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Book: A History of the World in Seven Cheap Things: A Guide to Capitalism, Nature, and the Future of the Planet by Raj Patel and Jason W. Moore
This book skillfully interweaves nature, capitalism, culture, and history, allowing readers to expand their horizons and gain a profound understanding of their existence on a planetary context. It has inspired me to explore reader-friendly approaches for producing and presenting my research.
Sarah Garcia-Beaumier
Book: A Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl
This may be a surprising choice given that few psychologists practice logotherapy. However, I have found this book to be highly influential in my work with both patients and students. Frankl argues that our search for happiness is counterproductive, and that there is no singular meaning. Rather a search for meaning in any situation, even in suffering, and a responsibility towards pursuing that will ensure wellbeing. In a field often focused on current symptoms- current crises- this line of thinking reorients us to each individual client’s, and our own, meaning in that moment.
Lynn Kee
Book: My Neighbor Totoro by Tsugiko Kubo, illustrated and based on the film by Hayao Mizayaki
Although originally from Malaysia, I spent my childhood in Japan. This book and movie is about a tight knit family, the love they have for each other, and the play and adventures the kids embark on in a beautiful place. Totoro takes me back to my wonderful childhood, the culture and fun I was immersed in as a kid in my neighborhood. The curiosity and play as a child has led me to be the scientist and teacher I am today.
Karen Merritt
Book: Great Singers on Great Singing by Jerome Hines
It’s a fun read and fascinating, because it illustrates so clearly that there is no one right approach to singing… all of these hugely successful stars discussing their often radically different methods and techniques… sometimes it’s hard to believe they’re even talking about the same art form! It’s a great allegory for teaching voice, though… we have to use such varied approaches for the different needs and learning styles of our students.
Will Miles
Book: Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell; The Bible by various authors
The most influential books for me are the Episcopal Book of Common Prayer and the Holy Bible. If you’d prefer to display something less religious, I also frequently reference Malcolm Gladwell’s Outliers.
Khushbu Mishra
Book: Poor Economics: A Radical Rethinking of the Way to Fight Global Poverty by Abhijit V. Banerjee and Esther Duflo
I was particularly inspired by Duflo’s experimental approach to solving economic problems faced by the poorest societies around the world as I come from one of the poorest nations as well and I have seen some of these issues firsthand.
Tara Schuwerk
Book: Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett
Good Omens is a book that prompts deep consideration of friendship, good/evil, free will, and what it means to be human. I appreciate Pratchett and Gaiman’s writing style and humor, as well as their ability to present their affection for humans, while deftly expressing anger and irritation for issues caused by humans such as religion and environmental destruction. Good Omens is thought provoking in an engaging way, something that I believe is important to liberal arts learning.
Chaz Underriner
Book: Laziness Does Not Exist: A Defense of the Exhausted, Exploited, and Overworked by Devon Price
I’ve gotten the library to acquire all kinds of things already. A book that has been influential to me is Devon Price’s Laziness Does Not Exist
