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

The Named by Marianne Curley

The first in the Guardians of Time Trilogy. Ethan develops his powers, but too late to save his sister. He is training to fight the Goddess of evil and leader of the Order, Lathenia. Ethan and 8 others make up the nine, or the named. They will be the ones to fight the Order. Ethan must train Isabelle, who is one of the 9, for their battle. Ethan and Isabelle must go into the past to ensure that King Richard actually becomes the King. In order to accomplish this they must leave their bodies behind while their souls enter the Citadel whilst they are sleeping. Danger strikes, who will make it back? --Shay G., student

Zamba: The True Story of the Greatest Lion that Ever Lived by Ralph Helfer

Ralph Helfner was shocked at the cruelty that was accepted by animal behaviorists. He strongly believed that love, not fear, should be the base of the animal’s development. Zamba came into his life as a 4 month old cub and proved his point. Zamba spent the next 18 years growing and thriving. He was in many television shows and movies, but he also kept developing a powerful bond of love with the man who raised him. --Shay G., student

The Secret History of the World as Laid Down by the Secret Societies by Mark Booth

Many say only the side of winners becomes history. This book explores all the things that may not have made it into our history books. He looks not only at what happened, but the measure of consciousness and experience. He tries everything that we were ever taught. He tells the other side of history for the past 3,000 years. --Shay G., student

Ladies and Gentleman: The Bronx is Burning by Jonathan Mahler

This book is a mixture of my two favorite things: Sports and Politics. It takes place in the Bronx in the late 1970's when everything was happening in the Big Apple. There is the larger than life persona of Yank's slugger Reggie Jackson, the devasting Son of Sam murders, the rolling blackouts in the city, as well as the contentious mayor's race. A thrilling and entertaing ride through NYC. --Nick H., alumnus

Summer of '49 by David Halberstam

Like baseball? Like American History? You will love David Halberstam's book about the 1949 pennant race between the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox. It has all the giants of baseball: Dimaggio, Rizzuto, Williams. It is a quick read and wildly entertaining. --Nick H., alumnus

Star Wars Truce at Babura by Kathy Tiers

The Empire has been eradicated. But now, an urgent plea has come to the Alliance from far in the Outer Rim. An Imperial World is in a desperate battle of survival from an unknown alien race. Now Luke Skywalker must face a difficult choice, help a former enemy, or be annihilated by a new one.—Brandon K., student

Star Wars The Last Command by Timothy Zahn

Grand Admiral Thrawn has been waging all out war against the New Republic. His endless army of clones continues to wreak havoc on New Republic Worlds. Now, Luke Skywalker and his companions must venture deep into enemy territory to stop the endless stream of clones and destroy Throw’s hopes for a New Empire.—Brandon K., student

Star Wars Heir to the Empire by Timothy Zahn

It has been a year since the Empire has fallen. Now there is a new threat. A powerful Imperial Warlord the likes of which have never been seen before by the Alliance. This one man threatens the very tranquility in the new Republic. –Brandon K., student

When Elephants Weep: The Emotional Lives of Animals by Jeffrey Moussaiff Masson and Susan McCarthy

Anyone that has ever lived with animals would not deny that animals have the capacity to feel, but scientists continually do that. This book investigates animal emotion. You are introduced to many animals that do amazing things, for example: Buffalo who ice-skate—for the joy of it. There is scientific data from people in all kinds of animal professions. This is the first book of its kind since Darwin to explore emotions in the animal kingdom. It proves that animals can feel. --Shay G., student

Star Wars Outbound Flight by Timothy Zahn

About after the time the Neimodians caused a huge uproar in the galaxy and right before a full out war broke out, a top secret colonization ship was sent out to find a new galaxy. But what happened to that failed experiment? You’ll have to find out.—Brandon K., student

Star Wars Dark Lord: The Rise of Darth Vader by James Luceno

Ok, I know what you’re thinking. A massive asthmatic man running around the galaxy with a jet black suit and a super amazing helmet fighting hordes of rebel scum is the most awesome thing in the universe. Yes, I know that Darth Vader is amazing, but now you can find out more about his emotional power struggle before you saw him choke that daylights out of Captain Antilles in A New Hope.—Brandon K., student

Star Wars Triple Zero 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

Star Wars Hard Contact by Karen Travis

Do you like books with action and awesome Green Beret Commandos blowing stuff up? Then this book is definitely for you except, the Commandos aren’t Americans, they are clones. Follow the men of Clone Commando Unit Omega Squad on a heart pounding tail about an epic rescue.—Brandon K., student

Horton Hears a Who by Dr. Seuss

"I meant what I said, I said what I meant, an Elephant is faithful one hundred percent"
Read the adventures of Horton, the elephant who takes responsibility for the entire town of Whoville (which is no bigger than a speck). It is a great look into what the Conserve Code should mean. --Nick H., alumnus

Hot, Flat and Crowded by Thomas Friedman

Need an insightful look into where the planet is headed? Look no further than to NY Times columnist Thomas Friedman who captures the urgency of our global environmental crisis, but also provides an optimistic view of to where we could be headed. This is a must read for any Conserve School student who wants to help change the world. --Nick H., alumnus

Revelations by Melissa De La Cruz

The third of the Blue Bloods series. The controversy over Schuyler’s blood continues. Is she a Blue Blood, or a Silver Blood? With the tensions high she lives in the Force house, with her enemy, Mimi, and her forbidden love, Jack. Ancient powers at Rio de Janeiro are compromised, so the Blue Bloods look past the question over Schuyler and have her on their side. In the end will she chose duty or passion, love or freedom? --Shay G., student

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

Clary Fray goes to a hot club, and witnesses a murder! Except, she is the only one that can see it happening, and the body disappeared into thin air. They introduce themselves as Shadow Hunters: a secret world of warriors dedicated to destroying demons. The next day Clary’s mother goes missing, and Clary is almost killed by a demon! Why is this happening now?... --Shay G., student

Ten Cents a Dance by Christine Fletcher

It is tough times, and money is short so Ruby quits school and goes to work. First she works at a meat packing industry, then she began working at as a Taxi dancer, behind her mother’s back. Men come and pay her to dance with them. All is well right? Well, soon the air becomes tense, and she is the only one that can save herself. --Shay G., student

Star Wars Labyrinth of Evil by James Luceno

This book about the epic Clone Wars will put you at the edge of your star fighter seat and pull you along for the ride. Set in the early stages of Clone Wars; follow Anakin Skywalker and Obi Wan Kenobi on an epic journey to stop the Evil General Grievous from turning the tides of the war. –Brandon K., Student

Long Walk To Freedom by Nelson Mandela

Looking for a long book to satisfy your summer doldroms? Nelson Mandela's autobiography is truly inspirational. It chronicles his half a century fight against Apartheid, including the 27 years he spent in prison. If you really want to study someone who gave everything to the struggle for human rights, pick up this book. --Nick H., alumnus

The World According to Garp by John Irving

Probably my favorite book and way better and more complicated than the 1982 movie. The World According to Garp explains the extraordinary and brief life of a man. This book makes you literally laugh-out-loud at the ridiculous scenarios Garp gets himself into - you want to keep reading this book to see what he will do next. Never before have I been so sad when I finished a book. This book inspires you to do as much as you can with the short time we're given here on earth! -Audrey S., alumnus

Friday Night Knitting Club by Kate Jacobs

I don’t know if this is a book for the non-knitter, but believe knitsters will enjoy the easy read, as the characters come together and come alive in a fashion much like Steel Magnolias, with drama weaving in and out of each woman’s life. If you like knitting and are enticed by the social function it has had for women throughout history, as well as today, sit down between skeins and enjoy. – Kim S., Director of Communications

The Twilight Series by Stephenie Meyer

Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse, and Breaking Dawn revolve around the love between a young girl named Bella Swan and the century-old (but forever young) vampire named Edward Cullen. Each bite-sized chapter leaves you thirsty for the next suspenseful twist in the story: Will Edward bite Bella? Will Bella become a vampire? Will they stay together? Will they get back together? You know, the usual stuff that makes for a good, but completely unrealistic, love story. These are not books to critique seriously, they are too be devoured when you need a little brain candy as opposed to nourishment. – Kim S., Director of Communications

Twilight: Bella exiles herself to Forks, where she falls in love with Edward, a vampire. Bella’s blood is abnormally appealing to Edward. Will it be too much for him? --Shay G., student

The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson

Looking for adventure, history, and murder? Devil in the White city has it all. Erik Larson brilliantly chronicles the history of the 1893 World's fair in Chicago. It is told through two stories. One is about the young architect whose job it is to design the fair and the other is through the eyes of a young seriel killer who takes advantage of the fair to enact mayhem amidst the festivities. Filled with notable characters and events (all of which are true), this is an exciting book that I could not put down. --Shay G., student

This was my prize from last year’s summer reading list, and I loved it. Larson tells the true story of the World’s Fair in Chicago, and of the serial killer who preyed on its young female guests. His narrative is brilliant, both suspenseful and historically fascinating, providing you with an incredible amount of rich American history, in a totally entertaining form . – Kim S., Director of Communications

Reading Lolita in Tehran by Azar Nafisi

Set in the Islamic Republic of Iran, this book tells the story of a forbidden club of women meeting together to discuss Western literature in the safe house of a professor's apartment. Wonderfully and descriptively written, the stories of the women are intertwined with the stories of the novels they read and the conflict in Iran. A very powerful book about hope and perseverance. -Audrey S., alumnus

In Cold Blood by Truman Capote

Not exactly a light summer read, but a tremendously deep and complicated book that keeps you thinking about the characters of the book long after you've finished it. The dark story of two men killing a family "in cold blood" (they had no motive to kill that family) in the farmlands of Kansas in the late 1950's. Capote interviewed hundreds of townspeople when writing this book - and it creates an incredibly eerie lifelike quality to his writing. --Audrey S., alumnus

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

The coming-of-age story of a boy growing up in Afghanistan during the turbulent 1970s. The character development in this novel is phenomenal - you really know Amir by the end of the book. A real page turner that you can't set down, and the deep secrets of the past don't fully come to light until the end. A great read for the summer! -Audrey S., alumnus

Neither Here Nor There: Travels in Europe by Bill Bryson

A comedic look at traveling through Europe. Slightly stereotype-focused, but nonetheless incredibly funny read about an American judging European culture as he travels through it one summer. Chapter Eight about Amsterdam/The Netherlands is pretty accurate and funny - and may inspire you to go and visit that awesome country!" -Audrey S., alumnus

Twenty Lessons in Environmental Sociology by: Gould and Lewis

The basic idea of environmental sociology: the major environmental problems of the world are being caused by human behavior, and it will only be when we fully understand and change human behavior that we will be able to solve the environmental problems of this planet. This is a "textbook" for a class of mine in college, but nonetheless it's a great read and really eye-opening about how our consumption patterns and booming population are leading to huge environmental issues. Learn more about how humans affect the planet and get some ideas about how by understanding humans we'll learn how to save our earth! --Audrey S., alumnus

On the Road by Jack Kerouac

Have you always wanted to go on an amazing road trip? Meet interesting people? Do crazy things? And all the while have deep thoughts about our society? Well, maybe you don't have the chance to roadtrip across the country this summer...but you can at least read Jack Kerouac's classic semi-autobiographical novel "On The Road" - a great summer read for all of us with wanderlust." -Audrey S., alumnus

In Defense of Food by Michael Pollan

A great look into the American diet, what it does to our bodies, what it does to the earth, and possible solutions. --Andrew M., teacher

Suicide Notes by Michael Thomas Ford

This is a fictional story about a kid who, after a suicide attempt, finds himself in a group home as he convalesces and learns about who he is. Amazing book, happy ending. --Andrew M., teacher

Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card

A science fiction masterpiece that captures the extraordinary growth of Ender Wiggin as he is groomed to destroy an entire civilization. As he grows we experience with him the challenges of Battle School and the intelligence of child geniuses played out on a battlefield by armies of boys and girls in "the game". --Sam B., alumnus

And the Band Played On by Randy Shilts

A mournful account of the AIDs crisis in America told by a journalist for the San Fransisco Chronicle from the front lines of the epidemic. -Sam B., alumnus

When You are Engulfed in Flames by David Sedaris

A series of observations from the dry wit of David Sedaris chronicle his life as he attempts to relinquish cigarettes from his life. Sedaris has the capacity to turn the mundane into the hilarious and the insignificant into the unforgettable. -Sam B., alumnus

Jingo! by Terry Pratchett

One of Pratchett's legendary Discworld series, Jingo looks at the preposterousness of war and the hilarity that can ensue when a small island pops up between to big neighbors. --Sam B., alumnus

Timeline by Michael Crichton

Crichton mixes detailed science with dynamic story-telling to bring the world of medieval France to life for a team of graduate students transported back in time by an ambitious tech corporation. -Sam B., alumnus

Hit by a Farm: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Barn by Catherine Friend

Here is another tale for those considering living more sustainably and/or off the land. Friend and her partner took up farming in their late 30's. It was a first-time experience for both of them. They decided to raise sheep and chickens for meat, and grow grapes for the local wine industry (in central Minnesota). None of these things were easy and their learning curve was steep to say the least. Friend shows how they grew as farmers, and she doesn't hide any of their trials and tribulations; they, like their rewards, are there in all their gory glory. --Jeneen W., librarian

The Omnivores Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals by Michael Pollan

Pollan demolishes the carefully erected screen by the agricultural and food industries to conceal the truth of what they eat from Americans. He follows the course of food from fields layered in fertilizer into anti-biotic laden feed lots through the unsanitary processing plants to the vast grocery stores of western civilization. --Sam B., alumnus

An Education For Our Time by Josiah Bunting III

For those who were around in the first year of Conserve, General Bunting is a familiar name, having even co-taught a winterim course. His fictional work about a man who dies and leaves his estate to start a college with ecological and ethics focus was strikingly similar to the story of Conserve School. This is a perfect choice for people looking for an inspirational read this summer. --Ally B., alumnus

Fool by Christopher Moore

Moore remakes Shakespeare's great tragedy King Lear from the perspective of a prolific and jaunty fool. A tragically funny work that maintains a fidelity to the themes and style of the bard. --Sam B., alumnus

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas by Hunter S. Thompson

A reporting jaunt to cover the Mint 400 turns into a drug fueled rampage that burns through the Vegas strip and the California desert. Written in the style of Gonzo journalism this piece offers a stupor from which to view Las Vegas and the American Dream. -Sam B., alumnus

Kremlin Rising: Vladimir Putin's Russia and the End of the Revolution by Peter Baker and Susan Glasser

An engaging look at the unfolding legacy of the Putin presidency. Baker and Glasser share their observations as Washington Post correspondents from their years stationed in Russia. They offer a nuanced view of key events such as the Beslan school hostage crisis and the failing Russian health system with human interest stories and on the ground reports mixed with analysis of the overall trends that are behind the headlines. --Sam B., alumnus

Collapse: How Societies Choose to Fail or Succeed by Jared Diamond

This book combines the best elements of archeology, history, and environmental science to examine a set of past and current societies whose circumstances and actions contributed to their own destruction or advancement. --Sam B., alumnus

Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver

Local foods, organic foods, slow foods, homemade foods. Kingsolver's engaging writing style and comforting tone will sweep you into a world in which we have more control of our food supply, more personal involvement, and more responsibility. It is an inviting world that she describes, a greener, more sustainable world. If you've ever wanted to start (or get back into) gardening, raising chickens for eggs/meat, making your own cheese and breads, or simply go "back to the land," this is the book for you. This is one of my favorite reads of the year, along with Living the Good Life by Linda Cockburn. --Jeneen W., librarian