The Ultimate Summer Reading List- Your Favorite Teachers' Picks

Hello fellow readers! I hope your year has been filled with great books. Personally, I haven’t been able to read as much as I’d like, I’ve been so busy! Still, it’s

important to carve out time for yourself and the hobbies you love. And what better time to do that than this summer? Once school concludes and our schedules open up, there’s no better way to fill those long days than by diving into a good book. To help you get started, here are some great recommendations from a few of your favorite teachers! 

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Mr. Crowder:

If you’re looking for a good book to get lost in this summer, Mr. Crowder has some stellar recommendations—especially if you’re a fan of fantasy and science fiction. He enjoys classic horror novels like Dracula, Frankenstein, and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, but his favorite genre blends imaginative fantasy with futuristic science fiction concepts. 

One series Mr. Crowder highly recommends is The Space Trilogy by C.S. Lewis, one of his favorite authors. The trilogy follows a character’s interplanetary adventures to Mars, Venus, and, ultimately, Earth, using the alien landscapes to explore big questions about human nature, morality, and the universe. This unique mix of philosophy, science fiction, and adventure offers readers a lot to think about. Another book on Mr. Crowder’s list is The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells. This gripping novel tells the story of Earth under attack by Martians and remains one of the most influential works in science fiction literature. Mr. Crowder encourages all students to explore the imaginative worlds that science fiction has to offer. With summer right around the corner, it’s the perfect time to pick up a new book and travel to other worlds. 

Dr. (Mark) Myers:

Given that Dr. Myers is a history professor, it's no surprise that his reading list is filled with historical works. His passion for history extends well beyond the classroom, and it's clearly reflected in his choice of reading. He weaves the knowledge he gains from these books into his teaching, enriching his lessons with diverse perspectives and deeper insights.

Currently, Dr. Myers is reading Reconsidering Southern Labor History: Race, Class, and Power, a thought-provoking look at labor movements in the American South. One of his favorite historical fiction works is titled Jefferson: A Novel by Max Byrd, which presents an imaginative and unique portrayal of Thomas Jefferson that challenges traditional views. His next read is called The Noir Forties: The American People from Victory to Cold War by Richard Lingeman.  

Interestingly, Dr. Myers is even featured in a book himself: The Road to Blair Mountain: Saving a Mine Wars Battlefield from King Coal. This work tells the story of a nine-year struggle to preserve a key site from the West Virginia Mine Wars, and Dr. Myers’ involvement highlights his commitment not only to studying history, but also to preserving it. For students looking to better understand the past and its relevance today, Dr. Myers’ reading recommendations offer a meaningful place to start. His passion proves that history isn’t just about dates and facts, it’s about stories worth telling and remembering.

Mrs. Buczek:

Mrs. Buczek enjoys reading across all genres, but she has a particular love for fiction and historical fiction. She finds that historical fiction has a special way of "making history come to life" by weaving compelling narratives around real events. She's especially drawn to heartfelt stories that offer comfort and warmth, often centered on themes like sisterhood and human connection.

One of her favorite authors is Kristin Hannah, whose novels The Nightingale and Winter Garden are among her top picks. The Nightingale is a perfect blend of Buczek’s favorite themes, following the lives of two sisters during World War II. The story is inspired by real resistance efforts and the struggles women faced during the war. In Winter Garden, Hannah explores another powerful family dynamic as two sisters reconnect with their distant mother after the death of their father. Every four to five years, Mrs. Buczek enjoys rereading the Harry Potter series—a comforting tradition that many readers with a beloved book or series can relate to. Outside of her reading life, she loves crocheting while listening to murder mystery podcasts, blending creativity with a bit of suspense.

Dr. Bertekap:

Dr. Bertekap shared a variety of book recommendations, many of which she loved when she was younger, along with some timeless classics. During her teen years, she was especially drawn to fantasy, enjoying books like Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo and The Raven Cycle series by Maggie Stiefvater. Shadow and Bone is a gripping series that follows a 17-year-old orphan who discovers a magical power that could save her war-torn world. The series gained renewed popularity with the release of a Netflix adaptation in 2021. The Raven Cycle blends fantasy with reality, following a close-knit group of friends on a mysterious quest to uncover the lost tomb of an ancient Welsh king. Along the way, the story explores themes of friendship, real-world struggles, and self-discovery.

Dr. Bertekap is a fan of classic literature and enjoys the works of Oscar Wilde for their wit and depth. Among her favorite classic novels are Anne of Green Gables and Jane Eyre, both beloved for their rich storytelling and strong, memorable heroines. One of her all-time favorite books is Little Women by Louisa May Alcott, a timeless coming-of-age story that she will be exploring in her upcoming May Term course. Make sure to read below for more of her recommendations!

Mr. Mayfield:

Mr. Mayfield believes that “favorite books change over time,” but he always seeks out books that teach him something. He enjoys a variety of genres, with a strong preference for historical fiction and works that blend storytelling with deeper knowledge. He admires Charles Beard for his political and historical insights, particularly Beard’s theory that the U.S. Constitution was designed to protect elite economic interests. With roots in the South, Mr. Mayfield feels a connection to William Faulkner’s southern topics. He also shares his family's love for murder mysteries, though he prefers those with a scientific edge, especially stories involving criminal or forensic anthropology. Authors like Aaron Elkins, who incorporates knowledge of the human skeleton, and Manning Cole, known for WWII-era detective fiction, are among his favorites.

One book that profoundly influenced him is Microbe Hunters by Paul de Kruif, which he says “changed his direction.” He also enjoys the works of Oliver Sacks, the British neurologist whose engaging case studies, like those behind the film Awakenings, make complex science both fascinating and accessible.

Mr. Fetters:

Mr. Fetters has a deep appreciation for Latin American mythology and legends, a passion he will be sharing in his May Term course. One book that captures these stories beautifully is Birds Have No Borders by Edna Iturralde, a collection of forty myths and legends drawn from the rich oral traditions of various Latin American countries. The book offers readers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s vibrant cultural heritage.

In addition to mythology, Mr. Fetters enjoys reading stories that explore Latin American identity and history. He recommends Cuando era Puertorriqueña (When I Was Puerto Rican) by Esmeralda Santiago, an autobiography that traces the author's journey from her childhood in Puerto Rico to her adulthood in the United States. Another favorite of his is In the Time of the Butterflies by Julia Alvarez, a powerful work of historical fiction based on the true story of the Mirabal sisters, who bravely resisted the dictatorship of Rafael Trujillo in the Dominican Republic.

Dr. (Joshua) Myers:

Like Mr. Mayfield, Dr. Myers enjoys the works of William Faulkner, especially during the summer. Faulkner’s vivid portrayals of the American South capture its humidity and rich landscapes creating a feeling that well suits the season. He is also considered progressive for his time, often addressing racial prejudice and its effects on Southern identity. Dr. Myers’s enjoyment of Faulkner highlights his interest in regionalism and historical fiction genres. He also deeply appreciates The Color Purple by Alice Walker, particularly the line, “I think it pisses God off if you walk by the color purple in a field somewhere and don't notice it.” This quote reflects the novel’s message about recognizing beauty, resilience, and the human spirit.

Another favorite of Dr. Myers is The Memoirs of Cleopatra by Margaret George. His interest in Roman history makes Cleopatra’s story, told through her own voice, especially captivating. He’s also an admirer of Michael Chabon’s work, particularly The Mysteries of Pittsburgh. The novel’s setting holds personal resonance for him, reflecting his own connection to the city, while its coming-of-age themes and exploration of sexual identity strike a powerful chord. One line that lingers with him is “No doubt all of this is not true remembrance but the ruinous work of nostalgia…” (Chabon), a sentiment that captures the bittersweet nature of looking back. The emotion and mood of the novel, especially the prominent nostalgia, strongly connect to summer, a season that evokes youth, freedom, and the beauty of discovery. 

When he was younger, Dr. Myers loved science fiction, especially Dune by Frank Herbert, and the imaginative worlds of Ray Bradbury and Robert Heinlein. A family fondness for Star Trek nurtured his love for the genre. Over time, his interests shifted toward the richness of real-world narratives, and historical fiction became a preferred genre.

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Thank you to Melissa Palackel for helping me conduct interviews. Here are some of her personal recommendations:

• Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas and Auguste Maquet

• Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

• Legend by Marie Lu

• Inkheart by Cornelia Funke

• Tower of Dawn by Sarah J. Maas

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Full List:

Mr. Crowder:

• Dracula by Bram Stoker

• Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

• Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson

• The War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells

• The Space Trilogy by C.S. Lewis

  
  

Dr. (Mark) Myers:

• Reconsidering Southern Labor History: Race, Class, and Power

• Jefferson: A Novel by Max Byrd

• The Road to Blair Mountain: Saving a Mine Wars Battlefield from King Coal by Charles Belmont Keeney

Dr. Bertekap:

• Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil by John Berendt

• Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer

• Brooklyn by Colm Toibin

• Assassin’s Apprentice by Robin Hobb

• Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

• The Raven Cycle by Maggie Stiefvater

• City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

• Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

• The Secret History by Donna Tartt

• Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf

• Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë

• Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke

• Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery

• Author: Tamora Pierce

• Author: V.E. Schwab

• Author: Oscar Wilde

• Author: Rainbow Rowell

Mrs. Buczek:

• The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

• Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah

Mr. Fetters:

• Cuando era Puertorriqueña por Esmeralda Santiago

• Las Crónicas de Narnia por C.S. Lewis

• Birds Have No Borders by Edna Iturralde

• In the Time of the Butterflies by Julia Alvarez

Mr. Mayfield:

• Everything is Tuberculosis by John Green

• New Guinea Tape Worms and Jewish Grandmothers and The Malaria Capers by Robert S. Desowitz

• Author: Oliver Sacks

• Author: Manning Coles

• Author: Toni Morrison

• Author: Charles Beard

• Author: William Faulkner

• Author: Aaron Elkins

Dr. (Joshua) Myers:

• The Color Purple by Alice Walker

• Dune by Frank Herbert

• The Memoirs of Cleopatra by Margaret George

• The Mysteries of Pittsburgh by Michael Chabon

• Author: Ray Bradbury

• Author: Robert Heinlein

• Author: Charles Chestnutt