Books to read as told by Rice students
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Caught up in the unending pileup of mid-semester schoolwork or the infinite scroll of social media, it can be difficult to remember the days when reading was for fun. Even though college may be a busier time than before, it is important to continue making time for reflective hobbies and engage in pleasurable growth. Hopefully, with one of the recommendations collected from fellow Rice students below, you’ll be able to re-engage in the joy of leisure reading and discover a new book to check out.
‘Book of Delights’ byRoss Gay
“I can't say enough about this book — it's beautiful, moving, haunting. It brings joy in a way that is indescribable. It's a book to savor.” - Trinity Eimer, Martel College sophomore
Recommended for: the commitment-averse reader, looking for a collection of short yet insightful essays
‘Such a Fun Age’ by Kiley Reid
“Follows a young black woman who babysits for a rich white family after she gets the police called on her while in a grocery store for ‘kidnapping.’ Such a fantastic exploration of race, privilege and class with extraordinary wit and humor. Funny books are hard to write, no less funny books about serious subjects, but I think this one nailed it.” - Ndidi Nwosu, Will Rice College sophomore
Recommended for: the contemporary fiction reader, looking for discussion on social issues
‘Mistborn’ by Brandon Sanderson
“The trilogy has amazing character development and a pretty unique magic system. The storyline is also very multi-layered — you think you can predict the plot twist until you find out there's a plot twist to the plot twist.” - Janhvi Somaiya, McMurtry College freshman
Recommended for: the newer fantasy reader, looking to join the world of high fantasy
‘Americanah’ by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichi
“It deals with really complicated issues including race, identity, and feminism, but does so in the most beautiful and sweeping way. The interactions between the characters are so authentic and emotional. Books never make me cry and I cried at the end of this one.” - Annelise Goldman, McMurtry College senior
Recommended for: the literary reader, looking for a character-driven novel
‘Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind’ by Yuval Noah Harari
“It is a phenomenal and comprehensive study of human history. It verbalizes truths about humanity's existence that we have internalized but seldom express.” - Oliver Hutt-Sierra, Martel College junior
Recommended for: the nonfiction reader, looking for insight from the past into our present
A Memory Called Empire by Arkady Martine
“Queer space opera with beautiful prose.” - Sarah Preston, Jones College junior
Recommended for: the seasoned Science Fiction Fantasy reader, looking for a Hugo award-winner
‘The Emperor: Downfall of an Autocrat’ by Ryszard Kapuściński
“A light, short view into Ethiopia during the downfall of Haile Selassie. It introduces a very interesting historical figure and puts you into the mentality of the time.” - Alexander Janssen, Martel freshman
Recommended for: the history buff reader, looking for a new rabbit hole
‘The Silmarillion’ by J.R.R. Tolkien
“Tolkien has interesting things to say about how power corrupts us. Also, a gorgeous elf and a hot guy turn into a werewolf and a vampire and go fight the devil.” - Annabelle Crowe, Sid Richardson College senior
Recommended for: the read-before-watching reader, looking to refresh their Tolkien knowledge for the upcoming TV show
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“Imaginal Disk” Takes Magdalena Bay To Extraterrestrial Heights
In the fall of 2021, pop duo Magdalena Bay’s playful debut album “Mercurial World” introduced many to the group’s blend of catchy pop melodies with elements of House, R&B and Electronic music. That album became one of the most acclaimed and beloved pop albums of the decade so far, and few would have imagined that the duo of Mica Tenenbaum and Matthew Lewin would top their previous effort when their latest project “Imaginal Disk” was announced. With “Imaginal Disk,” Magdalena Bay has announced themselves as the contemporary masters of the pop concept album. More psychedelic and surreal than anything they’ve produced before, “Imaginal Disk” is an eclectic amalgam of the duo’s trademark catchy pop rhythms with electronic, rock and psychedelic sounds that take the duo into new and exciting musical directions.
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Local thrifting hot spots
Perseverance. Humility. An eye for beauty. Qualities you must keep close at hand (perhaps in the back pocket of your favorite jeans, or tucked into your worn-down sneakers), ready to be drawn upon at a moment’s notice. Any seasoned, stylish or frugal Houstonian can attest: these are vital components of a thrifter’s repertoire.
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Nearby city niceties
Do you have a time in your calendar that needs filling, but don’t want to spend thirty minutes walking in the August heat or $30 on admission? Consider checking out one or more of these activities within one mile of Rice — all free or discounted with a Rice ID.
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