About the Community of Readers

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Established in 2007 by the Leatherby Libraries, the Community of Readers is the summer reading program for Chapman University. This program is open to everyone who has borrowing privileges at the Leatherby Libraries and a current library account, including students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Members select books from the Leatherby Libraries and receive prizes upon submission of their first review. The only requirement is that books must be obtained through the Leatherby Libraries.

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Friday, July 28, 2017

Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?

TitleDo Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?
AuthorPhilip K. Dick
Call NumberPS3554.I3 D6
Location2nd Floor Humanities
RatingSomewhat Recommended
Book ReviewI picked this up as a representation of a book published in the year I was born.  Having seen the movie Blade Runner many times, I expected something quite different from the book.  While they are very loosely tied, the book focused more on Deckard's longing to own a real animal and his detachment when it comes to killing androids.  Many allegories to explore and very much like other sci-fi books of the time.  Not my favorite.
Submitted ByRobin Pendergraft
Department or MajorSCST
StatusStaff
Chapman Emailpendergr@chapman.edu

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

TitleHarry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
AuthorJ.K.Rowling
Call NumberPR 6068.093 H38 2000 c.2
Location2nd Floor Humanities
RatingHighly Recommended
Book ReviewSummer is a time for visiting old friends and so this summer I decided to reread the Harry Potter series. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets is the second book in the series. Before Harry returns to school for his 2nd year, a house-elf named Dolby warns him not to go. Once Harry arrives at school, strange things begin to happen and the school is threatened with possible closure. It is up to Harry to solve the mystery.
Submitted ByCathy Elliott
Department or MajorLaw Library
StatusStaff
Chapman Emailbias@chapman.edu

Annie Leibovitz at Work

TitleAnnie Leibovitz at work
AuthorAnnie Leibovitz
Call NumberTR680 L376 2008
Location3rd Floor Science and Technology
RatingHighly Recommended
Book Review1st of all I LOVE ANNIE LEIBOVITZ! She's one of my all time favorite photographers. This book is all about her life from her point of view and it's awesome! She talks about how she started at Rolling Stone and each chapter is some of her most prominent work from the Yoko/Lennon to nudes to OJ Simpson to fashion to well...everything! If you are a fan of her work grab this book. She's had such an amazing interesting life! I want to be her when I grown up.
Submitted ByJami McCoy
Department or MajorAdvancement
StatusStaff
Chapman Emailjmccoy@chapman.edu

Art and Photography

TitleArt and Photography
AuthorAaron Scharf
Call NumberN72.P5 S3 1986
Location2nd Floor Fine Art
RatingSomewhat Recommended
Book ReviewThis was pretty much a straight up history book about how photography started and how it associates with art. I love photography and have dabbled for years but this was a little too textbook-y for me. There were some interesting tidbits but I felt I had learned about all this in my photo history class years back.
Submitted ByJami McCoy
Department or MajorAdvancement
StatusStaff
Chapman Emailjmccoy@chapman.edu

Blink : The power of thinking without thinking

TitleBlink : The power of thinking without thinking
AuthorMalcolm Gladwell
Call NumberBF448 .G53 2005
Location2nd Floor Social Sciences
RatingHighly Recommended
Book ReviewIncredibly thought provoking book about the power of the unconscious mind and how it guides our decision-making processes.  Malcolm Gladwell includes lots of real world examples and fascinating studies that are engaging, silly and sometimes downright disturbing.  Can't wait to read more works by this author!  
Submitted ByAshley Bloomfield
Department or MajorHolocaust Memorial Library
StatusStaff
Chapman Emailambloom@chapman.edu

The Chemist

TitleThe Chemist
AuthorStephanie Meyer
Call NumberMcNaughton
Location1st Floor McNaughton
RatingRecommended
Book ReviewThis book has the components of everything I usually love in a novel: secret agents, action and adventure, and a tough female protagonist. While some of the story lines and characters were a tad predictable, I enjoyed the action scenes and even picked up a few handy evasion tips should I ever find myself being chased by a shadowy government agency.
Submitted ByAshley Kemp
Department or MajorLaw School
StatusStaff
Chapman Emailakemp@chapman.edu

Monday, July 24, 2017

Lincoln in the Bardo

TitleLincoln in the Bardo
AuthorGeorge Saunders
Location1st Floor McNaughton
RatingRecommended
Book ReviewThe image at the heart of Saunders' concept hooked me: Lincoln, mired in grief after the death of his son, Willie, riding alone in the wee hours of the morning to visit Willie's crypt, where the president would hold his son and talk with him. Saunders builds on the historical truth of this moment to conjure an ongoing conversation among cemetery "residents" waiting to pass from among the living to the afterlife. The novel toggles between historical passages about Lincoln and dialog among those in the Bardo -- the waiting. It's sometimes fantastical, sometimes grim, often gripping and even chilling as those from the upper crust mingle with slaves, slaveholders, abolitionists, criminals, etc. I'm glad I took the journey.
Submitted ByDennis Arp
Department or MajorStrategic Marketing and Communications
StatusStaff
Chapman Emailarp@chapman.edu

Children Playing Before a Statue of Hercules

TitleChildren Playing Before a Statue of Hercules
AuthorDavid Sedaris
Call NumberPS648.S5 C47 2005
Location2nd Floor Humanities
RatingSomewhat Recommended
Book ReviewI'm a huge Sedaris fan, but this book is a little different. Each section is his take on different authors and short stories.  I prefer his books that detail his life more, but this was certainly a fun read told in the humorous style of Sedaris!
Submitted ByJami McCoy
Department or MajorAdvancement
StatusStaff
Chapman Emailjmccoy@chapman.edu

Friday, July 21, 2017

Praise

TitlePraise
AuthorRobert Hass
Call NumberPS3558.A725 P7 1979
Location2nd Floor Humanities
RatingRecommended
Book ReviewIt’s been almost 40 years and half a dozen books since Praise’s initial publication but it was a real pleasure to see how well the poems hold up in 2017—there’s a timelessness to these poems. At times Haas can be elusive in his meaning—I think I read “Meditation at Lagunitas” five times over—but where evasiveness can be frustrating, in the case of Praise I found it compelling, even playful. I can’t say I know what Haas means exactly in “The idea, for example, that each particular erases/the luminous clarity of a general idea,” but in the same poem Haas provides his own clarity with lines such as, “Longing, we say, because desire is full of endless distances.” Haas’s use of enigmatic lines with ones of crystal clarity make the reading experience one worth digging into, keeping the reader turning the page. A fun read, with many lines resonating Recommended poems include “Songs to Survive the Summer,” “The Image,” and “Sunrise.”
Submitted ByDavid Krausman
Department or MajorWilkinson College
StatusStaff
Chapman Emailkrausman@chapman.edu

Tuesday, July 18, 2017

Buffy the Vampire Slayer - The Long Way Home

TitleBuffy the Vampire Slayer - The Long Way Home
AuthorJoss Whedon
Call NumberPN6728.B84 W44 2007
Location1st Floor Graphic Novel
RatingSomewhat Recommended
Book ReviewI loved the Buffy TV series.  When I found out they were continuing the series as a comic book, I was all in.  I own every individual comic.  What I didn't do was actually read those comics. At first it was because I wanted to wait until I could binge read.  Then it was because life wouldn't let me squeeze them in.  Anyway....I picked up the graphic novel hoping to get on track.  Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy the book!  It was a rehash of old characters and missing Joss' usually amazing dialogue.  Maybe I've outgrown that world - it has been 20+ years since it started!  Try it if you are a fan, but it's certainly not for anyone else.  (I promise this is my last graphic novel review unless the library gets Saga 7....)
Submitted ByRobin Pendergraft
Department or MajorSCST
StatusStaff
Chapman Emailpendergr@chapman.edu

Falling Up: Poems and Drawings

TitleFalling Up: Poems and Drawings
AuthorShel Silverstein
Call NumberPS648.S5 CA47 2005
Location3rd Floor Education
RatingHighly Recommended
Book ReviewSo I wasn't aware of the read a book in each library challenge - so here's my Education one! I love Shel Silverstein. Grew up reading his poetry and fell in love. This one is fantastic. A Battle in the Sky is one of my faves. Also loved Cat Jacks. I mean honestly I just loved them all!
Submitted ByJami McCoy
Department or MajorAdvancement
StatusStaff
Chapman Emailjmccoy@chapman.edu

Casanova was a librarian : a light-hearted look at the profession

TitleCasanova was a librarian : a light-hearted look at the profession
AuthorKathleen Low
Call NumberZ665 .L69 2007
Location2nd Floor Social Sciences
RatingSomewhat Recommended
Book ReviewThis book is exactly what it's subtitle says, a light-hearted look into the librarian profession. The book isn't terrible long and split into 11 chapters. The book begins with a list of famous librarians, moves into some facts about the profession and the remaining chapters are examples in librarians in pop culture. Chapters include librarian jokes, librarians in movies, and even a chapter on clothing and accessories marketed to librarians. This book is a light read and great for those who work outside the field to get a glimpse into it, but fails to give proper time to the profession and instead quickly moves into a series of loosely connected chapters which go on for too long. It redeems itself a little bit at the end, but overall I would not recommend it unless you wanted a light read about librarianship for the afternoon.
Submitted ByNicholas D'Andrea
Department or MajorLeatherby Libraries
StatusStaff
Chapman Emaildandrea@chapman.edu

Last Days of Night

TitleLast Days of Night
AuthorGraham Moore
Call NumberMcNaughton
Location1st Floor McNaughton
RatingHighly Recommended
Book ReviewEdison, Westinghouse, Tesla, and the light bulb: Who invented it? Who owns the patent? Who should profit? Last Days of Night is a superbly written book that chronicles the legal battles between Edison and Westinghouse and gives us a rare look into the past and the lives of the men who shaped our present.
Submitted ByCathy Elliott
Department or MajorLaw Library
StatusStaff
Chapman Emailbias@chapman.edu

Saga, vol 6

TitleSaga, vol 6
AuthorBrian K Vaughn
Call NumberPN6728.S225 V38 2012
Location1st Floor Graphic Novel
RatingHighly Recommended
Book ReviewThe last book the library has available and I am already missing the story.  It's like the end of a TV season and now I have to wait for fall....
Submitted ByRobin Pendergraft
Department or MajorSCST
StatusStaff
Chapman Emailpendergr@chapman.edu

Saga, vol 5

TitleSaga, vol 5
AuthorBrian K Vaughn
Call NumberPN6728.S225 V38 2012
Location1st Floor Graphic Novel
RatingHighly Recommended
Book ReviewThe story is back on track after the extra darkness of the 4th book.  
Submitted ByRobin Pendergraft
Department or MajorSCST
StatusStaff
Chapman Emailpendergr@chapman.edu

Saga, vol 4

TitleSaga, vol 4
AuthorBrian K Vaughn
Call NumberPN6728.S225 V38 2012
Location1st Floor Graphic Novel
RatingRecommended
Book ReviewThis, the 4th book of the series, lost me a bit, but not enough to stop reading.  It was disappointing after such a strong beginning, but only a minor setback.
Submitted ByRobin Pendergraft
Department or MajorSCST
StatusStaff
Chapman Emailpendergr@chapman.edu

Saga, vol 3

TitleSaga, vol 3
AuthorBrian K Vaughn
Call NumberPN6728.S225 V38 2012
Location1st Floor Graphic Novel
RatingHighly Recommended
Book ReviewBook 3 - the story continues....
Submitted ByRobin Pendergraft
Department or MajorSCST
StatusStaff
Chapman Emailpendergr@chapman.edu

Saga, vol 2

TitleSaga, vol 2
AuthorBrian K Vaughn
Call NumberPN6728.S225 V38 2012
Location1st Floor Graphic Novel
RatingHighly Recommended
Book ReviewSecond book in the series and just as good as the first.  The story has me hooked!
Submitted ByRobin Pendergraft
Department or MajorSCST
StatusStaff
Chapman Emailpendergr@chapman.edu

Saga, vol 1

TitleSaga, vol 1
AuthorBrian K Vaughn
Call NumberPN6728.S225 V38 2012
Location1st Floor Graphic Novel
RatingHighly Recommended
Book ReviewWonderful writing - story and dialogue.  The artwork is beautiful, but puts the graphic in graphic novels!  Very much adult content on this one!  I am looking forward to reading the rest of the story.
Submitted ByRobin Pendergraft
Department or MajorSCST
StatusStaff
Chapman Emailpendergr@chapman.edu

Friday, July 14, 2017

Lay Back the Darkness

TitleLay Back the Darkness
AuthorEdward Hirsch
Call NumberPS3558.I64 L39 2004
Location2nd Floor Humanities
RatingSomewhat Recommended
Book ReviewHirsch handles his themes as elegantly as he does his lines. There’s passion and momentum by a deft, graceful hand. The poems are engaging and complex, however; the beauty and complexity tended to keep me at the feeling of an arm’s distance. The vulnerability was certainly there, particularly as the speaker goes into the relationship with his father and religion, though said vulnerability seemed shadowed, or rather, skillfully scaffolder by artful craft. It was an interesting experience having something revealed, and gone (but not forever) with the turning of a corner, to appear around another corner, when you might not expect it. Stand out poems include “Dates,” “Self-Portrait as Eurydice, III,” and “The Widening Sky.”
Submitted ByDavid Krausman
Department or MajorWilkinson College
StatusStaff
Chapman Emailkrausman@chapman.edu

Thursday, July 13, 2017

The Reformed Librarie-keeper

TitleThe Reformed Librarie-keeper
AuthorJohn Dury ; introduction by Richard H. Popkin and Thomas F. Wright.
Call NumberZ665 .D9 1983
Location2nd Floor Social Sciences
RatingSomewhat Recommended
Book ReviewFirst published in the mid 17th century, John Dury's pamphlet details what purpose libraries should serve and how libraries should function. Dury, a Puritan intellectual, believed libraries should increase universal learning and piety of the communities it serves. The short pamphlet is an interesting look into early issues facing libraries at the time which are still facing some today.

The pamphlet, plus the introductions which contextualize it, provide a small peak into 17th century England but overall would not be terribly exciting for those who are not interested in library matters. Also, the way it is printed and the 17th century spelling of many words can make it a somewhat difficult read. Ultimately I enjoyed it but would not recommend it unless someone was fascinated by libraries.
Submitted ByNicholas D'Andrea
Department or MajorLeatherby Libraries
StatusStaff
Chapman Emaildandrea@chapman.edu

Trigger Warning

TitleTrigger Warning
AuthorNeil Gaiman
Call NumberMCNAUGHTON
Location1st Floor McNaughton
RatingRecommended
Book ReviewNeil Gaiman has a certain voice about him when it writes. Very direct.  Like a dark story teller.  I love it.  This collection of short stories is very typical Gaiman and his fascinations for Trigger Warning.  He also is so amazing at talking about the small details in things.  Puts you right there.
Submitted ByJami McCoy
Department or MajorAdvancement
StatusStaff
Chapman Emailjmccoy@chapman.edu

I Talked with a Zombie

TitleI Talked with a Zombie
AuthorTom Weaver
Call NumberPN1995.9.H6 W35 2009
Location3rd Floor Film and Television
RatingRecommended
Book ReviewIf you are a fan of vintage horror and sci-fi, this collection of interviews will be a fun trip into the past. Two highlights are the interview with Robert Conrad, star of The Wild, Wild West television show, and James Darren from The Time Tunnel. Conrad's smug self-importance is a fun contrast to Darren's humility, yet both paint pictures of the heyday of sci-fi on TV.
Submitted ByLugene Rosen
Department or MajorLeatherby Libraries
StatusStaff
Chapman Emaillrosen@chapman.edu

DC: The New Frontier

TitleDC: The New Frontier
AuthorDarwyn Cooke
Call NumberPN6727.C588 D4 2016
Location1st Floor Graphic Novel
RatingRecommended
Book Review  Imagine being able to completely reinvent a mythology by yourself. That's essentially what the late Darwyn Cooke did with this book, a complete re-telling of the beginnings of the DC Comics universe. Set with the atomic age as a background, we see the golden age of DC characters meet the silver age characters, as the world stands on the precipice of a New Frontier (as quoted liberally from the incredible JFK speech of the same name).
  While the story reads like The Right Stuff with superheroes, it's the artwork that is truly the star of the book. Cooke's art style is absolutely rooted in the classic Jack Kirby school, but completely updated and articulated in ways that are hard to describe. Dave Stewart's colors pop (as always), and the story feels like it could've been produced in 1964 or 2005, when it was actually published. Even if you're not a fan of DC comics, do yourself a favor and flip through these pages just to see what I'm talking about. It's so rare to see something so rooted in tradition updated so beautifully.
Submitted ByCotton Coslett
Department or MajorLeatherby Libraries
StatusStaff
Chapman Emailcoslett@chapman.edu

The WhiteTiger

TitleThe WhiteTiger
AuthorAravind Adiga
Call NumberPR9619.4.A35 W47 2008
Location2nd Floor Humanities
RatingHighly Recommended
Book ReviewTold through a series of letters to the actual Chinese Premier at the time, this is the story of Balram Halwai, our narrator. Balram comes from India's rural "darkness" and escapes his caste and village to become a driver for wealthy landlords and eventually a wanted criminal. Along the way, Halwai reflects on a variety of topics, including Indian culture, globalism, determinism, and freedom.
  The book is well written, and in a distinctly Indian dialect. It's informative and entertaining, once you become accustomed to the narrator's sense of storytelling. The story is harrowing at times, and darkly comedic at others, and absolutely worth a read.
Submitted ByCotton Coslett
Department or MajorLeatherby Libraries
StatusStaff
Chapman Emailcoslett@chapman.edu

The Bitter Side of Sweet

TitleThe Bitter Side of Sweet
AuthorTara Sullivan
Call NumberMcNaughton
Location1st Floor McNaughton
RatingHighly Recommended
Book ReviewFifteen year old Amadou and his little brother Seydou pick cocoa pods on a farm. They are trying to make enough money to buy their freedom and return to their family. Suddenly a young girl, Khadija, is brought into camp and the three of them form a bond. This is their story. A story of child labor, brutality, and finally escape.
Submitted ByCathy Elliott
Department or MajorLaw Library
StatusStaff
Chapman Emailbias@chapman.edu

Tuesday, July 11, 2017

Shanghai Girls

TitleShanghai Girls
AuthorLisa See
Call NumberPS3569.E3334 S53 2009
Location2nd Floor Humanities
RatingHighly Recommended
Book ReviewThis is a story about two sisters born in Shanghai. We join their story when they are young adults in Shanghai in the late 1930s, just before WWII. The girls come from a fairly well off family, but their fate changes drastically when their father gambles away the family money. The story follows them on their journey from being models to being sold as wives to Chinese American business men to pay off their fathers debts. It is a powerful story of how sisters should stick together no matter what happens in their lives.
Submitted ByJessica Bower
Department or MajorLibrary
StatusStaff
Chapman Emailjbower@chapman.edu

The Casual Vacancy

TitleThe Casual Vacancy
AuthorJ.K. Rowling
Call Number PR6068.O93 C37 2012
Location2nd Floor Humanities
RatingHighly Recommended
Book ReviewA gritty, reality check into the lives of people in a small UK town. They each survive within a thin margin of hope, happiness and income, sometimes of their own making. Most passages are dark and ugly, but scary real.
Submitted ByAnnalisa Goode
Department or Majorl
StatusStaff
Chapman Emailagoode@chapman.edu

Why Not Me?

TitleWhy Not Me?
AuthorMindy Kaling
Call NumberMCNAUGHTON
Location1st Floor McNaughton
RatingSomewhat Recommended
Book ReviewThis felt like I was reading cotton candy. Pink and fluffy, cute with not much substance. While Kaling had some funny observations on life and work in Hollywood, it mostly just felt like I was listening to someone at a cocktail party. Enjoyable light read.
Submitted ByRebecca Green
Department or MajorSchmid College
StatusStaff
Chapman Emailregreen@chapman.edu

Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe

TitleAristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe
AuthorBenjamin Saenz
Call NumberPS3569.A27 A85 2012  
Location3rd Floor Muth
RatingHighly Recommended
Book ReviewI love this book! I first discovered it as an audiobook because it is read by Lin Manuel Miranda of Hamilton fame. His reading was excellent, but when my audiobook was suddenly digitally returned the library at the biggest cliffhanger ever, I was over the moon to find this title at Leatherby.
The protagonist is Ari Mendoza, a 15 year old boy in El Paso trying to make sense of his world. He meets Dante, and the story follows the two of them figuring out who they are in a world that is mysterious, but sometimes unkind.  This book is achingly beautiful. I loved the characters so much that after I finished the book, I didn't want to read anything else - so I read it a second time.
Submitted ByRebecca Green
Department or MajorSchmid College
StatusStaff
Chapman Emailregreen@chapman.edu

Friday, July 7, 2017

Peter Halley : paintings 1989-1992

TitlePeter Halley : paintings 1989-1992
AuthorPeter Halley; curated by I. Michael Danoff
Call NumberND237.H29 A4 1992  
Location2nd Floor Fine Art
RatingRecommended
Book ReviewI read this book after a friend recommended I look into Peter Halley and his artistic process.  It was very interesting to learn about Halley's disillusionment with art school, and how his body of work heavily references other artists/pop culture.  Reading about Halley's approach to his art has deepened my appreciation for his work.
Submitted ByJustine Lim
Department or MajorInterlibrary Loan
StatusStaff
Chapman Emailjlim@gmail.com

When You Are Engulfed in Flames

TitleWhen You Are Engulfed in Flames
AuthorDavid Sedaris
Call NumberPS3569.E314 W48 2008  
Location2nd Floor Humanities
RatingHighly Recommended
Book ReviewI loved this book. I found myself laughing out loud at everyday, commonplace stories told in a hilarious way. Sedaris is neurotic, self-deprecating, and darkly humorous, and I look forward to reading more of his work.
Submitted ByAshley Kemp
Department or MajorLaw School
StatusStaff
Chapman Emailakemp@chapman.edu

The Westing Game

TitleThe Westing Game
AuthorEllen Raskin
Call NumberPS3568.A696 W478 2003
Location3rd Floor Muth
RatingHighly Recommended
Book ReviewThe Westing Game is a murder mystery involving the tenants of Sunset Towers.  This was one of my favourite books when I was in elementary school, and after rereading it as an adult, it is still as captivating as I remember it being.
Submitted ByJustine Lim
Department or MajorInterlibrary Loan
StatusStaff
Chapman Emailjlim@gmail.com

Holidays on Ice


TitleHolidays on Ice
AuthorDavid Sedaris
Call NumberPS3569.E314 H65 1998
Location2nd Floor Humanities
RatingHighly Recommended
Book ReviewI love this book. I've actually read it multiple times and performed SantaLand Diaries onstage once. David Sedaris writes with a bite. He's hilarious and dark which is right up my alley. This particular book is broken out in different segments ranging from the Christmas Whore to neighbors battling each other over who does the holidays best. Gets me right in the mood for Christmas in July!
Submitted ByJami McCoy
Department or MajorAdvancement
StatusStaff
Chapman Emailjmccoy@chapman.edu

Norse Mythology

TitleNorse Mythology
AuthorNeil Gaiman
Call NumberMCNAUGHTON
Location1st Floor McNaughton
RatingHighly Recommended
Book ReviewI just saw Neil Gaiman speak a couple of months ago and he read a portion from this book. I wanted to run out and buy it but you guys had it! I love mythology so much and adore all the different stories. Neil writes in a total storytelling way. I felt like I was a kid on his lap as he told me exciting stories about the Gods and the Giants and the elves. How the 9 worlds were created and the great battle of Ragnarok. I got to hear takes on Odin, Thor, Loki and so many other favorites! This was a great read!
Submitted ByJami McCoy
Department or MajorAdvancement
StatusStaff
Chapman Emailjmccoy@chapman.edu