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Summer reading to inspire empathy, community, and reflection

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When I think of the summer, it often includes making a list of “to do” goals – the  most important of which is reflecting on the past academic year, planning for the next, AND diving into making time for reading. And, just as in the past three Junes, I enjoy sharing my recent favorites and planned readings with you.

In particular, this June, I’m focused on fiction, based on inspiration from Dr. Kevin High’s remarks at the hooding ceremony for our Graduate School of Arts and Sciences on May 17. Dr. High urged us to prioritize empathy by exercising and strengthening it. This remains critically important in a world where artificial intelligence is proliferating. And he noted that reading, especially reading fiction, is an immensely effective way to strengthen our “humanity muscles” and our empathy.

For me, this circled directly back to my homework assignment to our students last August, 10 months ago, in our 2024 New Student Convocation.  I tasked our then newest Deacs – and really all of us – to practice empathy, in big ways and small ones, when it comes easily and when it is challenging. 

Dr. High also reminded us of the power of community – no technology, not even AI, can replace humanity’s unmatched capacity for empathy, creativity, and wisdom. And the knowledge we create as a community is critically important to the work we do as a university and in living our motto Pro Humanitate to the fullest. 

And so, I invite you to join me in practicing empathy through your own summer reading – to enjoy and strengthen our humanity muscles as a community. Here are a few titles I have enjoyed recently or am looking forward to – and of course, I welcome your recommendations for books, both fiction and nonfiction, that you have read this year or have added to your list for summer. 

Night Watch by Jane Ann Phillips

For those who appreciate novels that delve into the intricacies of human emotion and memory, I’d recommend Jane Ann Phillips’s Night Watch. Set in rural West Virginia, Night Watch is a story of the life of a young woman navigating grief and memory in rural West Virginia after the loss of her mother. Phillips masterfully explores the landscape of grief and the subtle ways our past shapes our present, and creates a deeply atmospheric and emotionally resonant portrait of family and place.

The Night Watchman by Louise Erdrich

I only recognized the serendipity of these first two titles being so similar when an alumnus recently asked me at an event what I was reading. I had just finished Night Watch and was starting The Night Watchman! Over the years, I have read nearly all of Louise Erdrich’s novels. The Night Watchman stands as a testament to resilience and is based on the life of Erdrich’s grandfather. This powerful novel tells the story of a Chippewa council member and his efforts to protect tribal rights in the 1950s. It explores community, the strength of personal conviction, and the profound impact of historical events on individual lives.

People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks

I was immediately drawn into Geraldine Brooks’ People of the Book. The story details the remarkable journey of an ancient manuscript across centuries, and a rare book preservationist’s noble effort to study it and ensure its care. People of the Book explores how objects can carry profound stories, and connect generations and cultures through shared heritage and the persistent human spirit. I think it also offers readers a reminder of the power of conservation and the enduring legacies woven into art. 

And finally, one that I have not yet read, but my husband Chris just recommended to me:

The Paris Novel by Ruth Reichl

I have read Reichl’s memoir-based writings (due to my dual loves of reading and cooking), but this novel promises to take me in new directions and memories of past trips to Paris. The Paris Novel – according to Chris –  follows its protagonist, Leah, as she finds herself anew after a significant life change, embracing new experiences and navigating personal growth amidst the iconic French city. 

Wishing you all a good summer; as is my summer practice, the next issue of From Wente’s Desk is planned for August.

A recap of posts from this past year is provided here:  

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