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Campus Book Recommendations: January

Find current and past book recommendations from UHWO faculty, staff, and students!

Alphie's pick

WHY I PICKED THIS BOOK:

“Dark Money” by Jane Mayer is a deeply troubling look at the power and influence that unfettered money can buy in US politics. This influence, wielded unscrupulously by a cabal of ultra-rich billionaires, has been fomenting for decades, and is now completely unmoored by the Citizens United Supreme Court decision.

This is a well-researched book that serves as a prime example of journalistic excellence. Mayer skillfully guides the reader through a sometimes complicated history of the “radical right,” charting their growth from pre-WWII to just prior to the 2016 presidential elections.

Warning: Reading this book may cause depression, frustration, and/or anger at the current state of the American political system. Enjoy.

Frankie's pick

WHY I PICKED THIS BOOK:

  • An interesting theory on culture, socialization and business
  • It's not about burgers, but the transformation of a society

Dan's pick (Faculty)

WHY I PICKED THIS BOOK:

  • itʻs a clear, concise book about young people

Erin's pick

WHY I PICKED THIS BOOK:

I don't have a lot of time to read for fun, but this book defintely resonated with me. It's over 500 pages, but a quick read because it's a great coming-of-age story set amidst the backdrop of Nazi Germany. The story is poetically narrated by an anthropomorphic Death, and centers around a girl named Liesel Meminger who discovers the power of language -- how it can be both liberating and constricting. 

Kawena's pick

WHY I PICKED THIS BOOK:

  • it's a hilarious visual dictionary of pidgin words
  • it reminds me of growing up

Martin's pick (Admissions)

WHY I PICKED THIS BOOK:

  • I fell in love (with this book) the way you fall asleep: slowly, and then all at once. 

Richard's pick (Student)

WHY I PICKED THIS BOOK:

  • Raises awareness about women's rights, racism, and economics
  • Deals with civil rights and equality for all

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