Summer Reading Stampede

The Song of Achilles is a retelling of the siege of Troy. For those familiar with The Odyssey, The Iliad or Greek mythology, there will be familiar characters, but for those new to the subject, previous knowledge is not required to be immersed in the story of Achilles and Patroclus. These two characters, the Ancient Greek equivalents of jock and nerd, find each other and build a relationship of both friendship and love. This read should come with a warning for emotions, so be prepared if you pick it up! 

Seven Days in June is a perfect summer romance novel about two writers who had a whirlwind week of romance in their teenage years and reconnect twenty years later. Author Tia Williams writes this second-chance-at-love story with realistic characters and emotional depth.

- Beth Carpenter, Undergraduate Engineering & Instruction Librarian

Just for the Summer balances romance with real-life issues. Emma and Justin are individuals who have been forced to take on responsibilities in their families due to neglect or poor choices. Initially, it is just a means to an end, but they end up connecting on a much deeper level and learn the importance of finding family and healing from trauma.

- Emily Gelsinger, Visiting Assistant Librarian

They Called Us Enemy is a graphic novel memoir about George Takei's childhood in an American concentration camp during WWII. Through beautiful illustrations by Harmony Becker, it reveals insight into both the terrors of the camps and the small joys of childhood.

- Jessica Hollister, Dental Liaison Librarian

Unruly is a hilarious dive into England’s royal history, where kings and queens were anything but dignified. David Mitchell delivers a witty and wild retelling of the past, proving that history is messy, absurd, and incredibly entertaining. 

- Sarah Patton, Lead User Services Librarian

This memoir in verse sheds light on the Native American experience, discussing the author's own life growing up on WNY's Tuscarora Reservation as well as the experiences of his ancestors, particularly in regard to residential schools. Reading this book educated me on aspects of American history, both local and national, that I had not had the opportunity to read about before. I also really enjoyed the unique experience of reading a memoir in this format, as well as the visual art that Gansworth includes in the book. In addition to his work as a writer, artist, and speaker, Gansworth is a Professor of English at Canisius College. 

- Mary Kamela, Student Support & Engagement Librarian

Mystery and suspense are perfectly done with the Adirondacks as the setting. When a teenage girl vanishes from her summer camp, two worlds collide. This page-turner is perfect for the longer nights in summer. 

- Teresa Vadakin, User Services Daytime Supervisor

My favorite book-to-movie adaptation is Holes, based on the book by Louis Sachar (who also wrote the film's screenplay!) 

- Mary Kamela, Student Support and Engagement Librarian

Born in Depew and raised in Buffalo, Lucille Clifton was an important twentieth-century poet known for her humorous and incisive poems about Black life, body positivity, and family and community. Clifton’s first book was published in 1969; this recording is from Clifton’s first poetry reading in Buffalo, sponsored by Just Buffalo Literary Center, in 1988. 

- Alison Fraser, Associate Curator, Poetry Collection and Curator, Rare & Special Books

Annihilation follows a team of four scientists on a dangerous expedition into the uncharted Area X. Previous expeditions have been mired in mystery, illness, and betrayal. Blending science fiction, horror, and environmental themes, Annihilation is for anyone interested in thought-provoking, chilling stories. 

- Ally Wood, Engineering Librarian

Dr. Frances Proctor Ames was one of the first female physicians to obtain a medical degree in the United States, graduating from the University of Buffalo in 1885. This collection consists of correspondence between Dr. Ames and her patients, classmates, and mentor. Also included are notes and prescriptions from her work as an OBGYN. 

- Laurel Mueller, Medical and Biomedical Sciences Liaison Librarian

Topics could be anything you can think of: month-long thematic celebrations; favorite tropes; favorite genre - we're very open to suggestions.

Talk to a friend who's also participating in the UB Reading Stampede! Or maybe you want to see what your favorite celebrity is reading - they can be a friend too!

You may know John Green from his young adult novels like The Fault in Our Stars or Turtles All the Way Down, but his most recent book is a nonfiction exploration of one of the most deadly (yet curable) diseases--tuberculosis--throughout history and in our current world. Green's frank writing style and frequent asides allow his unique voice to come through in a book that explores the serious topic of public health inequity and possible solutions. I especially enjoyed the audiobook, narrated by Green himself.

- Mary Kamela, Student Support & Engagement Librarian