In the United States, August 9th is National Book Lovers Day. In truth, we hardly need a reason to celebrate books over here at AUIP, but we’ll take this as an excuse to share some of our favorite staff reads.
Mary Ogburn, International Programs and Development Director, recommends:
Button nudges you to think in vastly new ways about why we travel for pleasure and what we can learn from great travelers – authors and artists – from the past. It is the deepest and most profound reflection on travel that I’ve encountered, while also being a pleasure to read.
Caralyn Purvis, Academic Affairs and Student Safety Manager, recommends:
The Last Lecture
by Randy Pausch
Caralyn’s thoughts:
It stands out to me because of the values and messages it portrays, many of which I feel are lessons to strive to live by.“We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand.”“Experience is what you get when you didn’t get what you wanted. And experience is often the most valuable thing you have to offer.”“Showing gratitude is one of the simplest, yet most powerful, things humans can do for each other.”“When we’re connected to others, we become better people.”“Time is all you have, and you may find one day that you have less than you think.”
Helen Beumelburg, University Liaison, recommends:
Illusions: The Adventures of a Reluctant Messiah
by Richard Bach
Helen’s thoughts:
This book will challenge your view of reality. Is it “real” or merely an illusion you have created yourself?“You are led through your lifetime by the inner learning creature, the playful spiritual being that is your real self. Don’t turn away from possible futures befure you’re certain you don’t have anything to learn from them.”
BrocheAroe Fabian, Marketing and Communications Coordinator, recommends:
Broche’s thoughts:
War Dances, winner of the 2010 Pen/Faulkner Fiction Prize, alternates between poetry and prose, and as with all of Sherman Alexie’s writing, is lyrical, to-the-point, and thought-provoking. In this moving collection of short stories, he describes the balancing act that is the human condition – battling change while we’re pulled in multiple directions – in a heartbreakingly honest voice.
Donna Thom, Logistics and Office Manager, recommends:
The strength of the human spirit never ceases to amaze me. The ability to overcome the most incredible challenges and still live life to the fullest is a great lesson to us all.
Karla Holloway, Program Coordinator and Marketing Designer, recommends:by Adam Makos and Larry Alexander
Karla’s thoughts:
It’s an inspiring, historical novel about an unlikely comradery forged in the skies over WWII Germany.
Kirsty Hole, Program Coordinator, recommends:
The Hundred-Year-Old-Man Who Climbed Out of the Window and Disappeared
by Jonas Jonasson
Kirsty’s thoughts:
No matter how many times I read this book it still makes me giggle. It recounts the life’s adventures of an intelligent and worldly, yet extremely humble Swedish man, in a way that reminds you how much of an impact one person can have on the world, without even realising it. A beautiful and funny read.
Looking for more information on #NationalBookLoversDay? Click here and here.
