CSSLibraryGuides: Faculty Reading Lists: Dr. Jennifer Maki

Dr. Jennifer Maki Reads What?

This fall, we continue our tradition of starting the academic year with a reading list from the current recipient of the Max A. Lavine Award for Excellence in Teaching. This year's winner--Dr. Jennifer Maki (Associate Professor, Chemistry)--will present the keynote speech for College Convocation on September 10.

Favorite or most influential books:

The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley
Murder mysteries solved by an 11 year old chemist? Surprisingly hilarious! Good news—there is an entire series of these Flavia de Luce novels.

Where'd You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple
Call Number: POPULAR READING - SEM
If you can tolerate the level of privilege this family enjoys, this is an excellent book. Cleverly written from the perspective of the teenaged daughter.

Beloved by Toni Morrison
Call Number: PS3563.O8749 B4 1987
This novel will haunt you. You have to read it. Check your privilege with this book after reading Bernadette.

Summer Sisters by Judy Blume
I always loved Judy Blume’s books as a kid and was thrilled to find that she had written fiction for adults. This was a page turner and very light read, perfect for a summer day.

Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen
Call Number: POPULAR READING - GRU
This historical novel about a carnival worker’s life during the Great Depression is intense and compulsively readable.

What are you reading now?

The Boston Girl by Anita Diamant.
Desert Island Pick (this is your bonus title--the book that you can take along to the island for sheer reading pleasure):
I’m going to cheat and bring the whole Harry Potter series.