What Duke Leaders Are Reading and Watching This Summer
We invited Duke leaders to tell us about the books and shows that have captured their imagination after a busy academic year.
They responded with a mix of fiction and nonfiction, delving into locales from Germany and Iran to South America and outer space — as well as a focus on America’s founding. An eagerly awaited season of a popular series and a major sporting event are also on deck. Browse the selections below to learn more.
Vincent Price, President
My recent reading list includes both “Fatal Discord: Erasmus, Luther, and the Fight for the Western Mind” by Michael Massing and “Germany in the World: A Global History, 1500-2000” by David Blackbourn, with whom I serve on the board of the National Humanities Center. In terms of viewing, I’m looking forward to this summer’s World Cup!
Alec Gallimore, Provost
“The Rise of the Rest: How Entrepreneurs in Surprising Places Are Building the New American Dream,” by Steve Case (It explores how incredible businesses are being built across middle America, detailing Case’s travels and the founders rewriting the rules of the American economy.)
“The Science of the Good Samaritan: Thinking Bigger About Loving Our Neighbors,” by Emily Smith (a Duke faculty member)
I’m watching a lot of documentaries and shorts on YouTube and via the NOVA series, and Sci-Fi goodies new and old.
Lee Baker, Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education
“The Book of Yerba Mate: A Stimulating History,” by Christine Folch (I am looking forward to reading my colleague’s work.)
The untold story of South America’s most interesting beverage
Abbas Benmamoun, Vice Provost for Faculty Advancement
“Leo Africanus,” by Amin Maalouf
The imagined autobiography of real-life geographer, adventurer and scholar Hasan al-Wassan
Kim Hewitt, Vice President for Institutional Equity
“The Lion Women of Tehran,” by Marjan Kamali
An epic novel of friendship, betrayal and redemption set against three transformative decades in Tehran, Iran
Nina King, Vice President and Director of Athletics
“The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness,” by Jonathan Haidt
An investigation into the collapse of youth mental health — and a plan for a healthier, freer childhood
“Ted Lasso,” Season Four
Ted returns to Richmond, taking on his biggest challenge yet — coaching a second division women’s soccer team
Jenny Lodge, Vice President for Research & Innovation
“Project Hail Mary,” by Andy Weir (It was recommended by a colleague here at Duke. Sci-Fi with lots of science and humor!)
A lone astronaut must save the earth from disaster in this thriller full of suspense, humor and fascinating science
Antwan Lofton, Vice President of Human Resources and Chief Human Resources Officer
“Work for Humans: Building Sustainable Employee Experience Strategies,” by Dieter Veldsman and Marna van der Merwe
An innovative exploration of the emerging field of employee experience (EX), a vital aspect of human resources
Mohamed Noor, Executive Vice Provost
“Becoming Martian: How Living in Space Will Change Our Bodies and Minds,” by Scott Solomon
How living in space will affect future generations — and what the potential unintended consequences of space settlements are
Deborah Rutter, Vice Provost for the Arts
“1776,” by David McCullough
The story of those who marched with General George Washington in the year of the Declaration of Independence
“The Greatest Sentence Ever Written,” by Walter Isaacson
The origins of the most revolutionary sentence in the Declaration of Independence — and how it should shape our politics today
“Tracks,” by Louise Erdrich
Set in North Dakota at a time in this century when Native Americans were struggling to keep what remained of their lands
“Becoming Madam Secretary,” by Stephanie Dray
A novel about Frances Perkins, an unsung heroine whose legacy is woven into the fabric of American life
Toddi Steelman, Vice President and Vice Provost for Climate and Sustainability
“True Nature: The Pilgrimage of Peter Matthiessen,” by Lance Richardson (Matthiessen authored one of my favorite all-time books, “Shadow Country.” He was a very complicated person with many personal failings and impressive accomplishments, but which came at high cost.)
A biography of the novelist, naturalist and Zen master whose work helped usher in the modern environmental movement
“Ted Lasso,” Season Four (As a huge women’s soccer fan, I am very much looking forward to the next season of Ted Lasso.)