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10 Alumni-Written Books to Read This Summer

10 Alumni-Written Books to Read This Summer

Dive into new, compelling reads by talented CU 51传媒 alumni authors. From historical fiction to powerful memoirs, these 10 books published within the last year offer something for everyone.

1.

By Mariko Tatsumoto (Psych鈥74; PhDLaw鈥77)

This historical novel explores the devastating Minamata mercury poisoning through the eyes of two young lovers from opposite sides of a class divide. With positive reviews from聽Midwest Book Review,聽Asian Review of Books,聽Pacific Citizen, the聽North American Post and the Historical Novel Society, it is set in 1950s Japan and is a human-centered story that brings a forgotten tragedy to life.


2.

By聽Kevin Fitzgerald (Bio鈥73; M鈥78; PhD鈥82)

This memoir chronicles an extraordinary life journey. From working as security for rock legends like The Rolling Stones to becoming a beloved veterinarian on Animal Planet's聽Emergency Vets, Fitzgerald shares his unique path with humor and heart, offering readers an inspiring look at a life dedicated to animals, adventure and advocacy.


3.

By聽Rebecca Rosenberg (Engl鈥76; Psych鈥76)

Set in the 1920s, this historical novel follows a young woman who rises from poverty to become a renowned performer.聽With positive reviews from聽BookList,聽BlueInk Review and聽Kirkus Review,聽the story is a compelling read about the complexities of societal expectations in the early 20th century.


4.

By聽Cynthia Anderson聽(Chin鈥87)聽

A dual-timeline novel that weaves together a World War II-era resistance story with a modern journey of self-discovery. Scheduled to be published on May 29, the book follows the story of a young Swiss woman helping Allied soldiers. The book explores love, sacrifice and long-buried family secrets.


5.

By聽Phil Caragol (Comm鈥75)

This book is a hilarious and heartfelt coming-of-age story set in 1950s and 1960s Long Island. Caragol recounts his misadventures growing up with undiagnosed ADHD in a strict Catholic household. This memoir delivers laugh-out-loud moments and reflections on the trials and triumphs of youth.


6.

By聽Pat Peterson (Soc鈥60)

This book shares a personal journey through decades of global adventures that go far beyond typical travel tales. From stories of surviving near-death experiences to sharing meaningful encounters with people around the world, this book is perfect for anyone craving inspiration, exploration and the fearless curiosity of a life fully lived.


7.

By聽Patrick Hoffman聽(FilmSt鈥98)

This novel is a fast-paced thriller that explores the unexpected and dangerous turns life can take when friendship and desperation collide. It follows Bunny Simpson and his best friend Jerry as they find themselves drawn into crime, extremism and betrayal. With a positive review from聽The Wall Street Journal, the book is perfect for those who enjoy crime fiction with a deep emotional core.


8.

By聽TianEn Stephenson (Mgmt'11)

An empowering guide that teaches readers how to confidently pursue their desires and ask for what they want, both professionally and personally, this book is perfect for anyone looking to create opportunities for success and abundance in their life.


9.

By聽Sarah Allen Benton聽(Jour鈥98)

This is a guide for parents navigating the challenges of sobriety while raising children.聽The book聽empowers readers with real-world advice and research-backed guidance instead of providing parenting 鈥渉ow-tos.鈥


10.

By聽Howard Mick (Bus'58; PhDLaw鈥58)

This book analyzes America鈥檚 growing national debt and the fiscal policies that have driven it to the brink. It provides historical context, factual analysis and practical solutions for reducing the debt, while empowering readers to understand and take action on this urgent issue.聽


Celebrate the brilliant writers in the CU 51传媒 community! The Alumni Association hosts a Forever Buffs book club where CU alumni connect virtually and read books written by fellow alumni.聽 and learn more about the club. The July book will be announced soon!聽