Looking for the perfect winter read? RWU librarians have curated a fantastic list of books to keep you company through the chilly months. In this article, you’ll find recommendations from various librarians on campus—organized by genre—to help you find your next read. From thrilling mysteries to insightful memoirs, the suggestions below are guaranteed to have your new favorite read.
Classic Mystery and Unforgettable Thrillers
Hallowe’en Party is a book by Agatha Christie and is a perfect pick for students looking for a classic whodunit. In this famous mystery novel, an acclaimed detective investigates the horrifying death of a partygoer during Halloween that just keeps you guessing. For students looking for a story more recent, check out All the Sinners Bleed by S.A. Cosby. A book that explores subjects of race all intertwined in an engaging small-town drama.
Sci-Fi and Cyberpunk Escapism
For the sci-fi lovers on campus, Neuromancer by William Gibson is essential in cyberpunk history and literature. Jordon Emans, Information Desk Monitor, can’t get enough of it, saying it’s a read they return to every year. But, if you’re instead in the mood for a queer fantasy twist, Rebecca Farias, another Information Desk Monitor, heavily recommends In the Lives of Puppets by TJ Klune. A novel following a cast of eccentric robots and their ensuing adventure.
Memoirs and Life Lessons
Another well-loved genre by our library staff is memoirs. Thelma Dzialo, the Library Operations Manager, recommends Stephen King’s On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft. Which is a must-read for any creative writing major on campus. The book provides advice for aspiring writers and an engaging life story. This is made all the more fun in the audiobook version, narrated by King himself. Haley Lott, Research and Student Engagement Librarian, highlights Know My Name by Chanel Miller, an unforgettable memoir about resilience against trauma. While The Sum of Us by Heather McGhee explores race and economics in society.
Books as Mirrors and Windows
According to Lott, books act as “mirrors and windows”—reflecting our lives and insights into others. For example, Yellowface by R.F. Kuang offers a biting look at cultural appropriation in literature. How the Word is Passed by Clint Smith tackles America’s complex history of slavery through historical landmarks, a profoundly poignant read for students at a school with Bristol’s ties to the past.
Humorous and Quirky Nonfiction
Mary Roach’s Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers, recommended by Lott, is a quirky novel that makes science approachable and wildly funny—a hilarious mix of informative and entertaining. Stiff takes a unique look at the death and science behind human cadavers.
Revisiting Classics with New Perspectives
Lott suggests that Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is more than an old horror story. But instead, it’s a tale of scientific ethics ignored and the treatment of “outsiders.” If you didn’t connect with it in high school, consider giving it another chance. While reading, consider the rapid rise of AI and unrestrained advancement of technology. Frankenstein ends up remaining a shockingly relevant read in this modern age.
Graphic Novels as Literature
Graphic novels are typically forgotten in book discussions. But suppose you’ve fallen out of love with reading, as many students do. In that case, Lott notes that graphic novels are the perfect path to rediscover that passion. Drawn and written by Alison Bechdel, Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic is a work you’ll want to read. This comic memoir explores subjects like identity and family. Bechdel blends humor with difficult and complex subjects in a narrative you will never forget.
Browsing and Borrowing Made Easy
To check out any books, you must head to the library’s front desk with your student ID. One of the librarians or fellow students will help check you out; as simple and easy as that. If you still can’t decide what to read, the RWU library has a rotating bestseller collection on the first floor that’s constantly updated with popular titles. If books aren’t your forte, the staff encourages students to check out the library’s vast movie collection. So, whether you’re looking to relax or learn, our campus library has something for every RWU student. So, head to the library and find your new favorite book!
