Searching for an excellent summer book?

Shakespeare! Romantic entanglements! Homicide! What’s not appealing? This is an engaging yet intelligent beach read for fans of Shakespeare and/or psychological thrillers. It’s brisk, well-crafted, and a bit wicked.

— Daniel Becker, Reference, Collections, and Instruction Librarian for the Botany Libraries

‘Where the Forest Meets the Stars’
by Glendy Vanderah

Joanna Teal, conducting avian ecology research in the Illinois woods, discovers a young girl in her yard who claims to be an extraterrestrial from the planet Hetreyah. She indicates that she’s studying Earth — and she hopes to identify five miracles here before she returns. Who is she? Where does she come from? And what is her desire? It’s heartfelt, warm, enigmatic, captivating, and one of the finest novels I’ve read in years. 

— James Adler, Library Cataloger, Information and Technical Services

‘7th Time Loop: The Villainess Enjoys a Carefree Life Married to Her Worst Enemy!’
by Touko Amekawa

A distinctive interpretation of a Groundhog Day-style narrative, this is a delightful romance with a compelling plot and characters. I appreciate that Rishe is not a damsel in distress and possesses many distinctive abilities she has acquired from each life she has experienced before her inevitable “reset.” The romantic lead, Arnold, is also intriguing and a conundrum, considering he killed poor Rishe in all her former lives before proposing to her in this one!

— Maura Carbone, Systems Integration Specialist, Library Technology Services

‘Summer’
by Edith Wharton

This novel explores a young woman’s burgeoning sensuality in suffocating conditions (for those acquainted with Wharton’s “Ethan Frome,” Wharton described “Summer” as a “heated ‘Ethan.’”) It offers a passionate reflection on female sexuality rebelling against societal limitations — an ideal read for a captivating, escapist summer.

— Tricia Patterson, Senior Digital Preservation Specialist, Preservation Services

‘War and Peace’
by Leo Tolstoy

Grand in both size and scope. From clandestine romantic escapades to Napoleon’s incursion into Russia and the devastation of Moscow, it weaves an extraordinary tale. Few novels have reignited my passion for reading so profoundly. My copy is already prepared for a 19-hour journey to Singapore.

— Julia Reynolds, Serials Acquisitions and Management Assistant, Information and Technical Services

‘Enter Ghost’
by Isabella Hammad

This novel has remained with me long after I consumed it nearly in one sitting. While visiting her sister in their shared childhood home in Haifa, British-Palestinian actress Sonia becomes involved in portraying Gertrude in an Arabic rendition of “Hamlet” in the West Bank. Isabella Hammad masterfully captures the confusion of returning “home” to a space that feels simultaneously known yet alien. Upon completion, you’ll question your own specters and reflect on the actions — both personal and political — they encourage you to pursue.

— Chelcie Juliet Rowell, Associate Head of Digital Collections Discovery, UX and Discovery, Lamont Library

‘The MANIAC’
by Benjamín Labatut

An audaciously experimental examination of a scientific upheaval, its beginnings and ramifications. It refracts its narrative (and critique) of our digital reality through the life of prodigious intellect John von Neumann, recounted in the long-lost voices of those who knew him closely. According to a reviewer, “This transcends mere science writing … it’s science storytelling, bestowing the reader … a robust sense of the bursts of intellectual and physical vigor that fuel discovery and creativity.”

— Carol Tierney, Collection Development Assistant, Widener Library

‘The Memory Police’ 
by Yōko Ogawa

This novel incorporates various narrative structures: It’s science fiction, existentialist, and satirical. I frequently found myself astonished by the plot’s direction and discovered that it perpetually defied my assumptions.

— Ellen Wu, Access Services Coordinator, Widener Library

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‘The Teller of Small Fortunes’
by Julie Leong

A genuinely outstanding, warm-hearted “found family” tale infused with a touch of magic. Highly endorse it to anyone who appreciated the “Legends & Lattes” series.

— April Duclos, Harvard Depository Resource Sharing Manager

‘Gifted & Talented’
by Olivie Blake

The brief description here is “‘Succession’ with magic,” but I haven’t seen “Succession,” so I’ll simply describe it as a chaotic, darkly humorous, subtly sweet family drama concerning three siblings with complex lives and extraordinary talents who must unite and sort through their shared turmoil following their powerful, distant patriarch’s unexpected passing. Recommended for enthusiasts of Naomi Novik’s “Scholomance” series, “The Magicians,” or Leigh Bardugo’s “Ninth House.”

— Rachel Greenhaus, Library Assistant for Printed and Published Materials, Schlesinger Library

‘Shark Heart: A Love Story’
by Emily Habeck

This book is amusing, peculiar, heartfelt, and poignant. Who would have thought I’d connect so intensely with someone gradually transforming into an animal? Narrated through various formats including poetry and scripts, the narrative crafted by the author makes fantasy feel vividly real. This is a fantastic, quick read ideal for a summer getaway.

— Hannah Hack, Administrative Coordinator, Harvard University Archives

‘Wild Magic’
by Tamora Pierce

Tamora Pierce has a vast array of YA fantasy works that delve into contemporary themes — although she authored them long before they became trendy. While I would advocate for any of her titles (and there are numerous in this realm), this specific one follows a young girl named Daine, ostracized by her town and seeking her own path amidst a mysterious force perceived by some as lunacy — or possibly magic. She possesses a profound connection to creatures and nature, learning along her journey to embrace everything that makes her uniquely herself. If you wish to explore a tale filled with magic, talking animals, quirky figures, and a rich universe brimming with adventure, then this quick read will undoubtedly captivate!

— Sarah Hoke, Librarian for Collection Development Management, Widener Library

‘A Sorceress Comes to Call’
by T. Kingfisher

As usual, T. Kingfisher captivated me within the initial pages of this fantasy tale. The narrative revolves around Cordelia and her malevolent mother, Evangeline, who schemes to wed a prosperous squire. As they relocate to his estate, Cordelia collaborates with the squire’s sister, Hester, to face and impede Evangeline. I recommend it if you are intrigued by intricate female characters, a hint of gothic horror in a Regency-era setting, and the theme of found family.

— Meg McMahon, User Experience Researcher, UX and Discovery, Lamont Library

‘With Darkness Came Stars: A Memoir’
by Audrey Flack

A total revelation and a thought-provoking read. A memoir detailing the evolution of Audrey Flack’s creativity, her decisions and obstacles, from mid-century abstract expressionism to a founding member of the photorealist movement to her role as a sculptor.

— Timothy Conant, Access Coordinator, Harvard Kennedy School Library and Research Services

‘The Yellow House’
by Sarah M. Broom

Even though I randomly stumbled upon this book at a bookstore in New Orleans, it has turned out to be among my favorite reads this year. It’s more of a tale of family and place, exploring themes of belonging and non-belonging, illustrating how our childhood surroundings possess us as much as we inhabit them.

— Katarzyna “Kasia” Maciak, Senior E-Resources Support Specialist, Information and Technical Services

‘Rebel Girl: My Life as a Feminist Punk’
by Kathleen Hanna

Feminist, punk musician, and inspiring figure Kathleen Hanna from Bikini Kill and Le Tigre tells her life stories in this memoir. Compiled in concise chapters about her convictions, talents, and motivations as a pioneering Riot Grrrl, the narratives are reflective and elegantly crafted.

— Scott Murry, Senior Designer, Harvard Library Communications

‘There’s Always This Year: On Basketball and Ascension’
by Hanif Abdurraqib

Home is a simple word, yet it assumes a deeper meaning when a sense of belonging is intricately connected to a game of remarkable skill and a bit of fate. As a Midwesterner, Abdurraqib writes beautifully about his hometown (Columbus, Ohio) and how his youth and adulthood intertwine, collide, and run parallel to the high school and professional journey of basketball legend LeBron James. Whether discussing the cruelty of incarceration or the hope of freedom symbolized by planes taking off on a suburban runway, or the deep bass of a customized car heard from blocks away, there is care and poetic rhythm conveyed in the prose throughout these pages.

— Mimosa Shah, Associate Curator, Schlesinger Library

‘No. 91/92: A Diary of a Year on the Bus’
by Lauren Elkin

I recently commenced my role at Harvard Library and, as a result, I now commute on the MBTA far more often than before. My daily rides frequently evoke memories of Lauren Elkin’s ode to observing people and quiet reflection. Elkin is a sharp yet empathetic observer who truly breathes life into the mundane, and her insights may motivate you to set aside your phone and earbuds during your next public transit adventure.

— Madeline Sharaga, Program Assistant for Research, Teaching, and Learning, Widener Library

‘Happiness Becomes You: A Guide to Changing Your Life for Good’
by Tina Turner

This book has infused me with tremendous hope — particularly during a time when it is most necessary. Tina Turner illustrates how anyone can surmount life’s challenges and realize their aspirations, providing spiritual guidance and timeless wisdom to aid us in enriching our unique journeys.

— Sachie Shishido, Cataloger for Japanese Resources, Information and Technical Services

‘Palo Alto: A History of California, Capitalism, and the World’
by Malcolm Harris

Have you ever questioned why Silicon Valley operates the way it does? The brief response is capitalism. This book offers an extended explanation. The railroads, equestrian racing, the heartbreaking demise of Leland Stanford’s offspring and the homicide of his spouse, racial genetics and the advent of IQ tests, the military-industrial complex, redlining, and of course (after all those and additional factors), the computer. Harris identifies as a Marxist historian, naturally succeeding the late illustrious Mike Davis. The narrative traverses through a century and a half of industrial idolization to unearth the historical dynamics that have shaped Silicon Valley’s dark (omni)present.

— Claire Blechman, Digital Repository Coordinator, Open Scholarship and Research Data Services

‘We Are Free to Change the World: Hannah Arendt’s Lessons in Love and Disobedience’
by Lyndsey Stonebridge

Just a moment — a book dedicated to Hannah Arendt’s life and contributions that empowers you to combat autocracy and totalitarianism? Precisely. Arendt was occasionally mistaken, more frequently accurate, courageous, articulate, and humorous, holding a profound belief in love and humanity’s capability to overcome unspeakable evil through community building and adherence to the truth. If there’s a book to inspire renewed faith in our capacity for action, Stonebridge’s enchanting text will propel you forward.

— Elizabeth E. Kirk, Associate University Librarian for Scholarly Resources and Services

‘Nature’s Best Hope: A New Approach to Conservation That Starts in Your Yard’
by Douglas W. Tallamy

A remarkable read on conservation, gardening, landscape design, and sustainability. Tallamy guides you through numerous ideals of great conservationists while providing uplifting and practical methods for transforming your residence — and lawn. Who wouldn’t desire their own small-scale national park filled with pollinators and native flora at their doorstep? Highly recommended.

— Harmony Eidolon, Program Coordinator, Library Innovation Lab, Harvard Law School Library

‘Who Owns This Sentence? A History of Copyrights and Wrongs’
by David Bellos and Alexandre Montagu

An engaging and accessible overview of copyright legislation and its surprising influence on various facets of our daily lives.

— Kate Rich, Senior Conservation Technician, Collections Care, Preservation Services, Widener Library

‘Paved Paradise: How Parking Explains the World’
by Henry Grabar

A micro-history that truly fulfills its promise of elucidating the world — if your focus lies on cities and their evolution. Merging broad socioeconomic analysis with intimate personal stories, Grabar uncovers how parking has engulfed our communities and lifestyles. His compassionate examination of complex planning issues reveals that — contrary to needing additional parking — even our most densely populated urban areas have constructed too much of it, often at the cost of the most vulnerable residents.

— Alessandra Seiter, Community Engagement Librarian, Harvard Kennedy School Library and Research Services

‘Young Queens: Three Renaissance Women and the Price of Power’
by Leah Redmond Chang

I’m utterly captivated by the realm of Catherine de Medici as depicted in this book. I believed I was well-versed in the time and setting where these women existed, yet there are so many delightful new revelations!

— Molly Taylor-Poleskey, Map Librarian, Harvard Map Collection