The Monkey's Wrench by Primo Levi

This author is undoubtedly known to most readers but I'd never heard of him and with one book I am hooked. The book contains several stories about the main character Faussone telling his friend very funny tales about his job/life as a rigger. But of course it is much more than that. He reflects on his relationship with his father, his two aunts, women/lovers and co-workers in a very humorous way with some philosophy and psychology thrown in. Faussone's father encouraged his son to follow him in the family business (making copper bowls) but Faussone wanted to do something more monumental and in the process learned that loving your work is the equivalent of happiness on earth. I liked the book for another reason, in each story he described the process of how the project was accomplished, i.e. how a suspension bridge is built. I recommend this book; it is a fabulous read.

Leatherby Libraries Call Number: PZ4.L66 M7
2nd Floor Humanities Library
Review submitted by: Linda Corcoran, Anderson Center for Economic Research
Rating: Recommended

Dressmaker of Khair Khana by Gayle Tzemach Lemmon

This is the story of a remarkable woman, Kamila Sidiqi, and how she not only survived the Taliban's occupation, but rose above the hardships to start a business, help support her family, offer classes in sewing to the neighborhood women, and become a community activist. She turned her biggest obstacles into opportunities for not only herself and family, but also to the women of Afghanistan.

Leatherby Libraries Call Number: McNaughton
1st Floor McNaughton Collection
Review submitted by: Cathy Elliott, Law Library
Rating: Highly Recommended

City of Thieves by David Benioff

City of Thieves tells the story of Kolya (a deserter from the Russian army) and Vika (an accidental thief) in their quest for a dozen eggs in a besieged Leningrad. The horrors of civilian life in World War Two as well as the unique bonds that wartime can create are well told and the book reads incredibly quickly. Without question one of the best books that I've read in some time -- make sure to read the prologue.

Leatherby Libraries Call Number: PS3552.E54425 C58 2008
2nd Floor Humanities Library
Review submitted by: Jason Keller, Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences
Rating: Highly Recommended

Live from New York: An Uncensored History of SNL by Tom Shales and James Andrew Miller

This book is a riveting collection of interviews of Saturday Night Live cast members, writers, producers (including Lorne Michaels himself!) through the years of the show. It almost feels like you are eavesdropping on intimate conversations that you should not hear, which makes the book that much more fun. There are lots of interesting tidbits in here if you are a fan of the show. It is a long book, but the interview format makes it fly by.

Leatherby Libraries Call Number: PN1992.77.S273 S52 2002
3rd Floor Film/TV Library
Review submitted by: Jennifer Bevan, Associate Professor, Communication Studies
Rating: Highly Recommended

Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand

This book follows Louis Zamperini from his thieving childhood in Torrance to his time as an Olympic runner to his time as an Air Force bomber and POW in World War Two. His ability to survive some unimaginable physical and mental hardships is truly incredible. I found the final section following his return to civilian life to be particularly meaningful.

Leatherby Libraries Call Number: McNaughton
1st Floor McNaughton Collection
Review submitted by: Jason Keller, Assistant Professor of Biological Sciences
Rating: Highly Recommended