Notable Alumni and Faculty Books of 2017

Haven’t gotten all of your holiday gifts yet? It’s not too late for the slackers of the world, Terps included. We’ve rounded up some of the notable books published this year by University of Maryland alumni and faculty—maybe you’ll find the perfect last-minute gift for a book lover on your list.

“Shattered: Inside Hillary Clinton’s Doomed Campaign,” by Jonathan Allen and Amie Parnes

Political journalist Jonathan Allen ’98 and co-author Amie Parnes tell the inside story of Hillary Clinton’s ill-fated campaign for the presidency through interviews with more than 100 sources.

“Becoming Ms. Burton: From Prison to Recovery to Leading the Fight for Incarcerated Women,” by Susan Burton and Cari Lynn

Cari Lynn ’95 co-wrote the true story of Susan Burton’s struggle with drug addiction, the 15 years she spent cycling in and out of prison, and her eventual success in getting clean and creating an organization that operates safe homes for women and children in Los Angeles.

“Crumb-sized,” by Marlena Chertock

Marlena Chertock ’13 connects two themes in “Crumb-Sized,” her second book of poetry: her experience with chronic pain (a result of a form of dwarfism) and outer space. The result? Poems that describe the earthly experience of pain while also taking the cosmic long view of personal suffering.

 "Seconds of Courage: A Soldier’s Story from Immigrant to the Medal of Honor,” by Flo Groberg and Tom Sileo

Flo Groberg ’06 chronicles his life, from his childhood in France to the moment in the Army that changed his life forever: the split second in which he tackled a suicide bomber, saving lives and eventually earning him the Congressional Medal of Honor.

“A Different Shade of Justice: Asian American Civil Rights in the South,” by Stephanie Hinnershitz

Stephanie Hinnershitz Ph.D. ’13 explores a lesser-known side of the Jim Crow era: the indignities and discrimination suffered by Asian Americans. Hinnershitz examines the ways in which Asian Americans fought back against injustice through a series of court cases.

“Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Getaway,” by Jeff Kinney

It’s the 12th book of 1993 grad Jeff Kinney’s massively popular “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” series—by now, the kids in your life probably know what to expect. In this installment, Greg and his family travel to a tropical island for Christmas, but—surprise!—mishaps abound.

“The Lost Prayers of Ricky Graves,” by James Han Mattson

In this novel, by English lecturer James Han Mattson, a community grapples with the aftermath of a murder-suicide committed by a young man tormented and teased about his sexuality.

“Long Way Down,” by Jason Reynolds

In “Long Way Down,” National Book Award finalist and New York Times bestselling author Jason Reynolds ’05 tells the story of teenager Will, who is determined to take revenge on his brother’s murderer. Over the course of the 60-second elevator ride through his apartment building, Will is visited by spirits of those connected to his brother—themselves the victims of gun violence—who inform his ultimate decision.