Byron Borger’s Bookshelf

As part of Byron Borger’s lecture on Thursday, November 9, he mentioned, quoted, or read from a variety of literature, all of which he recommended to the audience as “good books.” Here are his book recommendations in no particular order:  Enjoy your reading!

Why Read Graphic Novels?

By Hannah Lever The tenth annual NEA Big Read is about to begin! But something is different this year. For the first time ever, one of the chosen books is a graphic novel! The Middle Read book this year is New Kid by Jerry Craft. Published in 2019, it is the first graphic novel to …

Remembering: The First Five Years

Here at the Big Read, we are excited to be getting closer to announcing our book for the 2023 program. As we approach the tenth anniversary of the Big Read Lakeshore program, we want to take the time to look back at where we started with the first five books. The Big Read started in …

“Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” ~Dr. Seuss: Films for Women’s History Month

By Teisha Struik-Kothe  As a celebration of Women’s History Month, each week a Hope College professor or student will recommend their favorite books or films dealing with issues facing women today and throughout history. This week is dedicated to movies and films and is written by Dr. Teisha Struik-Kothe, an Assistant Professor of Instruction. As …

Celebrating Women’s History Month: Children’s Literature

By Alyssa Whitford  As a celebration of Women’s History Month, each week a Hope College professor or student will recommend their favorite books or films dealing with issues facing women today and throughout history. This week is dedicated to children’s literature and is written by Dr. Alyssa Whitford, an associate professor of Education. As a …

Wonder While You Wander: Black Children in the Outdoors

By Jesus Montaño  As a celebration of Black History Month, each week a Hope College professor or student will recommend their favorite books or films dealing with issues facing Black Americans today and throughout history. This week is dedicated to children’s literature and is written by Dr. Jesus Montaño, an associate professor of English. As …

Celebrating Black History Month: Young Adult Literature

As a celebration of Black History Month, each week a Hope College professor or student will recommend their favorite books or films dealing with issues facing Black Americans today and throughout history. This first week is dedicated to Young Adult literature. Book: Gifted Hands by Ben Carson (1990) Reading Level: 3rd-5th grade Gifted Hands is …

The Odyssey: Choosing a Translation

With over 60 English translations, knowing which translation of The Odyssey to read can be difficult.  In the original Greek, The Odyssey is in blank verse, using dactylic hexameter, both of which are common attributes of Greek and Latin poetry. Some translators of The Odyssey choose to keep their translation in blank verse while others …

Book Recommendations for Women’s History Month

What better way to celebrate Women’s History Month and Reading Month than to read some books featuring women by women? Here are a few recommendations from our team or find another online list to get you started.  In the Time of the Butterflies  This is a historical fiction account of the Mirabal sisters during the …

Top Book Picks from 2021

Quite a bit of snow has fallen in Western Michigan in the past week and our community even received a few snow days from school or work. What better way to spend a snowy day than diving into a new book. Here are a few recommended books from Barnes and Noble’s Best Books 2021 list!  …