Gift Books that give to FIUTS too!
This year’s favorite titles from FIUTS student interns and work studies, staff, and board members!
In collaboration with & in gratitude to Bookshop.org
The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak
A rich, magical new bestseller on belonging and identity, love and trauma, nature and renewal, from the Booker shortlisted author. FIUTS board member Caitlin’s recent best read.
The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese
Spanning the years 1900 to 1977, this novel is set in Kerala, on South India’s Malabar Coast, and follows three generations of a family that suffers a peculiar affliction: in every generation, at least one person dies by drowning—and in Kerala, water is everywhere. Kerala is also the home of FIUTS Intern, Moses who shares the same family name as the author and testifies to the authenticity of this narrative.
Years of Rice and Salt by Kim Stanley Robinson
Alternate history-SciFi novel where European colonization did not take place due to 99% pf the population of Europe dying from the Black Death. The plot follows a Jāti of characters as they are reincarnated across time and space in this alternate world. A Josef of FIUTS Pick.
If you’re book buying,
buy to support FIUTS at Bookshop!
Blackouts: A Novel by Justin Torres
A 2023 novel of historical fiction rich and strange in all the best ways: tender, rebellious, formally inventive, genre-defying. A young gay Puerto Rican man tends to an older, dying one named Juan, and their dialogue spirals through both queer history and the two men's overlapping personal histories. Development and Special Events Manager Claire’s top choice for winter break.
Biting the Hand: Growing Up Asian in Black and White America by Julia Lee
Resonant and reflective of our past and present times: in the vein of Eloquent Rage and Minor Feelings—a passionate, no-holds-barred memoir about the Asian American experience in a nation defined by racial stratification.
The War Came to Us: Life and Death in Ukraine by Christopher Miller
A detailed, personal, and engaging account of recent transformative events in Ukraine's history by a seasoned correspondent who never intended to head to Ukraine. Education Programs Manager Olena was so moved by this journalists account, she is now in contact with him.
On Palestine by Noam Chomsky and Ilan Pappé
These two prominent voices collaboratively analyze the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, offering a concise yet comprehensive overview. They assess historical events, geopolitical influences, and the impact of international actors. They challenge mainstream narratives, advocating for a just resolution that acknowledges Palestinian rights. With a shared commitment to human rights and justice, Chomsky and Pappé offer a thought-provoking examination of the ongoing complexities in the region, urging a reevaluation of perspectives on this enduring conflict.
Women Who Run with the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estés
An exploration of feminine archetypes and the wild, untamed essence within women. It draws on myths, folklore, and psychology to guide readers on a transformative journey, encouraging them to reclaim their instinctual, primal selves. Draws on Education Programs Specialist Nada's timeless archetypal strength.
This is How We Do It: One Day in the Lives of Seven Kids from Around the World by Matt Lamothe
This beautifully illustrated picture book offers kids a glimpse into the daily lives of seven kids in different places in the world—from Daphine in Uganda to Kai in Japan.
My America: Recipes from a Young Black Chef by Kwame Onwauchi
Would ED Era let us down. No M’am! THIS cookbook is like a trip across the globe, exploring the foods and cultures of the African Diaspora. From the Caribbean to Nigeria to New York, these are delicious, do-able, global recipes that celebrate the true roots of the American table.
Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear
FIUTS Work-Study Graduate Student, Deya, reminds us of the no-nonsense approach of Atomic Habits: It is a comprehensive, practical guide on how to change your habits and get 1% better every day. Using a framework called the Four Laws of Behavior Change, it teaches readers a simple set of rules for creating good habits and breaking bad ones.
The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin
“To eke out the most happiness from an experience, we must anticipate it, savor it as it unfolds, express happiness, and recall a happy memory” by Gretchen Rubin—at FIUTS, we are all about creating special experiences and a lot of our programs go full cycle, therefore creating more happiness in this conflicted world.