Books Reviews and Reading Lists

Discover & Discuss: Mental Health

December’s theme centers on mental health, an essential aspect of overall well-being that shapes how individuals think, feel, work, and connect with others. The World Health Organization defines good mental health as a state that enables people to cope with life’s stresses, realize their abilities, learn effectively, and contribute to their communities. Like physical health, mental health exists on a spectrum, and challenges in this area can significantly affect daily life.

Discover & Discuss: Indigenous Americas

November’s theme invites reflection on the histories, cultures, and contributions of Indigenous peoples across the Americas. While there is no single definition of Indigenous identity, common threads often include deep ties to ancestral lands, distinct cultural traditions, and a collective history of resistance in the face of colonization and marginalization.

Discover & Discuss: LGBTQ+ History

October is LGBTQ+ History Month, a time to recognize the individuals, events, and movements that have shaped the ongoing pursuit of equality and visibility for the LGBTQ+ community. Established in 1994, the observance highlights the historical contributions of LGBTQ+ people, honors those who have advanced civil rights, and encourages continued reflection on identity, inclusion, and justice.

Discover & Discuss: National Hispanic Heritage Month

September marks the beginning of National Hispanic Heritage Month, a time to recognize the rich and diverse histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities in the United States. While the term "Hispanic" often refers to Spanish-language heritage, and "Latino" to cultural and ancestral ties to Latin America and the Caribbean, both identities are honored during this celebration.

Banned Books Week: Censorship is so 1984

The theme for this year's Banned Books Week (October 5-11, 2025) is “Censorship Is So 1984. Read for Your Rights.” An obvious nod to George Orwell's classic dystopian novel of the same name, the slogan serves as a reminder that censorship efforts persist to this day.

Career Collection Spotlight: Most Popular Books

The University Libraries’ Career Collection is a treasure trove of valuable resources for professionals at any stage of their careers, from networking and interviewing to pursuing leadership positions. In this list, experts from the Libraries and the Career and Professional Development Center (CPDC) recognize the 11 most popular books from the collection, so that even more job-seekers can take advantage of the tips and tricks they contain.

Discover & Discuss: Social Justice

This month’s curated collection offers a range of perspectives on justice, spanning economics, education, environmental equity, civil rights, and more. Engage with these works to better understand the structural challenges we face and the ideas that continue to shape a more equitable future.

Discover & Discuss: Technology and Humanity

Technological innovations are a steady part of human history, and some of these innovations have radically changed society from top to bottom. In the past century, some examples include television, cell phones and personal computers. Explore the resources below to learn more about how to blend AI into our lives, while retaining the skills and knowledge that makes us human.

Discover & Discuss: Jewish American Heritage Month

This month’s selections highlight stories of resilience, creativity, and identity—examining historical milestones, individual achievements, and the evolving American Jewish experience. Engage with these works to deepen your understanding of a community whose influence continues to resonate across generations and disciplines.

Discover & Discuss: National Arab American Heritage Month

April is Arab American Heritage Month, a time to recognize the rich cultural, linguistic, and historical contributions of Arab Americans. The term Arab refers to a shared language and cultural identity, encompassing a diverse range of communities across 22 countries in the Middle East and North Africa.