It is entitled Postsecular Catholicism, and it thoughtfully explores from a sociological point of view how modern Catholics reconcile their secular lives with the teachings of the Church (and how the Church attempts its own reconciliation). My first book this month was written by none other than our Dean of the College of Liberal Arts, Michele Dillon. One of the most compelling books I have read in years. This is the true story of an enslaved couple who escaped by posing as a white “master” and “his” male slave. Finally, an amazing book I read in honor of Black History Month by Ilyon Woo entitled Master, Slave, Husband, Wife.

I also read Underland, by Robert Macfarlane, a fascinating work of non-fiction about what lies underground in various parts of the world, including caves in England and catacombs below Paris. This was my first Stephen King book, and I enjoyed it immensely. My first book was Fairy Tale, by Stephen King, the story of a young man who finds a passage to an underground fairy-tale world. The theme for this month’s reading is underground. The book is way more fun than this description sounds I loved it! Which led me to my third book, Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus, a current bestseller about a woman scientist in the 1960s navigating the hostile environment of laboratory science and the challenges of raising a child as a single mother. Nora Webster is about a woman sorting out her life after the death of her husband, and courageously facing blatant sexism in doing so. He also wrote Brooklyn, which I have not read but was a great film. The protagonist of the novel is an Irish priest living at the Vatican, which may have led me to my second book, Nora Webster by Colm Tóibín, who is an Irish novelist.

My first book this month was My Father’s House by Joseph O’Connor, a novel loosely based on historical events during the Nazi occupation of Italy during WWII. (Extra points if you get the MacBeth reference in the title!) I wanted to remind you that if you click on the links for each title you can find a way to read the title through the UNH Dimond Library as a member of our community. I have not read anything quite like it and am still pondering long after I finished it. This is a captivating story of the relationship between two young people who produce computer games and start a company together. I also read a book recommended by my daughter Noelle: Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, a novel by Gabrielle Zevin. This book was given to me by a UNH alum, and I found it a helpful way of thinking about how the later stages of one’s career, leading eventually to retirement, can be managed productively. My first book this month was From Strength to Strength: Finding Success, Happiness and Deep Purpose in the Second Half of Life, by Arthur C.

The Aftermath by Jen Alexander