RACC Recommends
- Greater Reading Literary Festival
- Berks County Public Libraries
- One Book, One Community Project
Reader Recommendations from the RACC community:
Inez Whipple, former Teaching & Learning Center Director, recommends
On the Wing: To the Edge of the Earth with the Peregrine Falcon
by Alan Tennant
“The story follows Alan and his pilot, George Vose as they attempt to track a peregrine falcon on its spring migration from Texas to Alaska via radio transmitter in George’s Cessna Skyhawk ‘469 airplane. The only problem is that they are unauthorized, even forbidden by the Army to pursue their venture; are in possession of stolen equipment; have to fake permission to enter Canada; and have no idea where their next tank of gas will come from. Alan adds in history of falconry, environmental concerns, and fascinating insights into the people they meet along the way to make this a very enjoyable and educational book.”
Christi Loverich, Business Division Secretary, recommends
The Great Stink
by Clare Clark
“I would recommend this book to anyone who is willing to take the trip to the underworld of London, England in the 1800’s. Imagine working in a sewer or making a living by catching large, live rats to sell to gaming houses. This book takes the reader to places most of us wouldn’t want to go, in more ways than one, but touches the reader through the much scarred, human, warm hearted main characters.”
Susan Bazylak, Humanities Faculty, recommends
When I Was Puerto Rican
By Esmerelda Santiago
“This autobiographical account of Santiago’s childhood, spent in part in Puerto Rico and later in the United States, chronicles her adventures and misadventures in both places. Memories of her beloved Puerto Rico are interspersed with the realities she faces in adjusting to life in New York City. The book is written in English, but it contains enough Spanish expressions and adages (with a glossary at the end of the book) to convey the richness of the language and the island she loves. Her descriptions are absolutely delicious. She draws upon every sense so that the reader can see, hear, feel, smell and taste every experience with clarity. I thoroughly enjoyed this book for Santiago’s inspiring story, her wonderful descriptions, and the insights I gained into Puerto Rican culture and everyday life.”
Sharon Allen, Health Professions Adjunct Faculty, recommends
Swiss Family Robinson
by Robinson Crusoe
“This has always been my all time childhood favorite (and favorite re-read). A sea captain friend of my father's gave it to me when I was about 8. I always loved the outdoors, foreign lands, adventure, and plants and animals. You can't ask for more in a book! It also fueled my avid interest in Biology - where I am today as a faculty member!”