Chinese Lessons: Five Classmates and the Story of the New China  by John Pomfret

This is the 2008 Gustavus Reading in Common Book (all freshmen read and discuss this book).  The author of the Reading in Common selection usually visits the campus for a public program sometime during the academic year. A Book Club Bag of this title is available in addition to single copies.

John Pomfret, currently a professional journalist, uses the lives of his fellow students at Nanjing University in 1981 to paint a picture of China then and now (Pomfret visited his classmates twice over the last two decades). The harshness and fear evident in the students’ early lives under the reign of Chairman Mao contrasts greatly with the freedom now available to the Chinese.  This is an especially timely book given the 2008 summer Olympics venue.

Chasing Harry Winston

by Lauren Weisberger

This book by “The Devil Wears Prada” author is a good summer read. It keeps you entertained while being a quick read.

From Amazon.com

Emmy is newly single, and not by choice. She was this close to the ring and the baby she's wanted her whole life when her boyfriend left her for his twenty-three-year-old personal trainer -- whose fees are paid by Emmy. With her plans for the perfect white wedding in the trash, Emmy is now ordering takeout for one. Her friends insist an around-the-world sex-fueled adventure will solve all her problems -- could they be right?

Leigh, a young star in the publishing business, is within striking distance of landing her dream job as senior editor and marrying her dream guy. And to top it all off, she has just purchased her dream apartment. Only when Leigh begins to edit the enfant terrible of the literary world, the brilliant and brooding Jesse Chapman, does she start to notice some cracks in her perfect life...

Adriana is the drop-dead-gorgeous daughter of a famous supermodel. She possesses the kind of feminine wiles made only in Brazil, and she never hesitates to use them. But she's about to turn thirty and -- as her mother keeps reminding her -- she won't have her pick of the men forever. Everyone knows beauty is ephemeral and there's always someone younger and prettier right around the corner. Suddenly she's wondering...does Mother know best?

These three very different girls have been best friends for a decade in the greatest city on earth. As they near thirty, they're looking toward their future...but despite all they've earned -- first-class travel, career promotions, invites to all the right parties, and luxuries small and large -- they're not quite sure they like what they see...

One Saturday night at the Waverly Inn, Adriana and Emmy make a pact: within a single year, each will drastically change her life. Leigh watches from the sidelines, not making any promises, but she'll soon discover she has the most to lose. Their friendship is forever, but everything else is on the table. Three best friends. Two resolutions. One year to pull it off.

Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Collins

I have to admit that I am not usually a fantasy fan. So, when the Mother/Daughter Book Club chose Gregor, I pretty much groaned inwardly. To my surprise, I thoroughly enjoyed the book. When I finished the first book, I had to check out the second one in the series to see what happens next!

When eleven year old Gregor and his two year old sister fall through an air vent in the laundry room, they find themselves in an "Underworld". This underworld is full of talking bats, cockroaches,spiders, rats, and other unusual underworld humans. Gregor soon becomes a reluctant warrior for the underworld, helping them defeat the invading rats. To his surprise, Gregor finds out that his father, who has been missing for a while, has been held captive by the rats of the underworld. Most of the characters (except for the invading rats) were so endearing, I forgot that they were actually insects and rodents I was reading about! If you want to know if Gregor finds his father and finds his way back to the Overland...pick up Gregor the Overlander and give the series a try.

Gone By Michael Grant

Gorgeously Green by Sophie Uliano

 In your already busy life-style, do you think it would be hard to "go green"?  Do you sometimes wonder what it means to "go green"?  If these are some of your questions that you need to read Gorgeously Green by Sophie Uliano.  The author has already done all of the work for you and put everything into a simple 8-step program:  

• Green your entire beauty regime
• Detoxify your home
• Indulge in guilt-free shopping
• Adopt a home fitness routine
• Prepare eco-licious treats
• Give your kitchen a green makeover
• Become more aware of your impact on the earth

The book's dozens and dozens of eco-friendly tips, products, and practices combine to help the everyday consumer make better choices not only for themselves and their families but also for the environment.