Social Media
September 6, 2018
“This is the perfect read for anyone who is interested in the many stories of WWII. It is a story of unwavering courage and resilience to simply stay alive, and it shows just how strong humans can be. This story inspires me to keep going, no matter how rough the road ahead is.” – Nate ’21
“Small Great Things is so hard to put down once you start. I bought it as a required textbook and didn’t stop reading once I opened it. It is surreal, heart-wrenching, and reflects tensions in race relations that we so desperately need to continuously address. I cannot recommend this book enough, even to those not in the nursing field!” – Shelby ‘20
“It's one of those books that you want to go back and read specific parts of because of how scarily relatable it is. I would recommend it to anyone that is looking to improve as an individual. It is equal parts psych, philosophy and self-help. This book can basically serve as a guide on how to go from a point of hitting rock bottom to a point of redemption that offers a series of guidelines and suggestions to turn your life into one of self-growth.” – Camille
“In Love Does, the author uses his various stories and experiences to talk about living and loving to the fullest. A must read if you’re in for a good laugh, learning about God’s unconditional love, and wanting to grow your love for others.” – Peyton
“Outcasts United is a book about a town in Georgia that becomes a refugee settlement center for families fleeing war-torn countries. Through the creation of a youth soccer team, an American educated Jordanian woman unites the families and they grow into one amazing huge family.” – Jordan
“And the Mountains Echoed is a heartbreaking story about a family in Afghanistan that suffers through great hardships. Khaled Hosseini spans three continents and sixty years in his award-winning novel. The story highlights the strength of love between family members, friends and lifelong companions. Hosseini shows how interconnected the lives of strangers can be, and that each decisions a person makes is important. I would suggest this novel to anyone who wants to gain a broader perspective of life as a whole and experience a heartbreak like none they have had before.”
“It was great,engaging + it was required for a class, so win-win!” – Maverick
“This is a series of short stories written by famous neuroscientists. Each story tells a different version of what the afterlife could potentially be like. All of the stories are as well-written and thought-provoking as they are entertaining! It’s a short read, too; good for a quick one-off reading session.” – Jack
“Great Gatsby is not only an American classic full of deep symbolism and commentary, it’s also just a readable book. Whether you’re reading it for a lit class or just reading it for fun, it’s a masterpiece.” – Tori
“The Great Gatsby is my favorite book because it made me realize how there is a deeper meaning and message to everything. The storyline is amazing and it sent me on a rollercoaster of emotions. I recommend the book because it is nothing like I have ever read before and it will change the way you perceive people and writing.” - Norman
“It’s too hard to pick one book but one recent favorite is Beneath a Scarlet Sky. It’s the true story of Pino Lella, the Italian driver for Hitler’s “left hand” in Italy. Pino also served as a spy for the allies. The book is beautifully written, the story slowly wraps its way around your heart, and it is a testament to the devastating effect of WWII on civilians - the deadly consequence of a small group of men’s quest for power. It’s the only book that has made me cry.” - Ceci
“I love mystery books, so the characters and the plot twists in this one always keep me interested. For anyone who loves murder-mysteries and riddles this easy and fun read is perfect.” - Molly
“This Pulitzer Prize winner is brilliantly structured, with some of the most beautiful prose and rich storytelling I’ve ever read. It continually forces you to choose between turning the page and savoring then previous one.” – Henry
“This is the most astonishing book I’ve ever read. Meticulously researched historical and scientific facts are sprinkled throughout the most achingly beautiful prose to tell a compelling story of loss and possibility. I first read it in 2017 as part of ReadUP, and I’ve re-read it twice since. I cannot recommend it highly enough.” – Kelly
“Crazy Rich Asians provides a unique and realistic look into social hierarchies in Singapore and parts of Asia, while including a lot of humor and complex characters. I would recommend it because the movie just came out and I love reading books before watching their movie counterparts. The movie made great strides in representation for Asian Americans and I am glad it really stayed true to the book.” – Meg
“I like the Book of John because of the perspective it gives on the life of Christ. As it chronicles the life of Christ, it speaks of love and joy, the message of Christ.” – Max
“My all-time favorite book. From the characters to the beautiful one-liners, this book is so meaningful to me! I read it every year to remind myself of who I am and how far I have come.” – Roya
“Besides being a beautifully written story, Zusak’s use of different perspectives really sets this book apart. The use of Death as a narrator provides the reader with a new and unique lens with which to see the familiar setting of Germany during the Holocaust. Having the story center around a young German girl in the midst of this society also provides an uncommon view, and the relationships we see her build with those around her in such times is really profound in showing how humanity was still alive. I’d recommend this book to anyone looking for a story about finding humanity and love even in the worst of times.” - Lauren
“Books always seemed too far-fetched. Gene, the narrator and protagonist of the novel, feels like a real guy who you can relate to.” – Chloe
“Coates writes the book in the form of a letter to his 15-year old son about the African American experience in modern day United States. It has stuck with me because he writes a very sharp and honest take from his own experience growing up in Baltimore that helps to truly comprehend the prevalence of how far police brutality in the US has come and continues even today. It is one of my favorites because it surrounds an issue that is not significantly represented in the media, but clearly demands further attention.” - Angie
“The Princess Bride is a timeless classic. It never gets old!” -Alli
“I would say this was the first time where I saw realities of war, and what it has done to our countries morale. The way the author describes the different squad members, while also telling the idiotic, non-heroic ways most soldiers die makes me reflect constantly. It was the first time I realized movies usually get it wrong.”
University of Portland
5000 N. Willamette Blvd.,
Portland, Oregon 97203-5798
503.943.8000
This website uses cookies to track information for analytics purposes. You can view the full University of Portland privacy policy for more information.
