Looking for a thought-provoking read to add to your to be read (TBR) list? Foothill students David Palacios, Michael Chuprakov, Allie Whann, Lazlo Rodrigues, and Mia Fitzhugh may have just the recommendation you’re looking for. Some are non-fiction, others are fiction — none were class assignments; from a thoughtful look at humanity as a species to a sci-fi epic that spans the far reaches of the galaxy, five Foothill students’ current reads reflect a vibrant interest in diverse subjects and cultures. 

“Right now, I’m reading Shakespeare in a Divided America by James Shapiro,” said David Palacios. Describing the book as “a retelling of history” that “talks about the themes of Shakespeare and how they connect” to “different people” who “interpret it in different ways” through left and right wing, and female and male perspectives, Palacios remarked that the book recounts incidents not found in history books. Amazed to learn that “our president Theodore Roosevelt cross-dressed when performing the plays of Shakespeare,” Palacios said that “getting those small details is really interesting.” Because he feels it will help fellow Foothill students gain new perspectives, Palacios recommends the book. “For me, a person from the left, I sometimes don’t want to hear the other side, but sometimes it’s necessary just to hear their talking points — just to understand where their views come from.” 

Reading “The Idiot by Dostoevsky — just for fun,” is a way for Michael Chuprakov to connect with his Russian heritage. “My mom always judges me for not having been super familiar with Russian literature despite me being Russian,” he said. “It’s pretty dense to read so far, but I think the characters are pretty interesting — the way they interact.” Discussing the book’s title, Chuprakov said that “the namesake of the book, the ‘idiot,’ is not actually an idiot — everyone just assumes him to be [and] it’s interesting to see how that contrasts with who he actually is as an individual.” Unsure if he’d recommend it to other Foothill students, Chuprakov remarked, “I read a lot and I’d say this is probably the hardest book I’ve read; I think it’s difficult to get into, but… rewarding once you understand it more.”

“I was reading this interesting article on Substack called ‘Your Phone is the Reason You Have No Identity’” said Allie Whann. The article, by jc 💌, @weeklyscrapbook, discusses the thought-provoking question of whether it is “the algorithm mirroring your interests or are you parroting your algorithm — who’s the one who’s really in control?” Discussing the importance of facing uncomfortable questions to spark debate, Whann recommends the article to other Foothill students, saying, “I feel like, as college students, we have the critical thinking to think for ourselves and extrapolate our own opinion, but It’s still a really great question, and it’s always, I feel, easier to come up with your own opinions when you’re faced with someone else’s.”

“I’m working on the fifth book of The Expanse: Nemesis Games by James S. A. Corey,” said Lazlo Rodrigues. “It’s a good read—it’s pretty close to hard sci-fi; they’re in space and there is magic alien biotechnology.” Though the sci-fi aspects are intriguing, Rodrigues said it’s the characters that really fuel his investment in the series. “I like watching the sort of gray morality; it follows a main… cast of characters, the crew of the Rosinante, in their adventures across the galaxy.” Tempering his recommendation, Rodrigues said, “It’s an interesting read, but I don’t think it’s for everyone because it’s hard sci-fi, which is its own particular brand; it’s not like Star Wars [or] Star Trek.”

Reading Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari, Mia Fitzhugh, remarked “I’m only halfway through, but it’s an overview of history — like a reflection back on humanity as a species and also as a society.” Recommending the book to fellow students, Fitzhugh commented on the unique perspective Harari’s “top-down” view of humankind gives the reader. “It’s very uplifting, I’d say; you wouldn’t think so, but it kind of makes you feel good about the world.”

Be sure to stop by the Foothill Library on campus or online if you’re looking to check any of these titles out! Also, let us know in the comments below what you’re reading and whether you’d recommend it to other Foothill students!