Recommended Reading: Almond '88, Blumenson '68, Junger '84, Robins '00, and Weisenfeld '87
Truth Is the Arrow, Mercy Is the Bow
Steve Almond ’88
In this insightful exploration of writing and storytelling, Almond examines the role of truth and compassion in both fiction and non-fiction narratives. He dissects the responsibilities of writers, arguing that storytelling should serve as a vehicle for honesty and empathy. Through a mix of literary criticism, memoir, and craft advice, he offers fresh perspectives on the creative process, discussing everything from narrative voice to the ethical dilemmas of writing about real people. Known for his sharp wit and keen literary sensibility, Almond’s work is both a guide and an inspiration, making Truth Is the Arrow, Mercy Is the Bow an essential read for aspiring writers, literature enthusiasts, and anyone curious about the art of storytelling. (Zando)
Why Human Rights? A Philosophical Guide
Eric Blumenson ’68
Blumenson, an expert in legal philosophy, presents a lucid and thought-provoking exploration of human rights, their foundations, and their implications. He investigates the ethical and philosophical underpinnings of rights, exploring questions such as what constitutes a right, why we should respect them, and how they function in legal and political systems. By incorporating case studies and historical examples, he makes abstract ideas accessible, inviting readers to critically engage with the most pressing moral and political questions of our time. This book serves as both an introduction and a deeper analysis of what human rights mean in practice, offering a compelling read for students, scholars, and general readers alike. (Routledge)
In My Time of Dying: How I Came Face to Face with the Idea of an Afterlife
Sebastian Junger ’84
Junger, known for his journalistic prowess in books like The Perfect Storm, delivers a deeply personal and introspective memoir. After suffering a sudden life-threatening health crisis, he recounts his near-death experience transparently, describing moments of consciousness and what he perceived beyond life. With the characteristic investigative rigor that defines his reporting, he examines the cultural, scientific, and philosophical interpretations of the afterlife, interweaving personal reflection with broader discussions on mortality and faith. In My Time of Dying is a truly gripping and interactive reading experience, as Junger invites readers to reflect on their own beliefs about what may or may not await us in the beyond. (Simon & Schuster)
Remember You Will Die
Eden Robins ’00
Blending speculative fiction with dark humor, Robins crafts an unforgettable tale that grapples with the inevitability of death. The novel follows an AI mother named Peregrine as she tries to understand the mysterious death of her human daughter, Poppy, by exploring past obituaries to find clues about her disappearance. With sharp prose and a playful yet profound premise, Remember You Will Die examines how we cope with our fears, how society skirts around discussions of death, and what it means to truly live. Through a wonderful amalgam of wit, absurdity, and deep emotional resonance, Robins delivers a novel that is both entertaining and intellectually stimulating. Fans of thought-provoking fiction will find much to admire in this genre-defying work. (Sourcebooks Landmark)
The Fine Art of Persuasion: Corporate Advertising Design, Nation + Empire in Modern Japan
Gennifer Weisenfeld ’87
Weisenfeld, a distinguished professor of art and art history at Duke University, delivers a groundbreaking study on the evolution of Japanese advertising graphic design. Spanning from the early 20th century to the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, The Fine Art of Persuasion explores how advertising played a crucial role in shaping Japan’s national identity on the global stage. Through an analysis of visual culture, she unpacks how corporate advertising not only marketed products but also contributed to political narratives and cultural shifts. (Duke University Press)
