December 2024 Alumni Book Roundup
December 5, 2024
By
Jackson Maynard ’25
and
Connie G. Ryu ’25
Winter is the perfect season to unwind and get cozy with a fuzzy blanket, warm mug and a book of your choice. Whether you’re snowed in or taking a break from the rush of the holidays and new year, these newly released titles by William & Mary alumni are perfect companions.
Built by the People Themselves by Lindsey Bestebreurtje ’08
History as we know it is often shaped by those who emerge on the “right side” of events. In her first book, “Built by the People Themselves,” Bestebreurtje challenges the conventional narrative of white community developers in the suburbanization of Arlington, Virginia, by exploring the pivotal role of African American-led community development. Based on her doctoral dissertation, she traces the rich history of Arlington County’s Black community from emancipation during the Civil War to the Civil Rights Movement. An assistant curator with the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture, Bestebreurtje is also part of the team behind the award-winning Smithsonian exhibition “Afrofuturism.”
Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Education edited by R. Martin Reardon Ph.D. ’00 and Jack Leonard
In this collection, Reardon and Leonard present various perspectives and aspects of justice, equity, diversity and inclusion in schools, universities and communities. The book is divided into five main sections, each of which explores different elements of its themes. Those include the need for parental engagement and collaboration, relationships between schools and their surrounding communities, power dynamics and cultures in university departments, disability and diversity in the classroom, and how educational institutions can help with students’ social and emotional learning.
MENtal: A Preposterous Pursuit of Love by Deanna Reina ’98
Everyone envisions their ideal future differently. For Reina, it meant a picture-perfect marriage and a happily-ever-after life. However, fate took her down a different road. By age 36, she was not only single after countless dates, but also unemployed. Fixating on what she perceived as failures in her life, she found herself drowning in an emotional abyss. Determined to change and move forward, she chose to navigate this chapter of her life through a more positive lens. Set in the Washington, D.C., area, Reina’s memoir follows her raw and humorous journey through life and love. Her inspiring story empowers readers to break free from society’s idea of perfection and take control of their unique paths.
Run by Matthew Becker ’12
This thriller is Becker’s first book and is sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats. The tale revolves around congressional staffer Ben Walsh and his wife, Veronica, who may have a dark past. Ben receives a cryptic message from Veronica before finding out she is the lead suspect in a shooting that occurred on her daily running route. Ben begins to question his understanding of his wife and resolves to find her before the police do. Learn what happens in “Run” before Becker’s follow up, “Don’t Look Down,” is released in January 2025.
Water Finds a Way by Meghan Perry ’06, M.A.Ed. ’07
This debut novel follows ex-convict Blake Alvares as she returns after her release from prison to a small Maine town where she had lived as a teenager. Seeking peace and redemption, Blake begins working on a lobster boat for Leland Savard, but her plans take an unexpected turn. As she develops a relationship with Leland and his 9-year-old daughter, Quinnie, reckless decisions by Leland leave Blake and Quinnie in danger. Feeling cornered by her circumstances, Blake must confront her past and navigate her present to take steps toward her future.