Faculty Reading Lists: Dr. Pamela Freeman

Water, water, everywhere…. I found this to be an interesting look not at the amount of water on the planet, but what our relationship is to that water and how we manage this resource. We take our freshwater supply for granted and pay pennies compared to its actual value. Fishman makes you think about what you value and will make you look twice at and be appreciative of your local water sources.

A great easy read in which Kling demonstrates his unique story telling ability. If you have ever seen one of Kling’s performances, you can easily hear him reading to you. His tales of childhood and adulthood made me laugh out loud and wipe away a few tears.

The handbook is not typically found on a reading list, but this one certainly had an impact on me. This book has come with me on many trips (on the road, trail, and boat) over 20 years and has provided so much information and entertainment that I cannot imagine being without it. Gadd covers a wide range of topics: everything from geology, orienteering, history, and plants (to name a few) to the minutia of different mosquito species found in the Rocky Mountains (there are many!).

When I first read this book a decade ago, I remember being so impressed with Nelson’s dedication and knowledge of his focal island. He helped me appreciate that there is so much to learn from your local surroundings, no matter what or where they might be. One has to keep one’s eyes open and be receptive to truly appreciate a place. To gain a true sense of place, it may take many years and multiple seasons.

I have always enjoyed this simple French tale about the shepherd who, big surprise, planted trees. It is a quick story that makes you think about what one single person may accomplish.

Doug Mock: More Than Kin and Less Than Kind: Evolution of Family Conflict. An academic read that focuses on conflict in the animal kingdom, but also entertaining due to Mock’s wit and great sense of humor. A fun read for anyone with siblings or children of their own.

Kathleen Dean Moore: The Pine Island Paradox. I am just starting to engage with Moore’s series of essays on a new environmental ethic. Looking forward to the book if her prose is anything like her spoken presentations.