Fall 2026 Alumni Book Roundup
October 15, 2026
By
Isabella Dunn ’28
Alumni have brought forth a bounty of new books this fall, with over 20 titles spanning an eclectic mix of genres from coming-of-age stories and historical fiction to mysteries, memoirs, insightful nonfiction and books designed to inspire personal growth and reflection.
Advancing Higher Education: New Strategies for Fundraising, Philanthropy, and Engagement edited by Matthew T. Lambert ’99 and Michael J. Worth
After the success of the first edition, this updated second edition revises existing chapters and explores new topics, including the role of artificial intelligence in higher education. It also examines big-picture questions about the future of higher education and whether current systems are effective.
America: The Revolution, 250th Year and September 11, 25th Anniversary by Charles Barnes ’60
Barnes has compiled two books of poetry: “America: The Revolution, 250th Year,” which is dedicated to William & Mary, and “September 11, 25th Anniversary.” In literary stanzas reminiscent of William Wordsworth or John Clare, Barnes shares his reflections over time on our nation and the 9/11 attacks. For copies or more information, contact alumni.magazine@wm.edu to connect with the author.
Connected Care: A Practical Guide to Technology for Serious Mental Illness by Nicole Drapeau Gillen ’87
Gillen, author of “Schizophrenia & Related Disorders: A Handbook for Caregivers,” recently published “Connected Care,” a guide to digital tools and new technologies for people living with serious mental illness, their caregivers and clinicians.
Darwin’s Reach: 21st Century Applications of Evolutionary Biology by Norman Johnson ’87
In the second edition of Johnson’s book, he applies evolutionary biology to real-world challenges, from exploring new cancer treatments to producing better-tasting tomatoes, amid a changing landscape of gene-editing tools and computational methods. Ultimately, the book emphasizes the role of evolutionary biology in the modern world.
Do My Heart Good by Dr. Cleve Francis M.A. ’69
A trailblazer in both medicine and country music, Francis takes readers on his journey from rural Louisiana to William & Mary, where he played music while pursuing graduate studies in biology, to founding his own cardiology practice and then taking a detour as a recording artist in Nashville.
From Trauma to Trust A Spiritual Journey by Jan Rivero ’75
Rivero’s 2025 memoir traces her journey from childhood trauma to raising a family and, ultimately, finding healing later in life. Through personal reflections, she explores themes of trauma, pain and the faith that she cultivated along the way.
A Founding Mother co-authored by Laura Croghan Kamoie M.A. ’94, Ph.D. ’99
Written by Laura Kamoie and Stephanie Dray, this historical novel highlights Abigail Adams as an important figure during the beginning of the nation. The book details her life as the steadfast partner to Founding Father and second U.S. President John Adams and the mother of future President John Quincy Adams — and as a woman who forged her own voice and independence.
The Ghost in the Green House by Julian Long ’04, J.D. ’07 under the pen name J.L. Long
Long’s second novel is a psychological horror story set in the Great Plains. It follows Nora, who seeks a fresh start in a small town but soon discovers that her new home is both strange and inescapable.
The Grim Old Days: An Introduction to the Preindustrial Past by Chelsea Follett ’12
Follett delves into the darker depths of history, exploring the harsh realities of life in a preindustrial world marked by widespread poverty, violence and disease. In doing so, she challenges the common misconception of an idyllic preindustrial past.
Hagerstown vs. The World: A True Running Story by Andy Mason ’94
Mason tells the true story of the remarkable running talent that emerged from Hagerstown, Maryland, during the 1980s and features Chris Fox, a member of William & Mary’s track and field and cross country staff who serves as an assistant coach for distance running.
How Long a Shadow by Cheryl Ossola ’78
Inspired by her Italian American heritage, Ossola’s new novel follows an immigrant family in 1903 as they struggle to survive the harsh conditions of the granite mines in Barre, Vermont. At the same time, the protagonist, Rosina Bottinelli, has to grapple with the limited autonomy afforded to women as she tries to forge her own path. Also by Ossola, The Wild Impossibility is being rereleased in an extended edition. Moving between World War II and 2011, this debut novel explores themes of loss, war, injustice and love.
Last Dance Before Dawn by Katharine Schellman ’09
Set in 1920s New York City, this final mystery in Schellman’s Nightingale series unravels in the secretive world of a speakeasy where plots of revenge ensue and hidden pasts are revealed.
Mob Caps & Cocked Hats: Memoirs of Living in History by Karla Kraynak Bruno ’81, M.A.Ed. ’92 (pen name K.K. Bruno) with contributions from Susan de la Cruz Adams ’81, Cheryl Hogue ’81, Mike Duffy ’81 and B.J. Pryor ’78
These memoirs tell the stories of historical reenactors, primarily focusing on college students working at Colonial Williamsburg during the 1960s–1990s, and show their experiences being immersed in historical sites, working in costume and even practicing traditional trades.
Packages by Danny O’Dea ’18
Set against the backdrop of a small Southern college town, “Packages” is a coming-of-age story that explores themes of grief, desire, sexuality and moral uncertainty through the mystery of a series of packages that begin arriving at an off-campus house.
Samantha: The Next Chapter by Fiona Davis ’88
Continuing the “American Girl” series, Samantha Parkington is all grown up. Set years after the beloved childhood stories, the novel follows Samantha as she navigates life in 1920s New York City. Also, check out The Stolen Queen by Davis, released in 2025. This mystery follows two women, a curator researching hidden Egyptian history and a young assistant preparing for the Met Gala, as they team up to unravel the mystery behind a missing ancient artifact.
Seeing the Spaces: Lessons from the Beautiful Game by James R. Golden HON ’24, G ’24
Golden demonstrates how the game of soccer can provide perspective applicable to other areas of life, including education, the military and organizational leadership, and to other sports. In soccer, scoring a goal requires spatial awareness, an understanding of both your position on the field and the space between you and those around you. Golden argues that this same principle can help you strategically make complex decisions.
She Smiles at the Days to Come: Rediscovering Beauty, Value, and Hope After Abortion by Diane Inderleid Pyle ’86, P ’16
Pyle’s book seeks to support women coping with grief and pain after an abortion by sharing her own story of navigating loss and finding healing.
Student Parent: The Fight for Families, the Cost of Poverty, and the Power of College by Nicole Lynn Lewis ’03
In her new book, Lewis, founder of the nonprofit Generation Hope, advocates for student parents navigating their academic journey while bringing attention to the systemic barriers and economic inequalities that often stand in their way.
The Temple Keep by Michael Holtzman ’92, P ’18
Holtzman’s mystery, set in 2000 on William & Mary’s campus, follows a small-town student with a knack for codes and ciphers as he unravels historical secrets. The novel blends history, suspense and horror.
Traversing the Belt and Road with contributing author Rory Fedorochko ’22
Fedorochko co-wrote one of the book’s chapters, titled “Militarizing the Maritime Silk Road: Chinese-Funded Ports as Potential Bases,” with three colleagues from W&M’s AidData research lab about their work studying Chinese funding of overseas ports and harbors. Collaborating authors from AidData include Sarina Patterson, Alexander Wooley and Sheng Zhang. Wooley is also the author of the newly released Battleship Yamato, which delves into Japanese naval history through the story of the Yamato, exploring the history and mythology surrounding the battleship during World War II.