Summer 2019 book roundup
June 12, 2019
By
Jennifer Hughes
Alumni
Moctu and the Mammoth People by Neil Bockoven ’74
Geologist Neil Bockoven wrote a rousing, romantic adventure 45,000 years in the making. Follow young Cro-Magnon boy Noctu as he navigates the difficulties of a hunter/gatherer life, including his capture by a nearby clan of Neanderthals. Will he be able to escape from his enslavement, bring fire to his Cro-Magnon family and save them from their ruthless leader?
The Incredible Magic of Being by Kathryn Erskine ’80
The latest children’s book from bestselling author Kathryn Erskine spotlights astronomy-loving, positive-thinking Julian as his family makes a difficult transition — moving from Washington, D.C., to Maine. In addition to struggling with adjusting to a new place, Julian fears he may not stay alive more than a few more years, and he wants to find something amazing to give his family before he leaves that will unite them.
Find Peace: A 40-Day Devotional Journey For Moms by Shaunti Feldhahn ’89
Being a parent, even to the most wonderful children, is stressful. Spiritual mothers can find a bit of peace in the whirlwind of children in a new book of daily devotionals, which aims to provide moms with joy and serenity.
A Taste for Scandal (The Seven Saints Hunt Club Book 3) by Brenda Hiatt ’78
Were you always more interested in the characters on the verge of scandal in Jane Austen’s books? If so, you might be interested in the tale of Miss Turbin, who had to be rescued from a tempestuous first marriage only to find trouble again during her second debut to society. Romance writer Brenda Hiatt’s new book is perfect for readers on the beach.
Archives of Labor: Working-class women and literary culture in the Antebellum United States by Lori Merish ’82
The voices of working-class women — mill workers, seamstresses, domestic workers and more from all cultural backgrounds — have been largely lost in the annals of history, especially those from the post-Civil War era. Professor Merish takes an exhaustive look at women’s views and ideas presented in written form from that period. The author’s analysis spotlights women’s roles in worker, cultural and gender movements of the era.
Sunny’s Tow Truck Saves the Day! by Anne Marie Pace ’87 with illustrations by Christopher Lee
The story of a family’s flat tire on the way to a picnic is used to introduce young readers to the concept of time, types of work and work vehicles. Readers young and old will appreciate the colorful illustrations by Christopher Lee.
The Darkest Night by Jesse R. Page ’17
The year is 2573 and two great civilizations are at war for the entire Perseus Arm of our galaxy. The Darkest Night is a thrilling new space opera with elements of mystery and military sci-fi. In the shadow of a collapsed empire lies the last best hope for victory, and both sides know it. A world being slowly torn apart by its own gravitational forces, the world of Noctorus.
Songs of Profit, Songs of Loss: Private Equity, Wealth, and Inequality by Daniel Souleles ’08
Private equity investors introduced some of the most taboo-breaking changes to the economy in recent years, including excessive debt accrual and outsourcing. Daniel Souleles pulls back the curtain to the world of private finance and shows readers why investors make the decisions they do and explains the historical significance of these recent changes to capitalism.
Faculty
A Genealogy of Devotion by Patton Burchett, assistant professor of religion
Professor Patchett’s new book is a comprehensive guide to the history of religion in India, focusing on the impact of tantra, yoga and Sufism.
The Racial Politics of Division: Interethnic Struggles for Legitimacy in Multicultural Miami by Monika Gosin, associate professor of sociology
The stories of African-Americans, white Cubans, and Afro-Cubans in Miami fill the pages of Professor Gosin’s new book that argues these cultural groups have more nuanced identity conflicts than commonly portrayed. In addition, she takes lessons from past conflicts and applies them to current hot topics like immigration.
Brides, Mourners, Bacchae: Women's Rituals in Roman Literature by Vassiliki Panoussi, professor of classical studies
Powerful women jump off the pages of Greek and Latin literature. While scholars have studied the role of females in Greek literature, few have looked at Latin texts … until now. Professor Panoussi looks at religion and gender in Roman literature and argues why looking at the texts through a feminist lens is important.
Cellular Biophysics and Modeling: a primer on the computational biology of excitable cells by Greg Conradi Smith, professor of applied science
Neuroscientists interested in mapping excitable cells will find Dr. Smith’s book a valuable resource of mathematical modeling techniques and other basics of excitable cells.