Literary Arts Students’ Picks from Perpich Library

December 18, 2024

This month, Library Teaching Assistant, Danny Schiffer (Literary Arts 2025), asked his fellow Literary Arts students which of their favorite books they would recommend to others to read. He chose ten of these books to share and includes their explanations for why they chose a particular book. The rest are in the video below!

All items on this list are available at the Perpich library, (unless otherwise noted). Click on titles for more information.

1. Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
“Beautiful 80’s coming of age love story! And it’s gay!” – Starr Anderson (Literary Arts 2025)

2. A Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter M. Miller Jr.
“Good book.” – Rose Slag (Literary Arts 2026)

3. Coraline by Neil Gaiman
“I really liked this book. It takes you on a beautiful journey, and teaches you about being brave. ‘Being brave doesn’t mean you aren’t scared. It means you are scared, but you do the right thing anyway.’ -N.G. (my fav quote.)” – Clay Pietan (Literary Arts 2025)

4. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
“Gay, sad, and beautiful. (Not literally gay, only spiritually.) Have an interesting relationship with either God or your father? This is for you.” – Danny Schiffer (Literary Arts 2025)

5. Girl, Interrupted by Susanna Kaysen
“Woman sad 🙁 ” – Nadia Oian Vust (Literary Arts 2025)

6. Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones
“Sophie is so iconic. This is a warm and cozy book (and awesome movie) for the chilly months! :P” – Aliya Rensch (Literary Arts 2025)

7. On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong
“It’s deeply emotional and touches on the hardship of growing up with complicated relationships with both his mother escaping the Vietnam war and coming to terms with his sexuality. It’s depthy and so beautiful.” – August Pederson (Literary Arts 2025)

8. Rebel of the Sands by Alwyn Hamilton
“Packed full of adventure and little love interests. About a girl who defies the odds and never stands down to anyone. So many plot twists that intrigue you all the more. All time favorite book! In love!” – Megan Miller (Literary Arts 2025)

9. Slouching Towards Bethlehem by Joan Didion
“A collection of essays from the 60’s (and maybe 70’s!) about Didion’s personal life as well as her journalism. She talks about hippies. The title is based on that encapsulates the essays.” – August Pederson (Literary Arts 2025)

10. These Violent Delights by Micah Nemerever
“About codependent serial killers.” – Clarissa Krueger (Literary Arts 2025)
(Not available at the Perpich library)

All items on this list are available at the Perpich Library, (unless otherwise noted).