjoy the adventure and the talking rabbits; parents appreciate the author's insights on civilization and human nature.
The Westing Game by
Recommended by David Schraub, Assistant Professor of Law
I probably read this towards the end of elementary school. It's a clever murder mystery (but not at all scary) that's really a fun read for all ages. The twists are pitched at a level that a pre-adolescent can easily track, without ever being dumbed down or condescending. I've actually reread this book several times as an adult -- it's still a joy.
A Wizard of Earthsea by
Recommended by Joyce Tischler, Professor of Practice, Animal Law, Center for Animal Law Studies
If you think J.K. Rowling invented the boy who went to a school for wizards, guess again.
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