The holidays are upon us! With a break in the academic calendar, now is the perfect time to curl up with a good book. Here is our staff’s recommended reading list for 2025!
Blindsight
by Peter Watts
Recommended by Sam Baureis (ACT Tutor)
It’s an intriguing sci-fi look at consciousness, identity, and humanity. After reading it, I started seeing (pun intended) the world in a new way.
The Sirens’ Call: How Attention Became the World’s Most Endangered Resource
by Chris Hayes
Recommended by Scott (Other)
It discusses what I consider the most relevant skill for students, parents, and any person: attention.
When Breath Becomes Air
by Paul Kalanithi
Recommended by Maija (Academic Tutor)
If you like a good memoir, this story is very touching and inspiring.
Style: Toward Clarity and Grace (2nd ed.)
by Joseph Williams
Recommended by Matt (ACT Tutor)
I wish I had read this when I was in high school. For students who struggle with writing and grammar, this book is the one to read. It is short and concise, with excellent examples. It can be helpful for the ACT and SAT, from the more basic grammar questions to the more difficult stylistic questions. This is the book to learn effective communication through the written word.
Beneath a Scarlet Sky
by Mark Sullivan
Recommended by Lynn (Other)
I especially love historical fiction that is based on true stories where the author was able to hear the account directly from the main character. Following Pino Lella’s journey as a teenager in WWII as part of the Italian Resistance was both fascinating and incredibly moving. I highly recommend it.
Heart the Lover
by Lily King
Recommended by Hildy (Academic Tutor)
It made me cry in the best way. If you like beautifully written slice-of-life novels (like Ann Patchett), this book will hit just right!
The Newcomers
by Helen Thorpe
Recommended by Gabby (ACT Tutor)
It’s an easy read following a journalist as she gets to understand the lives of multilingual students in newcomer English classes at a high school in Colorado. She provides in-depth stories about how they came to the U.S., their ongoing struggles, and their growth within the English class.
The Once and Future King
by T. H. White
Recommended by Daniel Deuel (Academic Coach)
The unpacking of its central theme—“does might make right”—is done in such an artful way that you’ll laugh, cry, and grow with each chapter.
The Wishing Game
by Meg Shaffer
Recommended by Ellen (Other)
This was such a fun book to read. It is a young adult novel but great for any age. The storyline includes relevant themes like facing fears, forgiveness, and what makes a family a family. There’s a lighthearted feeling that makes it easy to read, with characters that are easy to connect to. Great book for a family book club.
Redshirts
by John Scalzi
Recommended by Ethan (College Counselor)
Everyone should be a Star Trek fan, and this is a fun and deeper-than-expected parody of the clichés we all know from the original series.
The Gales of November: The Untold Story of the Edmund Fitzgerald
by John U. Bacon
Recommended by Zach Galin (College Counselor)
If you love maps and detailed stories of ship navigation, this is the book for you.
Good Material
by Dolly Alderton
Recommended by Annika Heyworth (Academic Coach)
It’s funny, real, and hits all the messy, emotional, and awkward parts of life like love, friendship, heartbreak, while still making you laugh. I couldn’t put it down and read it all in one sitting!
Orbital
by Samantha Harvey
Recommended by Ashley Wood (Academic Coach)
A beautiful meditation of the the environment, time, and relationships from the perspective of a group of astronauts orbiting the earth on the international space station.
