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Summer in Davis: Summer Reading List

As you head into this long holiday weekend, do you have anything to read? Why not catch up with some local stories and authors? You might be surprised to learn that Davis is home to some rather prestigious authors. And being the well-read community that it is, Davis loves to talk about books. Here are some books about Davis, written by Davis authors, and discussed by the Davis and UC Davis communities:

 

Books about Davis, CA

Davis: Radical Changes, Deep Constants (CA) (Making of America) by John Lofland - if you're interested in Davis history, don't miss this in-depth look by UC Davis sociology professor and Davis historian John Lofland.

Justice Waits: The UC Davis Sweetheart Murders by Joel Davis - the exploration of this true story, one of Davis' darkest events, will keep you on the edge of your seat.

The Toads of Davis: a Saga of a Small Town by Ted Puntillo - a delightful children's book about the Toad Tunnel that put Davis in the national spotlight.

 

Books by Davis Authors

Jackson by Max Byrd - UC Davis English professor Byrd uses fictional characters to bring a historical biography to life in his novel about President Andrew Jackson.

The Jane Austen Book Club by Karen Joy Fowler - this fun novel takes place in Davis and was recently made into a movie!

A Plague of Secrets by John Lescroart - this is the latest legal thriller from one of Davis' most famous authors, also a New York Times bestselling author.

The Mars Trilogy (Red Mars, Green Mars, and Blue Mars) by Kim Stanley Robinson - his best known series is award-winning science fiction, following colonists as they leave Earth and settle on Mars.

 

UC Davis Campus Community Book Projects

Since 2001, UC Davis has picked a book focusing on social and cultural issues for the campus and university affiliates to read together. Discussion is encouraged through author visits, lectures, films, exhibits, and conversations. Here’s what UC Davis people have been talking about:

2009: The Geography of Bliss: One Grump's Search for the Happiest Places in the World by Eric Weiner - lighten up and travel the world with the author while finding happiness in different cultures.

2008: Mountains Beyond Mountains: The Quest of Dr. Paul Farmer, a Man Who Would Cure the World by Tracy Kidder will inspire you to make a difference as you follow one doctor working to improve the lives of the sick and needy.

2007: The Devil's Highway: A True Story by Luis Alberto Urrea - discover the human side of illegal immigration with this look at the desperate attempts some people make to get from Mexico to the US.

2006: The Omnivore's Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals by Michael Pollan will make you rethink your diet and wonder where your food comes from.

2005: The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini - a heart wrenching story about the choices we make and the political turmoil in Afghanistan.

2004: Twilight: Los Angeles, 1992 by Anna Deavere Smith looks at the 1992 Los Angeles riots from a number of different perspectives.

2002: The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down by Anne Fadiman examines the clash between faith and science as a family disagrees with doctors on how to treat their sick daughter.

 

(If you're tired of carrying around a huge pile of books, you may want to check out the Kindle !)

Did we miss your favorite Davis book? Tell us about it in the comments!

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Related:
Summer in Davis: 7 Ways to Learn Something New
Davis Photo of the Day
Davis News Roundup June 29, 2009