2016 Senior Books
Senior Books Project
Every year, the graduating seniors who are working in the library are invited to pick a favorite book and say something about what it was like to work in the library. Scroll through the years to find some great books and hear what it’s like to work in the Library
Years available:
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
Brooke Boatman
- Year of Graduation: 2016
- Library Department: Access, Instruction, & Research Services
- Worked 4 years in the library
BROOKE’S BOOK SELECTION
Feed by Mira Grant
ABOUT THE SELECTION
This is a zombie story for people who don’t like zombie stories. It’s about the living dead, yes, but more than that it paints a future a 20 something today could actually believe: a world where the internet is everything, roving bands of jaded bloggers, and conspiracy everywhere you turn. It’s an anthem for everyone who grew up online – told that the internet remembers everything and never to trust the media. What more could you want?
ON WORKING IN THE LIBRARY
I like the ability to help people, to be a daily part of what makes this campus work.
Molly Guiney
- Year of Graduation: 2016
- Library Department: Access, Instruction, & Research Services
- Worked 4 years in the library
MOLLY’S BOOK SELECTION
One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez
ABOUT THE SELECTION
I read this book at the end of finals my first year to blow off steam. I fell in love with Marquez’s writing and magical surrealism. It’s a beautiful classic worthy of anyone’s time, even during finals!
ON WORKING IN THE LIBRARY
The greatest part about working at the library are the people. I am always blown away by the supportive and friendly atmosphere that greets me everyday. I also really enjoy the dynamic nature of the job: no day at the library is ever the same!
Lydia Karlson
- Year of Graduation: 2016
- Library Department: Access, Instruction, & Research Services
- Worked 4 years in the library
LYDIA’S BOOK SELECTION
The Miseducation of Cameron Post by Emily M. Danforth
ABOUT THE SELECTION
If you like it, you like it. If you don’t, you don’t.
ON WORKING IN THE LIBRARY
The books are the best part.
Kamini Mallick
- Year of Graduation: 2016
- Library Department: Access, Instruction, & Research Services
- Worked 4 years in the library
KAMINI’S BOOK SELECTION
Born Confused by Tanuja Desai Hidier
ABOUT THE SELECTION
This is an aptly named book that I really liked when I was younger. It is about a young girl going through life confused because of her dual heritage – Indian family but American born and trying to blend those two cultures together successfully. It is funny and insightful and a book that I can pick up and read at any moment in my life and relate to.
ON WORKING IN THE LIBRARY
Working at the front desk of the library has been one my best experiences at Macalester. It is full of friendly and diverse people that I get to laugh with and learn from on a daily basis. I genuinely enjoy coming to work each day because of the students and staff that run the library. 🙂
Rei Meek
- Year of Graduation: 2016
- Library Department: Access, Instruction, & Research Services
- Worked 4 years in the library
REI’S BOOK SELECTION
ABOUT THE SELECTION
Unwind is the first in a series of four books that follow several teenagers as they seek meaning in their lives after social systems decide that they are worth more as parts than as individuals.
ON WORKING IN THE LIBRARY
I have really loved working at the Library! I’m especially glad to understand the resources we have so that I can help others. I have a lot of great stories, but my favorite part has been getting to know the people who work in the library and the students who visit. .
Jenni Suever
- Year of Graduation: 2016
- Library Department: Access, Instruction, & Research Services
- Worked 3 years in the library
JENNI’S BOOK SELECTION
ABOUT THE SELECTION
This book has been translated from Japanese into English, and it is a fantastic novel that ponders various topics from the meaning of family to dealing with Death, all the while recounting the coming-of-age tale of a young Sakurai Mikage. All in all, this book might be a quick read but its story will stick with you for awhile. 🙂
ON WORKING IN THE LIBRARY
The library is probably the best place ever to have a job. It is filled with amazingly witty and hilarious people who know how to set students [and faculty] up for success. Of course it fit the bill for offering work experience, but beyond that it’s been a second home within Macalester, for me.
Jessie Del Fiacco
- Year of Graduation: 2016
- Library Department: Library Office
- Worked 4 years in the library
JESSIE’S BOOK SELECTION
Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf
ABOUT THE SELECTION
Beautiful prose from my favorite literary era. I re-read it every year and it still feels revolutionary in its examination of the personal worlds of individuals.
ON WORKING IN THE LIBRARY
I’ve liked helping to publish Himalaya every semester, as well as having the chance be involved with so many different library projects and events.
Erin Porter
- Year of Graduation: 2016
- Library Department: Library Office
- Worked 4 years in the library
ERIN’S BOOK SELECTION
ABOUT THE SELECTION
I read this book for a class while I was abroad and really enjoyed how the author offers a unique perspective on dealing with family issues that is both beautiful and terrifying. Although the book takes the form of a graphic novel, the narrative and themes are relevant to many different readers.
ON WORKING IN THE LIBRARY
The library staff are fantastic and are always willing to help out. The various personalities have made for a really enjoyable work study experience, and I have had a great time getting to know everyone.
Duncan Griffin
- Year of Graduation: 2016
- Library Department: Archives
- Worked 4 years in the library
DUNCAN’S BOOK SELECTION
The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman
ABOUT THE SELECTION
The Golden Compass is an exceptionally good book. Not only does it explore the deeply important themes of questioning popular narratives and how to live well, but it is a work of remarkably good story-telling besides.
ON WORKING IN THE LIBRARY
The people! The people who work in the library are wonderful to work with.
Emma Klajbor
- Year of Graduation: 2016
- Library Department: Collection Development & Discovery
- Worked 4 years in the library
EMMA’S BOOK SELECTION
Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami
ABOUT THE SELECTION
I love the nostalgia and subtle beauty that weaves this story together. Murakami’s writing can transport you to another place entirely!
ON WORKING IN THE LIBRARY
I like seeing the ways in which our books are used and appreciated!
Tom Eich
- Year of Graduation: 2016
- Library Department: Campus Academic & Media Services
- Worked 4 years in the library
TOM’S BOOK SELECTION
Agricola by Tacitus, edited by AJ Woodman
ABOUT THE SELECTION
It’s really old
ON WORKING IN THE LIBRARY
The best part about working with Media Services for the last four years has been the variety of events I’ve worked and the relationships developed with students, staff, and faculty all across campus because of that.