Winter Reading Recommendations

It's getting cold outside and around the library that means staying inside and curling up with a good book. Here's what we've been reading:

Snow Country
by Yasunari Kawabata

Set in early-modern Japan, Snow Country is the story of rural geisha, Komako, and her relationship with the wealthy, married Shinamura. Often described as an unusual read for Westerners not used to Japanese style, it is nevertheless a rewarding and beautiful read.

-Recommended by Amanda Kraft, Access Services Specialist

Red Harvest
by Dashiell Hammett

Mostly known for his book the Maltese Falcon, Hammett's first book Red Harvest almost single-handedly invented the hard-boiled detective novel.  A stubborn overweight anti-hero decides to clean-up corruption in a small town with mixed results.  Red Harvest is arguably Hammett's best novel.

-Recommended by Adam Bowman, Access Services Specialist

The Maze Runner
by James Dashner

Much like The Hunger Games or Divergent, The Maze Runner is pure dystopia. The novel begins with teenaged Thomas waking up in a maze with all of his memories wiped. Finding dozens of other boys with the same story, Thomas begins his quest to figure out why they were sent there.

-Recommended by Amanda Foster, Information Literacy Librarian

The Black Count: Glory, Revolution, Betrayl and The Real Count of Monte Cristo
by Tom Reiss

Whether you read the book or just watched the movie, chances are you liked The Count of Monte Cristo. This book explores the life of one of Alexandre Dumas' greatest inspirations for the count, his father, General Alexandre Dumas.

-Recommended by Christina Heady, Information Literacy Librarian

We hope this post gave you some inspiration for your winter reading choices. If you'd like to read one of the aforementioned books, here's a tip: most of these books must be requested through PASCAL Delivers. PASCAL Delivers lets Kimbel Library borrow the book for you from another academic library in the state (for free). We've linked you to the PASCAL website, just click "request this item" and have your CCU ID ready -- it's that easy. The book will be delivered to Kimbel Library, you'll get an e-mail when it's ready, and you can pick it up at the library.


Now that we've told you what we're reading this winter, do you have any suggestions for us?