Books for an Afternoon Indoors

BY CAMRYN WIMBERLY

As we enter the spring semester, rainy days are becoming more and more common. Take advantage of those days by using it as an opportunity to curl up with a mug of tea (or your choice of beverage!) and read something new! Here are ten book suggestions from librarian Sarah Myers, all available in Murray Library.

1. “Eight Flavors: The Untold Story of American Cuisine”

BY SARAH LOHMAN

Learn about flavors that have shaped historical and contemporary American cuisine such as black pepper, garlic and sriracha. Then cook up some of the recipes in each chapter. This book is a good read and a good way to learn about some new recipes you may be able to try out with friends!

2. “The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society”

BY MARY ANN SHAFFER & ANNIE BARROWS

A serendipitous stroke of chance brings Guernsey (UK) islanders together with a London writer. In reading their correspondence, it tells of the tragedies, resilience and joy experienced during and after WWII. Find out what goes into a potato peel pie. Be sure to watch the movie adaptation on Netflix after finishing this book!

3. “Austenland: A Novel”

BY SHANNON HALE

Jane Hayes is the ultimate Jane Austen enthusiast and signs up for an immersive vacation at an Austen-themed resort in England. Will Austenland be as enchanting as she thought? Enjoy with some tea, a good laugh and a modern twist on Austen’s classic tales.

4. “Hobbit Lessons: A Map for Life's Unexpected Journeys”

BY DEVIN BROWN

Discover valuable truths from Bilbo’s journey — without the danger of being eaten by a dragon.

5. “The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy”

BY DOUGLAS ADAMS

If Monty Python had been science fiction, it might have been like this. Follow the misadventures of the last surviving man, Arthur Dent, following the demolition of the Earth. After a human-like alien writer of the eccentric travel guide saves him, the adventure begins.

6. “Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood”

BY TREVOR NOAH

As the child of a white father and a black mother in South Africa during Apartheid, his birth was literally a crime. Both humorous and heartbreaking, comedian Trevor Noah’s anecdotes are compelling, inspiring and wittily uplifting. A movie adaptation is in early production.

7. “The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World”

BY HIS HOLINESS THE DALAI LAMA AND ARCHBISHOP DESMOND TUTU, WITH DOUGLAS ABRAMS

Two leading spiritual masters share their wisdom about living with joy through their personal stories and teachings about the science of profound happiness. You’ll be entertained, encouraged, educated and hopefully filled with joy!

8. “Hello, Universe”

BY ERIN ENTRADA KELLY

A Newbery Medal-winning novel about the unexpected adventures of four middle schoolers that celebrates bravery, being different and finding your inner hero. Unlikely friendships are formed in this playful and thoughtful story for all ages.

9. “Early Riser: A Novel”

BY JASPER FFORDE

In an alternate reality, strange things happen when humans begin hibernating during ice age-like winters. There is a Winter Consul Service responsible for the safety of dreaming people, but when dreams start getting bizarre, Charlie must seek out the truth.

10. “Into Thin Air: A Personal Account of the Mount Everest Disaster”

BY JON KRAKAUER

Krakauer, an experienced climber and accomplished writer, recounts the tragic 1996 climbing season on Mount Everest. No book on mountaineering better describes the emotions and physical sensations of being in that brutal yet exhilarating environment.