Wonder Crew by Susan Saint Sing

The great story of the 1920 Naval Academy 8 that was the first American crew to beat the British in their own sport at Antwerp. --Christina L., alumnus

A Message to Garcia by Elbert Hubbard

A very short read about getting the job done and it makes you think about duty vice blind obedience. --Christina L., alumnus

The Naval Institute Guide to the Ships and Aircraft of the U.S. Fleet

Had to include this one! 'Rah! A field guide for a different kind of bird. --Christina L., alumnus

Collected Verse by Robert Service

Service, the author of everyone's favorite "The Cremation of Sam McGee," writes about everything from the northern wilderness to being an ambulance driver in WWI to God. --Christina L., alumnus

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

The classic story of east and west (and midwest). A short read and great story full of love and violence. --Christina L., alumnus

The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien

Tim O'Brien pieces together this "novel" with many short stories, told in several different ways. This is a "true" war story and a must read. --Christina L., alumnus

The Runner's Literary Companion by Garth Batista

This is an anthology of excerpts, short stories, poems, and articles that have to do with everything running. All runners must have this book! --Christina L., alumnus

The Perfect Mile by Neal Bascomb

Bascomb tells the story of three runners and their quest for the perfect - 4 minute - mile. A very motivating read. --Christina L., alumnus

Palace of Desire by Naguib Mahfouz

The sequel to Palace Walk, the characters are more developed and it looks at different aspects of life. If the theme for Palace Walk is love of country then the theme of Palace of Desire is love for one another. --Christina L., alumnus

Palace Walk by Naguib Mahfouz

This book follows the daily life of a family in early 20th century Cairo. The family deals with foreign occupation of their hometown and with everyday social struggles. It's a great look into the human mind and what motivates us. --Christina L., alumnus

Wizard's First Rule by Terry Goodkind

Fantasy novels were my thing in middle school, and this one is one of my favorites. All the standard components of a good fantasy novel are evident: magic, swordplay, prophecies, mythical creatures... EVIL. The writing is fast-paced and engaging, and the series that stems from it doesn't get repetitive. All around, a fun read if you love fantasy novels. --Ryan O., alumnus

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams

If you like to laugh, read this book. Douglas Adams's unique wit and aptitude for nonsense combine into an unforgettable journey to the event horizon of logic. I guarantee you'll roll on the floor. --Ryan O., alumnus

God's Debris by Scott Adams

A "thought experiment" by the creator of Dilbert, God's Debris explores a theory based on the idea that the simplest explanation for something is usually the best. But I doubt that you've ever thought of what is proposed! Read it for yourself and put the pieces together. --Ryan O., alumnus

A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess

In this dystopian satire, a young gang leader, Alex, after being sent to prison, experiences a horrific attempt to change him into a better person. The author's linguistics background shows in the "nadsat" slang, based partially on Russian. It's confusing at first, but as you adjust to the slang, it really draws you into the terrible mind of "your humble narrator". Older american publications omit the final chapter, so make sure you have all 21 chapters! --Ryan O., alumnus

Watchmen by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons

You may have seen the movie, but if you haven't read it, you're missing out on the greatest graphic novel ever! When costumed mercenary The Comedian is killed, his old teammates dig up a shocking conspiracy that changes the world in a drastic way. Detailed character histories, beautiful illustrations, and layers upon layers of complexity build a remarkably unforgettable read. --Ryan O., alumnus

Star Wars True Colors by Karen Travis

Do you like books with action and awesome Green Beret Commandos blowing more stuff up? If this is true then this book is totally for you. This is the sequel to Star Wars Hard Contact and the action hasn’t stopped. This time, the men of Omega are fighting a game a wits against a determined terrorist unit that doesn’t want to give up easy.—Brandon K., student

Sunshine by Robin McKinley

Ray “Sunshine” gets captured by vampires and is offered up to one as dinner. She and the vampire, Con, become sort of friends. They escape together via Ray’s powers, being the daughter of one of the greatest wizards of all time. But they escape one problem only to be thrown right into deeper problems. Work together, or fend for yourself? Die fighting, or try and run? --Shay G., student

Truman by David McCullough

An amazing book about a relatively unknown president. It is a giant (900+ pages), but a great summer read. It examines Truman's life and presidency and how tumoltous it actually was. Could you make the decision to drop the atom bomb? What about rebuilding Europe after WWII? Put yourself into Truman's shoes and you will come away with a new perspective on the president from Missouri. --Nick H., alumnus

The Street Lawyer by John Grisham

I normally don't read fiction, but this Grisham novel captivated me. It is about a young lawyer who leaves a promising legal career behind to fight for the homeless. It is entertaining and inspriational at the same time. --Nick H., alumnus

The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch

I picked this book up in early January and thought it might be an interesting read. The author, a professor, really was giving his "last lecture" because he had incurable cancer. A couple of people had recommended it to me, but I was still worried it might be sappy or filled with trite words of wisdom. Instead I found Paush's thoughts and perspectives surprisingly original, thoughtful and compelling. --Jeneen W., librarian

This is about a college professor, Randy Paucsh, who was diagnosed with cancer in his early 40's. He still had a brilliant career ahead of him as well as a young family. He could have wallowed out his last days feeling sorry for himself, but he decided to take that time and write his memoirs. This is a funny, inspirational and insightful book that has provided me with some useful life lessons. --Nick H., alumnus