Back in the good old days when we were still able to go inside the Undergraduate Library, you may have noticed some friendly faces sitting at the Circulation and Loanable Technology desks, ready to help you with your library needs. These student assistants (SAs) work hard to keep the library running; we couldn’t do it without them!(!!!!!!!) To celebrate the fabulous student assistants who work at the UGL, we’ve asked a few of them to share a bit about themselves and their favorite books. As the end of finals approach (!), the SAs have some great recommendations for things to read for fun. For some we’ve added links to free electronic versions online. Otherwise, check with your local library to see if they have e-book or audiobook copies of these great titles!
Kerime
- Year: 4th year
- Major: Latina/Latino Studies
- Hometown: Chicago
- Favorite book: I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter by Erika L. Sánchez
- When you first read this book: Summer 2019
- Why it’s your fave: It’s my favorite book at the moment because 1) it’s the most recent I’ve read, and 2) because it’s a great fictional story that I resonated with and enjoyed since the fiction held a lot of truth.
- Fun fact: I know ASL.
Selena
- Year: Senior
- Major: Business Marketing
- Hometown: Chicago
- Favorite Book: Along for the Ride by Sarah Dessen
- When you first read this book: 2012
- Fun Fact: I’m born on Christmas.
Morad
- Year: Senior
- Major: Psychology
- Hometown: Cicero, IL
- Favorite book: Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
- When you first read this book: I was 10
- Why it’s your fave: Of Mice and Men is my favorite book because it is a simple yet well-developed story about love between friends. When reading it the first time, I felt as though the story was overhyped, but upon rereading and understanding the themes of the novel, I began to appreciate some of the acts committed within. Additionally, I enjoy novels centered in wartimes or slightly before them, and this one follows suit as it takes place during the Great Depression.
- Fun fact: My celebrity crush is Zendaya.
Sam
- Year: Junior
- Major: Advertising
- Hometown: Cicero, IL
- Favorite book: Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell
- Why it’s your fave: I just fell in love with the characters and their stories. The main characters were so different but they fit each other so perfectly. It was definitely a hard book to put down. I have read it at least 5 times.
- Fun fact: I have at least 15 pairs of Harry Potter themed socks.
Charley
- Year: Senior
- Major: Urban Studies and Planning
- Hometown: Niles, IL
- Favorite book: The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie
- When you first read this book: 6th Grade
- Why it’s your fave: It’s my favorite book because of Alexie’s masterful ability to meld the heartbreaking with the hilarious and present it in a format that even a 6th grader can understand.
- Fun fact: I like backpacking in the wilderness.
Elysse
- Year: Sophomore
- Major: Speech and Hearing Science
- Hometown: Naperville, IL
- Favorite book: Sweet Evil by Wendy Higgins
- When you first read this book: Freshmen year of high school
- Why it’s your fave: I love paranormal romance.
- Fun fact: My eyes change color.
Thanks to the SA’s for contributing! Happy reading 🙂
Written by: Izzy
Edited by: Lauren