UVA students will soon be heading off for Spring Break. Whether somewhere sunny with friends or cozy at home, a good book might be in order. A few members of the Library Student Council have put together some recommendations for some Spring Break reading.

If the UVA Library copy of a title here is checked out (and there isn’t the time to wait for a Recall Request), you can always check the public library at your Spring Break destination. Start by clicking on the uva.worldcat.org link for each book (below). Go to the section, “Find a copy in the library”, click on “Worldwide libraries own this item”, then enter your zip code. You will get a list of libraries with that book in order by distance.

The Black Maria: Poems

by Aracelis Girmay

Submitted by Jontel A. (Class of ‘22)

Get Black Maria at the UVA Library | Find Black Maria through WorldCat

I learned about this through my Afro-Latinx Literature class, and my heart ached reading her poem based on Neil DeGrasse Tyson.  Girmay writes about identities of those who are part of the African diaspora, racism in American culture, and gives a spotlight to the experience of refugees.

If Beale Street Could Talk

by James Baldwin

Submitted by Lauren P. (Class of ‘22)

Get Beale Street at the UVA Library | Find Beale Street on WorldCat

James Baldwin is one of my favorite authors, and you should read this before watching the Oscar-winning movie.

Orientalism

by Edward W. Said

Submitted by Haroon T. (Class of ‘20)

Get Orientalism at the UVA Library | Find Orientalism on WorldCat

What is “the Orient”? What may influence perceptions of “the Orient”? How can knowledge link to power? Read to find out!

Touching My Father’s Soul: A Sherpa’s Journey to the Top of Everest

by Jamling Tenzing Norgay with Broughton Coburn

Submitted by Karolina N.

Get Touching My Father’s Soul at the UVA Library | Find Touching My Father’s Soul on WorldCat

It is a fantastic story related to the Himalayan mountains, especially Mount Everest. The book describes the story of Norgay and his commitment to climb the top of Everest. As a Sherpa, he describes several dilemmas between his culture and westerns about the tourism in that region in Nepal. I liked Norgay’s reflections on spiritual life and his achievement to climb mountain Chomolungma or Mount Everest.

In Search of Respect: Selling Crack in el Barrio

by Philippe Bourgois

Submitted by Elise B. (Class of ‘20)

Get In Search of Respect at the UVA Library | Find In Search of Respect on WorldCat

A white anthropologist befriends cocaine dealers in East Harlem to see how their world works. It’s fascinating to see him gain their trust and get up close and personal with the violent world of drugs.

The Crying of Lot 49

by Thomas Pynchon

Submitted by Wooju L. (Class of ‘20)

Get The Crying of Lot 49 at the UVA Library  (or read eBook) | Find The Crying of Lot 49 on WorldCat

This short novel serves as a great introduction to Thomas Pynchon’s wonderful prose and fantastic storytelling. The story revolves around a Californian housewife who stumbles upon an underground mail-service conspiracy.

Northanger Abbey

by Jane Austen

Submitted by Jessica W. (Class of ‘22)

Get Northanger Abbey at the UVA Library (or read eBook or get DVD) | Find Northanger Abbey on WorldCat

A great spring break read is Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen because like the main character, you (possibly) will be off gallivanting in a new place on the hunt for a spring fling. Also, knowing some of you English majors out there, you probably have to read it anyways so might as well read it now as it so closely resembles a Tinder date. Swipe right on the dance floor and then find yourself in a fancy gothic castle, but as usual, nothing is at it seems… spring break guy or gal may seem perfect until you check Facebook and dive headfirst into some family drama… so yes, while some old school book may not seem like your first choice for a vacay beach read, you will be surprised to find how applicable it is. Best of all you can read it for free from the library and then watch the movie!

Submitted by Regina Carter and PJ Coleman, Library Student Council Co-Advisors.