Summer Reading is a series that asks Haverford’s librarians and library staff for book recommendations that will enlighten, entertain, and educate during this vacation season. Take these titles to the beach, on a plane, or just enjoy them indoors with the fan on.
This week: Humanities Librarian Anna Fodde-Reguer suggests two nonfiction titles (covering octopus consciousness and famous corpses) and a beautifully drawn, almost-wordless graphic novel about creativity.
The Soul of an Octopus: A Surprising Exploration into the Wonder of Consciousness by Sy Montgomery:
This nonfiction book is a phenomenal revelation! It examines what we know about consciousness by delving deep into the wonderful world of cephalopods, particularly octopus. The book is filled with marvelous anecdotes about the personalities of the octopus the author encounters and their relationships to humans.
Rest in Pieces: The Curious Fate of Famous Corpses by Bess Lovejoy:
From Voltaire to Elvis; from Dante to Hitler, this book exposes the madness that can happen to a famous person’s body after they die, especially if they were famous when alive. It’s a really fascinating and fun read for those of you who are more morbidly inclined.
In the Sounds and Seas by Marnie Galloway:
This three-part comic is a stunning and imaginative voyage tale. Galloway’s comics are very poignant and emotional, and this series is no different.
Photo by Cole Sansom ’19.