Summer Reading Suggestions 2015: Social Sciences

A classic work of feminist scholarship, Ain't I a Woman
has become a must-read for all those interested in the nature of black womanhood. Examining the impact of sexism on black women during slavery, the devaluation of black womanhood, black male sexism, racism among feminists, and the black woman's involvement with feminism, Hooks attempts to move us beyond racist and sexist assumptions.

This book covers both sides of the debate over amphetamine prescription and use. It discusses the history of amphetamine and related stimulants; ADHD and the use of Ritalin and Adderall to treat it; related neuroenhancers; methamphetamine from Desoxyn to crystal meth; the nature of addiction and side effects; sociological effects of amphetamine compounds; and expert opinions for and against amphetamine use.

Gawande, a prominent surgeon, argues against modern medical practices that extend life at the expense of quality of life while isolating the dying. He outlines suggestions for freer, more fulfilling approaches to death that enable more dignified and comfortable choices. By the author of The Checklist Manifesto.

Roth adds historical context and backdrop to the debate on why liberal education is important, citing views from such historical figures as Thomas Jefferson, W.E.B. Du Bois, and Jane Addams.

The authors present a compendium of facts and figures about the quality of life of African Americans, highlighting both measures of progress and disparate impacts of social policies while also challenging commonly held beliefs.

This guide for new educators describes the qualities that make great teachers and reveals the hidden science and dynamics behind the craft through the real-life experiences
of the country's best teachers. The author also offers a set of techniques to help children pay attention.

An acclaimed education writer examines revolutionary technological changes happening in today's college systems that are transforming the ways in which higher learning will be offered and achieved in the near future. Carey discusses MOOCs and hybrid programs as viable alternatives for many.

A Yale professor evaluates the consequences of high-pressure educational and parenting approaches that challenge the mind's ability to think critically and creatively. Deresiewicz calls for strategic changes that can offer college students a self-directed sense of purpose. By the author of A Jane Austen Education.

Lewis argues that post-crisis Wall Street continues to be controlled by large banks and explains how a small, diverse group of Wall Street men have banded together to reform the financial markets.


Sousa and Pilecki present evidence from research in cognitive and social neuroscience to show how activities associated with the arts enhance creativity, problem solving, memory, motor coordination, and analytical skills. They offer classroom strategies and techniques for integration into STEM instruction in grades K-12 and suggest ideas for building a professional development program to help STEM teachers work with colleagues in the arts to create lessons.

This contemplative assessment of American public education, as well as a call for school reform, is presented through the story of a former teacher from a rural Vermont high school that has been negatively impacted by standardized testing, burdened technology, and disempowered educators.

The authors analyze statistics of Latino life in the United States, from politics and economy to family and popular culture, cutting through the rhetoric to provide a realistic view of the Hispanic community.

This history and critical assessment of leading indicators reveals their indelible impact on the economy, public policy, and other critical decisions. Karabell discusses how gross national product, balance of trade, unemployment, inflation, and consumer confidence guide our actions, while making suggestions for reducing dependence on them.

The Pulitzer Prize-winning authors of Half the Sky
present a narrative road map about making a difference in the world, explaining how to identify effective local and global aid initiatives and participate in successful fundraisers and charities.

The per capita rate of incarceration in the U.S. is five to ten times higher than that of other nations in the industrialized world. Mauer reveals the roots and consequences of the "tough on crime" movement and explains how the prison industry has turned prisoners into commodities to be exploited by global entrepreneurs. Mauer is executive director of The Sentencing Project, a national organization devoted to promoting criminal justice reform.

Drawing on the work of economist Glenn Loury, Roithmayr details the feedback loops in family, social, neighborhood, and institutional networks that are locked in and benefit whites and disadvantage racial minorities. He cites case studies, including the use of restrictive covenants in Chicago that helped to maintain residential segregation and the private pre-primary election used to disenfranchise black voters in Texas, to illustrate how laws and customs have made racism systemic.

This cultural history of Wonder Woman traces the character's creation and enduring popularity. Lepore draws on interviews and archival research to reveal the pivotal role of feminism in shaping her seven-decade story. By the Pulitzer Prize-finalist author of New York Burning.

Stevens, a retired Supreme Court Justice who served more than 30 years, describes how the U.S. Constitution needs to be amended, detailing six specific changes that will protect democracy and ensure the safety and well-being of all American citizens.

The author whimsically explores the origins and realities of 45 commonly held myths about French history, society and culture, and shares insight into how the country has radically changed in the 21st century.

Through statistics, surveys and the stories of hugely successful people who didn't attend the most exclusive schools, the author demonstrates that many kinds of colleges -- from large public universities to tiny hideaways in the hinterlands -- serve as ideal springboards into the professional world. Bruni argues that what matters in the end are a student's efforts in and out of the classroom, not how prestigious a school he or she went to.