Reinert-Alumni Library

Library Sponsor:
Mary Nash

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
by Sherman Alexie

Determined to take his future into his own hands, budding cartoonist Junior leaves his troubled school on the rez to attend an all-white farm town school, where the only other Indian is the school mascot. Heartbreaking, funny, and beautifully written, this young adult novel is based on the author's own experiences, with drawings by Ellen Forney (adapted from the publisher).

Nominated by Fr. Ray Bucko, S.J., Department of Sociology and Anthropology

Library Sponsor:
Chris Carmichael

Choosing Civility: The 25 Rules of Considerate Conduct
by P.M. Forni

"Most people would agree that thoughtful behavior and common decency are in short supply, or simply forgotten in hurried lives of emails, cell phones, and multi-tasking. In Choosing Civility, P. M. Forni identifies the 25 rules that are most essential in connecting effectively and happily with others" (from the publisher).

Nominated by Bruce Mattson, Department of Chemistry

Library Sponsor:
Mary Nash

G-Dog and the Homeboys
by Celeste Fremon

Father Greg Boyle, or G-Dog to the gang members of East Los Angeles, is a Jesuit priest raised in middle-class Southern California. Through the Dolores Mission Catholic Church, Father Boyle acts as priest, confidante, tough love counselor, advocate, and friend to the Latino teenagers living and dying in a reality marked by abuse, poverty, and criminal exploitation that is too often resolved by violence and death (adapted from the publisher).

Nominated by MarySue Wydeven, School of Nursing

Library Sponsor:
Nathan Morgan

The Last Lecture
by Randy Pausch

For computer scientist Dr. Randy Pausch, the "last lecture" was not a mere formality; he had been diagnosed with terminal cancer. But the lecture he gave in September, 2007 wasn't about dying. It was an upbeat, humorous, intelligent, and ultimately inspirational call to his students to achieve their childhood dreams (adapted from the publisher).

Nominated by Francis Origanti, Department of Social Work

Library Sponsor:
Mike Poma

Stumbling on Happiness
by Daniel Gilbert

"Why are lovers quicker to forgive their partners for infidelity than for leaving dirty dishes in the sink? ... In this brilliant, witty, and accessible book, renowned Harvard psychologist Daniel Gilbert describes the foibles of imagination and illusions of foresight that cause each of us to misconceive our tomorrows and misestimate our satisfactions" (from the publisher).

Nominated by Pat Durow, Department of Education