Book Recommendations
Book Recommendations
Summer provides the perfect opportunity to pick up a new book. Members of the Harvard community are excited to share recommendations in nonfiction, literary fiction, fantasy, sci-fi, mystery, and more.
Picks from Harvard librarians
Whether you’re taking a vacation or a staycation, you’ll be transported to somewhere new with a great book. Harvard Library staff share their faves.
I thought I knew a lot about the time and place in which these women moved, but there are so many delightful new insights!”“Young Queens: Three Renaissance Women and the Price of Power” by Leah Redmond Chang
Recommended by Molly Taylor-Poleskey, map librarian, Harvard Map Collection
It is simply extraordinary to me how little we know of a civilization whose reach extended from the Gibraltar to Kiev.”“Children of Ash and Elm: A History of the Vikings” by Neil Price
Recommended by Fiery Cushman, professor of psychology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences
When one wishes to be a student again (or finds oneself in the role of leader), this is the novel to open.”“The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie” by Muriel Spark
Recommended by Sarah Braunstein, instructor at Harvard Extension School
From the experts
Robin Bernstein, Harvard’s Dillion Professor of American History, shares why she has been a fan of “Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic” by Alison Bechdel since it was published in 2006.
Better than the book?
Harvard faculty recommend their favorite reads adapted for the silver screen, some of which may have even improved in the process.
Science? Yes. Fiction? Maybe.
Science fiction has long challenged how we think about technology and society, often serving as both a warning and an inspiration for the future. Harvard faculty and staff share the science fiction works they enjoy most.
Read it again?
Most books we’ll only ever read once, but some stories are special enough to keep us coming back, for comfort, inspiration, and pure pleasure.
Meet the authors
Laura van den Berg
The author of “State of Paradise” talks about how her passion for writing and boxing are a lot more similar than you’d think.
William Egginton
In “Rigor of Angels,” Egginton explores the nature of reality through the lenses of three great thinkers: Borges, Heisenberg, and Immanuel Kant.
Imani Perry
In her lyrical new book, “Black in Blues,” the National Book Award-winning author considers the significance of the vibrant color within Black history and culture.
For your to-read list
Check out even more recommendations from Harvard faculty, students, and staff.
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