This week Candler’s Director of Online Learning, Roxanne Russell, gave her two cents on great reads for the summer intercession! Roxanne supports the fully online Doctor of Ministry program and collaborates with Candler faculty to facilitate innovative methods of digital pedagogy.

First, Roxanne suggests a book of short stories by innovative Chinese writer, Can Xue, titled Vertical Motion (Open Letter, 2011). This collection of vignettes that “defy logic and experience” share the stories of characters who navigate dreamscape surroundings “as both daily duties and universal responsibilities.” Roxanne explains that this transformative, sensory read “converting the absurd into the mundane.” Check out your local library to get your hands on a copy!

Roxanne also recommends Teaching to Transgress: Education as the Practice of Freedom (Routledge, 1994). In her book, cultural critic, feminist theorist, and writer bell hooks combines personal narrative, essay, critical theory, dialogue and a fantasy interview with herself to challenge preconceptions regarding instruction and pedagogy. Roxanne admits that this work is thought-provoking, gleaning more from book each time she re-reads it.

If you prefer a testament to the power of education in the form of a narrative, Roxanne recommends Daring to Drive: A Saudi Woman’s Awakening by Manal Al-Sharif. This memoir describes the path that led Manal Al-Sharif to become an unexpected activist for women’s rights in Saudi Arabia.

Feeling adventurous? “Turn on your radio and hide” with this podcast written by Joseph Fink and Jeffrey Cranor. Narrated by Cecil Baldwin, Welcome to Nightvale is an entertaining series for folks who love wordplay and thrive on conspiracy theories.

Catch up on all Summer Reading recommendations on the Pitts Librarians’ Blog, and look for more suggestions next week!