The Wheaton College Holiday book list

President Michaele Whelan asked for your book recommendations, and you delivered. 

The Wheaton College Holiday Book List is a very big list. It features more than 100 volumes recommended by alums, students, parents, faculty and staff. In fact, we received so many suggestions that we limited the final list to one recommendation from each person just to keep it manageable. 

And still, the Wheaton community’s reading list for 2025 reflects the amazing breadth of the liberal arts and sciences. You will find everything from histories, biographies and investigative journalism to literary fiction, mysteries, science fiction and even a few favorite children’s stories. (Who doesn’t love a friendly and familiar picture book?) 

You also will find books written by Wheaton alums on the list. It’s far from a complete selection, of course. That would be a whole other list, and probably at least as long. 

Start with the nonfiction recommendations or skip straight to fiction titles. Students, alumni and staff will be able to find many of these books in the Madeleine Clark Wallace Library—on the shelves. 

So, pull up a chair and find your next good read.

Nonfiction

All the Colors of the Dark (2024) by Chris Whitaker—“Beautifully written with characters you will long remember! Best book I read this year!” Recommended by alumna Tracey Marino.

American Fix: Inside the Opioid Addiction Crisis—and How to End It (2018) by Ryan Hampton—“It’s very important for every American to understand there is an addiction crisis. This book not only describes the devastating facts, but it’s also incredibly inspiring. Every person—regardless of their background, education, or financial status—can make a difference.” Recommended by alumna Aleksandra Bembnista.

The Anxious Generation (2024) by Jonathan Haidt—“Required reading for every parent and anyone who has kids they love!” Recommended by alumna Emily Thomas.

The Bible (1611) by King James version—“It’s the only book I keep turning to over and over again for wisdom and knowledge. It’s helped make me a better person. It’s helped me to focus on the good in the world (Romans 8:28). Thanks for allowing me to share.” Recommended by staff member Jesse Wintersteen.

Blackwater: The Rise of the World’s Most Powerful Mercenary Army (2008) by Jeremy Scahill—“I believe this text provides valuable insight into the organizations our Wheaton community holds near and dear!” Recommended by student Petra Zadroga.

Blight: Fungi and the Coming Pandemic (2023) by Emily Monosson—“It’s fascinating and eye-opening, and written for a general audience. The publisher says it best: “Blight serves as a wake-up call, a reminder of the delicate interconnectedness of the natural world.”” Recommended by Dolores, staff member.

Book of Ages: The Life and Opinions of Jane Franklin (2013) by Jill Lepore—“The book is a fascinating interpretation of the life and times of Benjamin Franklin’s sister, based on a small notebook of family events written by her.” Recommended by alumna Elizabeth Rhoades Aykroyd.

Braiding Sweetgrass (2015) by Robin Wall Kimmerer—“This is a wonderful book about learning about the natural world around us and how developing a better understanding of Indigenous knowledge can provide a better understanding of interconnection.” Recommended by faculty member Julia Bach as well as two students.

The Book of (More) Delights (2023) by Ross Gay—“A beautiful follow up to Gay’s initial volume, I enjoyed this second collection even more than the first. Gay invites us to celebrate ordinary delights that comprise our everyday lives and his joy is absolutely contagious—and an antidote to despair!” Recommended by Rebecca, an alum.

Cook Like Your Ancestors: An Illustrated Guide to Intuitive Cooking With Recipes From Around the World (2023) by Mariah-Rose Marie—“The recipes are fun to make. The author also provides cultural context and history.” Recommended by alumna Brenda Hill.

Descartes’ Error: Emotion, Reason, and the Human Brain (1994) by Antonio Damasio—“It shows clearly, we need both halves of the brain to make decisions.” Recommended by an alum.

Dinners with Ruth: A Memoir on the Power of Friendships (2022) by Nina Totenberg—“A memoir that I could not put down. I also highly recommend the audio version!” Recommended by Sarah, alum.

Doppelganger: A Trip into the Mirror World (2023) by Naomi Klein—“This book presents an insightful perspective on many of today’s most relevant topics, from vaccine disinformation to Palestinian freedom. Naomi Klein is a brilliant thinker and writer, and her book is both highly readable and extremely thought provoking.” Recommended by an alum.

Educated (2018) by Tara Westover—“I think of it often years after having read it and being unable to put it down. I loved the strong, determined female protagonist, her values and thirst for education.” Recommended by alumna Audrey Robert Ramirez.

Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis (2018) by JD Vance—“This is a bestselling book written by a brilliant mind, who is elected our new vice president.” Recommended by staff member Sami Milloshi.

House of rain: tracking a vanished civilization across the American Southwest (2007) by Craig Childs—“The descriptive language of his first hand observations of the terrain and archeological sites of the Four Corners region are vivid and compelling. Also see Finders keepers: a tale of archaeological plunder and obsession.” Recommended by staff member Theresa Pedrotti.

How the West Stole Democracy from the Arabs: The Syrian Congress of 1920 and the Destruction of its Historic Liberal-Islamic Alliance (2020) by Elizabeth F. Thompson—“This book is fundamental for understanding the current crisis/civil war in Syria, as well as the Israel Palestine conflict. Additionally, female authorship in this niche is pretty rare. Thompson is a very compelling writer and thorough researcher.” Recommended by student Ezra Golub.

How to Be a Good Creature: A Memoir in Thirteen Animals (2018) by Sy Montgomery—“This book is easy to read and comforting. It discusses human relationships with animals in a way that not many other books do and includes wonderful illustrations and language.” Recommended by student Mariah Sawyer.

The Hundred Years’ War on Palestine: A History of Settler Colonialism and Resistance, 1917–2017 (2020) by Rashid Khalidi—“It is extremely well researched and presents the Palestinian perspective on Palestine/Israel, a perspective that is rarely discussed in the U.S.” Recommended by faculty member Gail Sahar.

If I Must Die: Poetry and Prose (2024) by Refaat Alareer—“Because the ongoing genocide in Gaza must be at the center of conversations ongoing at this liberal arts college—a place that encourages critical thought and challenging the status quo.” Recommended by alumnus Nolan Teixeira ’21.

Indigenous Continent: The Epic Contest for North America (2022) by Pekka Hämäläinen—“It’s a fascinating history of the North American continent that centers the experience of the indigenous population. I’ve never seen the indigenous people of our continent given such agency in history.” Recommended by alumnus Matthew Peirce.

The Intellectual Life: Its Spirit, Conditions, Methods (1992) by A. G. Sertillanges—“The Intellectual Life is a philosophical book giving advice on the thinking life, written by a French priest in the early 20th century. It’s so deep and moving, and surprises me (a non-religious person) every time I read it.” Recommended by faculty member Charlotte Meehan.

Key to the City: How Zoning Shapes Our World (2024) by Sarah Bronin—“Sarah Bronin explores the role that policy choices (in particular, zoning regulations) have played in shaping the built form of our cities and towns. Bronin discusses ways that this policy tool has been used for ill, but also lays out a case for the potential of better, more thoughtful zoning to help us achieve stronger and more sustainable communities.” Recommended by an alum.

Lovely One (2024) by Ketanji Brown Jackson—“It’s a wonderful book about the joy, persistence, strength, and resilience of our first African American woman Supreme Court Justice.” Recommended by alumna Dr. Lisa S. Webb.

The Message (2024) by Ta-Nehisi Coates—“Although the book engages with some very tough issues, it was refreshing to read a book that sheds a light on the links between America’s history of slavery and segregation, and the genocide unfolding in Gaza. Coates’ writing is exceptional as always.” Recommended by faculty member Srijana Shrestha.

Nexus: A Brief History of Information Networks from the Stone Age to AI (2024) by Yuval Noah Harari—“By the author of Sapiens. Reading it has been like a semester of Wheaton classes in history, poly-sci, religion, psychology and of course, information technology.” Recommended by alumna Jane Protzman.

No Ordinary Time: Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt: The Home Front in World War II (1995) by Doris Kearns Goodwin—“Goodwin provides insights into the conflicts and pressures that F.D.R. and his family and administrative circle faced during WWII. The clarity of her style engages the readers’ attention and involvement.” Recommended by alumna Susan Mulvey Rattray.

Rising: Dispatches from the New American Shore (2018) by Elizabeth Rush—“As a Pulitzer prize finalist, the writing in this book is excellent. It’s an important and engaging narrative-meets-journalist look at rising sea levels.” Recommended by alumna Denise Boyce Flaherty ’90.

The Politics of Herding Cats: When Congressional Leaders Fail (2021) by John Lovett—“It offers a great look at how individual members of Congress can influence the policymaking process through media attention. Also, I wrote it.” Recommended by alumnus John Lovett.

Salt: A World History (2002) by Mark Kurlansky—“Great history.” Recommended by Stephanie, alum.

The Salt Path (2018) by Raynor Winn—“The journey this couple took was quite an undertaking for various reasons but they grew closer as a couple and succeeded.” Recommended by alumna Cynthia Mac Ewen.

The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America’s Great Migration (2010) and Caste – (2020) by Isabel Wilkerson—“Helps to understand the country, especially the migration of free people from the south to the north, starting with reconstruction ” Recommended by alumna Betsy Weber.

Universal Design for Learning in the Classroom: Practical Applications for K-12 and Beyond (2024) by Tracey E. Hall, Kristin H. Robinson and David Gordon—“Empowering for teachers and learners, each chapter in this book places learners in the center and envisions classrooms in which individual and cultural differences are valued, celebrated, and understood as essential for success in and out of school.” Recommended by alumna Kristin Robinson.

When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times (2016) by Pema Chödrön—“This book has helped me develop greater acceptance of life’s ups and downs, offering a gentle reminder that even in the toughest moments, there is potential for clarity, healing, and growth.” Recommended by alumnus Patrick B. Summers.

Wifedom: Mrs Orwell’s Invisible Life (2023) by Anna Funder—“From the author of Stasiland, Wifedom is a biography of Orwell’s wife, an aspiring writer herself, as well as an examination of the role of the heterosexually married woman today—have we come as far as we think?” Recommended by alumna Abigail Kienbaum.

Fiction

A Gift from the Sea (1955) by Anne Morrow Lindbergh—“Human philosophy expressed in a wonderful way. I re-read it periodically, and get different things and more out of it with each additional reading.” Recommended by alumna Carrie Farmer.

A Psalm for the Wild-Built (2021) by Becky Chambers—“It’s one of the most beautiful books I’ve ever read and made me so, so happy to be alive.” Recommended by an alum.

A Wizard of Earthsea (1968) by Ursula K. LeGuin—“The first book in the best fantasy series of all time, LeGuin creates a world that is intensely real with characters that are eminently loveable. It will make you cry at the end.” Recommended by a student.

All the Light We Cannot See (2014) by Anthony Doerr—“I feel that this book is beautifully written. For me, the lyrical nature of the writing, as well as the character development (connected by the theme of light conveyed through information and scientific truth) offer a brilliant contrast to the social upheaval in Europe caused by Nazism and ultimately World War II.” Recommended by staff member Sean Schofield.

Along Came a Spider (1993) by James Patterson—“Exciting, suspenseful murder mystery. Easy, quick read perfect for the beach.” Recommended by alumna Taffy Bassett-Fox. 

Babel: Or the Necessity of Violence: An Arcane History of the Oxford Translators’ Revolution (2022) by R. F. Kuang—“As a Latin teacher and linguistics nerd, I was captivated by the tension and struggle between the joy and freedom of language learning and the weaponization of language and translation by imperialist powers.” Recommended by alumna Alexa MacMullen.

Also recommended by faculty member Kira Treibergs:  “I’m only half-way through, but I can’t stop thinking about this book—an elegant interweaving of academia, linguistics, intersectionality, with a magic system that draws power from what is lost in translation between similar words in different languages.” 

Beloved (1987) by Toni Morrison—“It places complex characters in a compelling, moving ghost story that rises up from an unflinching account of slavery in the U.S. It’s about love, brokenness, and the summoning of resilience, and it speaks to our current moment in multiple ways.” Recommended by faculty member Lisa Lebduska.

The Black Stallion (1941) by Walter Farley—“A classic that I grew up on—I recommend it to everyone!” Recommended by student Isabel Varetto.

The Buried Giant (2015) by Kazuo Ishiguro—“Beautiful work that involves themes of perseverance and the power of memory.” Recommended by student Gabriel Albernaz.

Also recommended by staff member Michael Graca: “The book is written in simple language reminiscent of a child’s tale. However, there is great depth beneath its seemingly simple prose—the story raises questions about life, meaning and memory that will stay with you long after you complete this slim book.” 

Cat’s Eye (1988) by Margaret Atwood—“This magical book is capable of changing one’s worldview. Time itself is questioned, all while remaining thoroughly shocking, keeping your attention fixed.” Recommended by Will, student.

The Cat Who Saved Books (2017) by Sosuke Natsukawa—“The story is a heartwarming tale about recovering from grief, finding love and the power of books. It is also about a magic cat who saves books!” Recommended by staff member Taylor McNeilly.

Challenger Deep (2015) by Neal Shusterman—“This is my favorite book of all time, I’ve read it seven times. It’s the story of a teenage boy dealing with schizophrenia, and the book itself has cool abstract and nonlinear sections that really immerse you in his mindset and his struggle to connect with the world around him.” Recommended by student Emilie Winkler.

The Chemist (2017) by Stephenie Meyer—“Interesting and different, great read.” Recommended by a friend of Wheaton.

Cloud Cuckoo Land (2021) by Anthony Doerr—“The first time I finished this book, I immediately had to reread it. It still lingers in my mind as one of the most memorable, satisfying stories I have ever read.” Recommended by faculty member Jenny Lanni.

The Collected Regrets of Clover (2023) by Mikki Brammer—“The protagonist is a death doula who exemplifies compassion and kindness for all of her clients and families. The book is a hug for your soul.” Recommended by an alum.

The Covenant of Water (2023) by Abraham Verghese—“From the very beginning, this 700+ page book pulled me right into the characters’ lives. I sped through the beautifully written story and was sorry to see it end.” Recommended by staff member Catherine Arendt.

Also recommended by alumna Karen Byers: “The book covers about 100 years in the life of a family who are St. Thomas Christians in Southern India. Verghese, a surgeon, is a superb novelist and artful writer. The story is memorable and it was fun to dive deep into this culture. He also narrates the audio book, providing the listener with an authentic tone and timbre. Verghese’s earlier book, Cutting For Stone, also merits your ‘must read’ list.”.

Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine (2017) by Gail Honeyman—“This is a wonderful book about a quirky young woman, her haunting past and her healing journey. I loved it and hope others will too!” Recommended by alumna Beth Swahn (Preston).

The Emerald Mile: The Epic Story of the Fastest Ride in History Through the Heart of the Grand Canyon (2013) by Kevin Fedarko—“A heart-racing true story of the attempt to set a record for the fastest boat trip through the Grand Canyon while at the same time engineers race to save Glen Canyon Dam from catastrophic failure during the historic runoff of 1983. This book details the intersection of the force of nature, the power of technology and the ingenuity and hubris of humans.” Recommended by alumna Ann Peoples.

The Ex Vows (2024) by Jessica Joyce—“The Ex Vows is the perfect feel-good romance book. It really made my year so much better and provided a light during a stressful time.” Recommended by staff member Sophie Clarkin.

The Fifth Season (2015) by N. K. Jemisin—“The Broken Earth Trilogy (of which this is the first book) is one of the most celebrated sci-fi/fantasy series in recent years. I wouldn’t say the book is about joy—it’s more about heartbreak—but the sheer creativity of the author’s worldbuilding, along with the layers of allegory built into the story, make it a book I keep returning to and rereading.” Recommended by faculty member Kate Mason.

Staff member Amanda Napior recommended the full The Broken Earth Trilogy. “The series is an absorbing page-turner with a compelling protagonist!” 

The First Ladies  (2019) by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray—“The book is about the friendship of Mary McLeod Bethune and Eleanor Roosevelt, who visited Wheaton in 1961, when I shook her hand!” Recommended by alumna Marjorie Gelb Jones ’62. 

The Frozen River (2023) by Ariel Lawhon—“The story of Martha Ballard, a midwife in Massachusetts in the 1700s. It’s a story of murder, rape, love and redemption that is a page-turner about a real person.” Recommended by alumna Betsy Longstreth.

Also recommended by alumna Joscelyn Varieur, who wrote: “This book is historical fiction based on the real life midwife Martha Ballard. It takes place in the late 1700s in America.” 

The God of the Woods (2024) by Liz Moore—“This thriller is set in the Adirondacks. It is about summer camp, the ultra-rich, wilderness survival and child abduction. It kept me up till the wee hours trying to figure out whodunnit.” Recommended by staff member Megan Brooks.

The Great Gatsby (1925) by F. Scott Fitzgerald—“The Great Gatsby is a book I feel that everyone should read at least once in their lives. Although the story takes place in the historical roaring ’20s, it is a timelessly tragic tale about the failure of the ‘American dream’. Its stylistic language, characters, setting and description all fit into one another to create this astounding book.” Recommended by student Cass Fallon.

Hatchet (1986) by Gary Paulsen—“It’s a beautifully written, thrilling story with a loveable main character.” Recommended by a student.

The Irish Girl (2024) by Ashley Sweeney ’79—”The Irish Girl shines as an inspiring tale of identity and perseverance. It offers readers a deeper understanding and empathy for the immigrant experience; then by many of our ancestors, like Sweeney’s great-grandmother, Mary Agnes Coyne, and now, by those crossing our borders with the same dreams and hopes in their heart—to find their home.” Recommended by Janis Robertson Daly ’84.

Island of the Blue Dolphins (1960) by Scott O’Dell—“The work of historical fiction featuring an Indigenous woman isolated for 18 years truly captured my imagination as a child. It had themes of respect for nature, loyalty, survival, self-preservation and more. The National Park Service provides a fantastic resource to explore the book, history and related geography.” Recommended by staff member Suzi Robinson.

James (2024) by Percival Everett—“It’s an amazing reinterpretation (translation?) of Twain’s Huckleberry Finn from the perspective of Jim. It honors Twain and is a sharp critique of race in American society.” Recommended by Wheaton parent Conrad Sienkiewicz.

Also recommended by alumna Susan Fellows, who wrote: “It gave me a different perspective and made me think.” 

And by staff member Suzie Greenup: “I was always fascinated by Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn, and I read both books as a teenager. James is very thought-provoking and enticed me to re-read Huck Finn.”

Land of Milk and Honey (2023) by C Pam Zhang—“The writing is incredible, reads like a poem, and her characters are incredibly well developed. A love story in such a subtle way.” Recommended by student Gabby Oja.

Less Than Zero (1985) by Bret Easton Ellis—“Whether you like it or not, it will be unlike anything you’ve ever read.” Recommended by Thomas, student.

Lessons in Chemistry (2022) by Bonnie Garmus—“Strong, brilliant female character striving to overcome sexism in the ’50s, and she somewhat succeeds. Her dog and neighbor are also wonderful additions to the story. A page turner.” Recommended by alumna Nancy Rea ’69.

Leviathan Wakes (2011) by James S. A. Corey—“Thoroughly engaging and well-developed sci-fi space epic. Seven books in total—all worth a marathon read over the holidays cozied up and warm.” Recommended by alumnus Michael Oppenheim.

The Light Years (2020) by R.W.W. Greene ’94—“A fantastic sci-fi story about love in the time of FTL travel. The world building alone is worth the price, but the extraordinary cultural extrapolations and the romance itself are deeply engaging as well. Plus it’s by a Wheaton grad, check out his other novels too.” Recommended by staff member Errick Nunnally.

Little Women (1868) by Louisa May Alcott—“It’s a classic heartwarming story that encapsulates childhood to womanhood, as well as the ambitions of four sisters. Whenever I miss my sister, I read this book!” Recommended by student Abby Sinistore.

The Monster at the End of this Book: Starring Lovable, Furry Old Grover (1971) by Jon Stone, author, and Michael Smollin, illustrator—“Reading this book makes me happy. I remember being a teen, reading it aloud to friends. It did make them smile. I get a copy for any child that I know. How can you go wrong with lovable, furry old Grover?” Recommended “highly” by alumna Linda Fitzpatrick Easterbrooks ’85.

The Night Circus (2011) by Erin Morgenstern—“This book paints a beautiful world with words. I’d recommend it to anyone who likes magical realism (or even those who don’t know they like magical realism yet).” Recommended by faculty member Elizabeth Peterson.

The Nightingale (2015) by Kristin Hannah—“It has been one of my favorites for years. It’s the story of two sisters during World War II-era France. It has incredible storytelling about the two sisters’ different perspectives on their roles and responsibilities during the era, and it has amazing attention to detail as a historical fiction novel.” Recommended by Lizzy, student.

Parable of the Sower (1993) by Octavia Butler—“I would love to see everybody read at least one Octavia Butler book. Parable of the Sower, like The Handmaid’s Tale, is especially appropriate at this time in history. And it’s excellent reading!” Recommended by alumna Alyson Buckman.

Patron Saints of Nothing (2019) by Randy Ribay—“It is a wonderful mystery book that includes important messages on acceptance, fighting for what you believe, and being there for the ones you love.” Recommended by Katie, student.

Perfume: The Story of a Murderer (1985) by Patrick Süskind—“It is a thought-provoking piece that one might not want to like, yet it lures you in like the sweet nectar of a Venus flytrap.” Recommended by a student.

Priory of the Orange Tree (2019) by Samantha Shannon—“It’s an LGBTQ+ dragon fantasy novel with world-building and politics that rival ‘Game of Thrones.’ A prequel novel for this particular universe comes out in 2025!” Recommended by a student.

The Poisonwood Bible (1998) by Barbara Kingsolver—“My favorite book: a little history in a love story, uniquely told.” Recommended by alumna Janice Freeman.

The Red Tent (1997) by Anita Diamant—“A former writer for the Boston Globe, Diamant imagines a female-centric coming-of-age story based on little mentioned Biblical characters.” Recommended by alumna Megan Summers ’96, P’28.

Remarkably Bright Creatures (2022) by Shelby Van Pelt—“The story really appealed to me. I loved the interaction between the two main characters.” Recommended by alumna Jane Sharf.

The Secret History (1992) by Donna Tartt—“Some of the most beautiful writing I’ve ever encountered and an absolutely wild story from start to finish.” Recommended by Thomas, student.

Siddhartha (1922) by Herman Hesse—“Written with clear language and storyline, it lets you understand the workings of life and brings greater understanding, therefore it is uplifting and enlightening.” Recommended by Katti, student.

Sky Full of Elephants (2024) by Cebo Campbell—“A beautiful piece of art that I guarantee will leave you thinking about it long after you flip the final page.” Recommended by faculty member C.C. Chapman.

Still Life (2005) by Louise Penny—“A cozy mystery for a cold winter’s day.” Recommended by Emily, alum.

Success: Three Years in the Life of a Province (Erfolg) (1930) by Lion Fuechtwanger—“Intense, funny, and relatable story of how democracy and the civil society of Germany ended in the rise of fascism. Written in 1928 Feuchtwanger describes the mundane changes in life that would lead up to the Nazis taking power five years later from the view of the provincial world of southern Germany, with all the beer, sausage and small-mindedness—available at the Wheaton library!” Recommended by faculty member Joerg Blumtritt.

The Summerhouse (2001) by Jude Deveraux—“Would you take the opportunity to relive the past and explore the road not taken? And if so, would you choose to live that alternate path or return to what is known? I enjoyed this story about three female friends who each receive an opportunity to explore the ‘what-might-have-been’ path during a girls’ weekend away.” Recommended by a faculty member.

Sweep: A Story of a Girl and her Monster (2018) by Jonathan Auxier—“This book was an unexpected delight to read!” Recommended by staff member Natalie Pina.

Things Fall Apart (1958) by Chinua Achebe—“I read this book at Wheaton as a freshman and loved it. It has stuck with me for the past 35 years!” Recommended by alumnus Lyman Green.

This is Happiness (2019) by Niall Williams—“It is a beautifully written love letter to community and growing up.” Recommended by staff member Kate McKeon.

This Time Tomorrow (2022) by Emma Straub—“A moving story about a dad and daughter relationship with some time travel.” Recommended by a staff member.

Through the Eyes of a Raptor (2007) by Julie Hahnke—“This book is for a teen/young adult audience, but it’s one my sister and I turn to again and again as a great read even as adults. It’s got magical realism, mysteries and plenty of page-turning moments about a recently-orphaned girl finding a how-to guide on shapeshifting in her grandmother’s Scottish highland estate.” Recommended by alumna Cody Sheedy.

The Travelling Cat Chronicles (2012) by Hiro Arikawa—“This book is a comfy read, being told from the perspective of Nana the cat, you almost feel like you are purring along with him as he retells a lot of thought-provoking stories. I was gifted this book from my Danish friend, Linda, and it reminds me of how much I loved studying abroad in Denmark while enrolled at Wheaton.” Recommended by alumna Haley Gamel.

The Unlocked Path (2022) by Janis Robinson Daly ’84—“A celebration of women’s education by exploring the Woman’s Medical College of PA. The Unlocked Path presents and embraces a “New Woman” of the early 20th century: educated, career-minded, independent. The women who paved the paths for many.” Recommended by an alumna.

The Violin Conspiracy (2022) by Brendan Slocumb—“Mystery about an underprivileged black high school student who starts playing a rented violin. His grandmother gives him the family fiddle, he discovers it’s a Stradivarius and eventually he rises to become a world class violinist, overcoming huge family drama.” Recommended by alumna Deby Glidden.

The Women (2024) by Kristin Hannah—“Inspirational! Loved Frankie and her grit!” Recommended by an alum.

We Were Liars (2014) by E. Lockhart—“Suspenseful, provocative, yet clear, We Were Liars talks of human resistance and community after loss and mistakes and the unconditional love of a family.” Recommended by student Joy Schmutz.

You Made A Fool Of Death With Your Beauty (2022) by Akwaeke Emezi—“It was captivating, provocative, sexy. Very well-written in its exploration of passion and loyalty among an unfamiliar, refreshingly frank group of characters.” Recommended by alumna Vicky Gregorian Drumsta.