The summer of 2020 has been marked by an ongoing global pandemic and national racial unrest. But one thing that remained constant is the popularity of summer reading. Against this backdrop is Felician University Libraries’ 2020 Summer Picks List. Felician’s Research and Instructional Services Librarian Kaitlyn Clohosey had the idea for a book list that would feature titles suggested by members of the Felician University community including faculty and staff. “It was a way to get some new reading suggestions either from your colleagues or your co- workers, and to maybe read something outside your comfort zone.”

When COVID-19 hit, all learning moved online, and the University’s two libraries closed their doors, but the digital resources and research databases stayed virtually accessible. Felician’s librarians worked from home doing virtual appointments with students, website work, and emailing reference materials. They also created the 2020 summer reading list, an eclectic variety of 73 titles divided into two categories, fiction and non-fiction. Rebecca Roe, Felician’s Public Services Librarian and Head of Archives says many people are finding themselves at home right now, “I imagine a lot people are definitely reading more to get away from the stress of the pandemic and help them relax.”

Faculty and staff made their recommendations providing short blurbs explaining why they chose the books they did. Kelly Garcia, Director of the Undergraduate Occupational Therapy Programs chose The Undomestic Goddess by Sophia Kinsella describing it as, “Easy to sympathize with, lighthearted, easy to read.” Terry McAteer, Associate Professor of Communications, School of Arts & Sciences gave his recommendation to Middle Passage, “Not easy to find, but more than worth it.” In her blurb on Redhead by the Side of the Road by Anne Tyler, Elizabeth Burke, Administrative Assistant for the School of Arts & Sciences said, “I love her humor and quirky empathy.” Members of the Felician community enjoyed learning about the literary choices of their colleagues, and the book list was even featured on Felician Radio’s Spill the Tea with Kiera Benson and Nicole Cacciatore.

Next year’s summer reading list might also include suggestions from students to make it truly representative of the Felician University community. In the meantime, to check out Felician’s dynamic collection of titles and perhaps find your next summer read go to: https://felician.libguides.com/FelicianSummerPicks2020. Happy reading!

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About Felician University

Felician University engages over 2,300 undergraduate, graduate, and adult students through programs in Arts & Sciences, Business, Nursing, and Education. Universal Franciscan values of social justice, compassion, and respect for human dignity serve as an inclusive foundation for transforming the lives of tomorrow’s leaders. Felician University’s education is ranked 3rd best return on investment for private colleges in New Jersey 2018 by the PayScale.com College ROI Report and is ranked #1 safest college campus in the state by niche.com.