What to Read: Recommendations
From: Dr. Taylor, Glen, Tameka, and Donica

In Praise of Slowness: Challenging the Cult of Speed (2004) by Carl Honoré
Honoré presents readers with a varied look at the "slow movement" or the "slow philosophy" in this entertaining and thoughtful book. From food to urban design, from medicine to child-rearing, the author makes us question our fast-paced lives. Or as Carlo Petrini, one of the leaders of the Slow
Food movement, relates, "Being Slow means that you control the rhythms of your own life" (16).

Lives on the Boundary (1989) by Mike Rose
Rose, a national figure in education and writing studies, provides a detailed look at the educationally underprepared in the American public school system and US colleges and universities. The book challenges readers' assumptions about students who seem to "just not get it" or students who
"can't write." Rose argues that "[t]o understand the nature and development of literacy we need to consider the social context in which it occurs—the political, economic, and cultural forces that encourage or inhibit it" (237).

Julius Winsome by Gerard Donovan.
A man finds that his dog has been shot by a hunter, and sets out to get revenge. A story of one man's quest to avenge the death of his best friend. A disturbing story that you won't be able to put down.

Fountain society by Wes Craven.
Yes, that Wes Craven. Famous for movies like Last House on the Left, Scream, and A Nightmare on Elm Street, Wes Craven branched out and wrote his first novel in 1999. A story about the search for immortality that combines science and medicine in an incredibly believable and thrilling page turner.

Childhood's End by Arthur C. Clarke.
Written in 1953, Childhood's End is a science fiction novel that shows the true genius of Arthur C. Clarke. This book is a must read for any science fiction fan, and it should make the short list of readers who don't even like science fiction. Don't let the publication date fool you, time has not made this novel obsolete.

Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant by Anne Tyler (1982)
Tyler explores what it truly means to be a family while looking back at Pearl Tull’s life. Told from multiple perspectives, this novel is an exploration of what it means to be the mother, the favorite child, the troubled child, and much more.

In the Time of the Butterflies by Julia Alvarez (1994)
This is the story of the Dominican political dissidents The Mirabal sisters, or as they are affectionately called in the Dominican Republic Las Mariposas (The Butterflies). Alvarez recreates the personal and political lives of these four sisters who played a crucial role in defeating the dictator Rafael Trujillo.

Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave Written by Himself
My recommendation is of course the Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave Written by Himself. First Douglass explains in the title that he wrote his own narrative, something rare for slaves, since many could not read or write. Also this book may seem like it’s a story about slavery when it holds so much more. He also advocates for literacy throughout the Narrative as he explains his journey from illiteracy to literacy. He calls it his “pathway to freedom.” Douglass also talks about his use of imitation to learn to read and write. Reading this book will encourage anyone to strive for a better life. Douglass illustrates how determination leads to success; this is definitely a great book. If you are interested in rhetoric, composition, literary studies or reading for fun Frederick Douglass will not disappoint.