Recreational Reading Collection: Staff Picks

I found Radical Hope at a time when I wasn't feeling much hope. These letters, essays and meditations really lifted me up when the state of the world was pushing me towards despair, frustration and anger. I think we all need a little dose of positivity and hope, especially as we deal with difficult things. There are so many insightful and affirming chapters of this book and they're pretty short, so you can quickly see what resonates with the reader and where the reader is. Recommended by Michael

I first read A Pilgrim at Tinker Creek in my second year of college. It opened my eyes to the crazy adventures going on in the natural world, right under our noses. A giant water beetle liquefies the innards of a small frog, then slurps them up like a smoothie, causing the frog to deflate like a balloon before the author's eyes. Annie Dillard writes with wonder and a lovely sense of humor. Recommended by Dani.

The Colonial Defense Force wants you! Old Man’s War is a eye-opening space opera that follows army recruit John Perry on his adventures across the galaxy with a diverse and captivating cast of characters. What makes Perry, and by that means the rest of the book, so unique compared to other Sci-fi thrillers what happens when they discover the interstellar war that humanity has been fighting in for decades is not as it appears... Without the risk of spoiling anything be prepared to follow along with the twists and surprises that make this Hugo Award Finalist so captivating. Recommended by Stella

Part guidebook, autobiography, and historical narrative this book chronicles Soennichsen’s intimate experiences as an avid explorer of one of the world’s mysterious places, Death Valley, California. Drawing from the author’s journals and weaving historical accounts and modern day tales to paint a vivid picture of a place that’s very much alive and has fascinated the human psyche for generations. I’ve explored this part of the Southwest and can vouch for its allure and beauty. Your next adventure?! Death Valley National Park! Recommended by Cora