Campus Book Recommendations: July

*WHY I CHOSE THIS BOOK:
84, Charing Cross Road compiles 20 years of correspondence between the author and a used book seller in London spanning from 1950 to 1970. The letters between them are funny, touching and show how a friendship grew from a love of books. If you're looking for a quick heartfelt read and love books, this is one for you.

*WHY I CHOSE THIS BOOK:
On Tyranny is a great short book that gives brief lessons to a modern reader on how tyrants accumulate power. It draws comparisons to the cultural stew that gave rise to dictators and despots in the 20th-century and our current political environment.

*WHY I CHOSE THIS ITEM:
I am by no means a healthy person. Or a cook. But Gina Homolka makes me feel like both! Her recipes are simple and delicious - NO JOKE. Be sure to check out her blog for even more inspiration :) Happy reading, cooking, and eating!!

*WHY I CHOSE THIS BOOK:
I'm a total dreamer - during the day and while I'm sleeping. While this is an obvious choice for kids who are trying to avoid sleeping (why is that a thing again?!), it's also a nice treat for adults who enjoy beautiful illustrations and simple messages. The artwork is SOOOO whimsical. Take a look and explore the limitless expanse of the imagination.

*WHY I CHOSE THIS ITEM:
As I was scrolling through Flipster one day, I came across this magazine thinking this was going to be a joke but it was actually quite gratifying. As their tagline states, "A feminist response to pop culture," this magazine includes various articles written by unapologetic women (and men). I think it's important to point out that they don't sugar coat, it's raw and real perspectives on some of our biggest societal issues. Besides the beautiful design layout and witty opinions/reviews, this is a magazine that allows women to have a voice.

*WHY I CHOSE THIS ITEM:
Mary Gaitskill is a master of short stories. This is her earliest work, in which her reputation was made, and showcases her insight into the female mind. The last story is something you do NOT want to miss!

*WHY I CHOSE THIS ITEM:
This is important local literature, a collection of poems about the Massie Case - what the event did, how it shined a dark light on racial tensions here in Hawaii, and what lasting impact it had on locals.

*WHY I CHOSE THIS BOOK:
It's so easy to jump to conclusions about a country that seems to stand for the ideological opposite of the United States. However, this book focuses on the plight of everyday North Korean citizens in the town of Chongjin who were forced to live under the oppressive regime before they defected. It lends a very humanizing lens to the people struggling to carve out a life for themselves that we Americans can easily take for granted.

*WHY I CHOSE THIS BOOK:
If you need a stress reliever by way of laughter, then this book might be for you. Caveats, prepare yourself for some raw, heavy, local style pidgin in prose and poetic novellas - and the language may also be considered vulgar. Nevertheless, you will see historic significance in these stories and characters with respect to local culture on the other side of the fence.

*WHY I CHOSE THIS BOOK:
It's actually a compilation of articles from Mana magazine before they stopped publishing it, but I think there are a lot of important Hawaiian issues and topics covered and it's nice to have them all in one place. Also, the photos are really pretty.