Our Summer 2024 Reading List
It’s summer and the Galin team has book recommendations for both students and parents alike to crack open by the pool. Check out this year’s summer reading list below!
Lights All Night Long
by Lydia Fitzpatrick
Recommended by Liz
“Not only was the story gripping and the writing really vivid, this book made me think about what life in the American suburbs might seem like to someone coming from a totally different context.”
The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer
by Siddhartha Mukherjee
Recommended by Wesley
“This book is an incredibly well-written, narratively focused account of the history of cancer. It tells an inspiring narrative that elegantly captures the long and fascinating history of humanities relationship with cancer. Given the prevalence of the subject matter, it’s definitely worth a read!”
The Picture of Dorian Gray
by Oscar Wilde
Recommended by Madeline
“This is a short novel written in a gothic horror style that tells the story of a man who lets his good looks destroy his soul…very literally. An exciting and dramatic tale, and a quick read!”
While You Were Out
by Meg Kissinger
Recommended by Paula
“Compelling and well-written memoir addressing mental illness’s impact on a family during a time when it wasn’t as talked about as it is now. Author was longtime reporter for Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and a Pulitzer finalist. Noted as one of 2023’s best memoirs.”
The Lies I Tell
by Julie Clark
Recommended by Jenn
“This book provides two perspectives/points of view regarding the same moments in time. Without beating the reader over the head with it, the novel tackles the female perspective and some of the struggles that come with that. This novel shows that even when we think we understand a situation, there is always another side.”
The Mathematician’s Shiva: A Novel
by Stuart Rojstaczer
Recommended by Sanchita
“Great fiction book about a mathematician in Madison! It also has a protagonist who’s a female mathematician which are far and few in between!”
Ice Rivers
by Jemma Wadham
Recommended by Ben
“While many students read about science without direct applicability to the world at large, Ice Rivers provides a first hand account of the scientific process through the study of glaciers. Wadham’s book is well written and approachable while discussing critical environmental issues.”
A Brightness Long Ago
by Guy Gavriel Kay
Recommended by Beth
“Terrific historical fantasy novel evoking early Renaissance Italy. Beautifully written!”
The Nightingale
by Kirstin Hannah
Recommended by Ena
“A great read, I couldn’t put it down! The story-telling is well-done and super engaging. It’s based off real history events but the story itself is fiction. Definitely a tear-jerker towards the end.”
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow
by Gabrielle Zevin
Recommended by Erin and Ellen
“This book was so moving and entertaining! A very quick pace with excellent characters.” – Erin
“I loved this book because it was such a powerful story of friendship and growing up. This story follows how two very different childhood friends turn their decades long passion for video games into a successful business.” – Ellen
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Recommended by Ama
“This book was one of the best fiction books I’ve read in the past few years, where I was hooked and entertained and surprised all in one.”
The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store
by James McBride
Recommended by Ashley
“This novel explores community, race, religion, and family by following the residents of a small town in PA in the early 20th century. You will find characters to love, characters to hate, and friendships to root for. Gripping from the very first page!”
A Walk in the Woods
by Bill Bryson
Recommended by Jeff
“Bryson brings history, comedy, and pitch perfect writing to his real life trek along the Applachian Trail. It is an fantastic summer read and will, no doubt, lead you to seek out his other books!”
Co-Intelligence: Living and Working with AI
by Ethan Mollick
Recommended by Michael
“Generative AI has caused a commotion (I know, understatement of the year) and Ethan Mollick does a phenomenal job of grounding our current progress in generative AI usage while encouraging us to dream forward. Regardless of if you’re a burgeoning college student or an experienced professional, you should read this if you’re looking for actionable insights on the coming wave of redefined productivity.”
Politics and the English Language
by George Orwell
Recommended by Ethan
“This book is a deep dive into how a great mind thinks about the essential tool of his craft – a tool all students need to learn to use to the best of their ability: language itself!”
