15 Must-Read Books Written by Binghamton University Faculty

The Path to Paralysis: How American Politics Became Nasty, Dysfunctional, and a Threat to the Republic

By Donald Nieman, professor of history and provost emeritus

The Path to Paralysis was inspired by Donald Nieman’s experience co-teaching a modern U.S. history course with his wife, Professor of History Leigh Ann Wheeler. He reflected on questions asked by their students and conversations he had with his teenage son about political polarization. The book examines how decades of racial conflict, economic shifts and changes in communication have shaped today’s divided country. Learn more about the book in BingUNews.

A Minimally Good Life: What We Owe to Others and What We Can Justifiably Demand

By Nicole Hassoun, professor of philosophy

What do we owe each other out of respect for our shared humanity? A Minimally Good Life suggests that we should help others live a decent life, as long as it doesn’t hurt our own ability to do the same. Nicole Hassoun argues in her book that we need to think about what a reasonable and caring person would consider a basic standard for living, and she offers new ideas on how to support others in meeting those standards. Learn more about the book in BingUNews.

How Not To Drown

By Jaimee Wriston Colbert, distinguished professor of English, general literature and rhetoric

WILLA Literacy Award-winning author Jaimee Wriston Colbert has written seven books of fiction. Her fourth book, How Not to Drown, won the 2021 International Book Award in General Fiction and the 2021 New York City Book Award in General Fiction. The book tells the story of a family struggling to deal with the loss of a child and explores themes of regret, grief and love. This powerful story is an essential read for anyone looking to connect with deep emotions and family dynamics.

Unlucky Mel

By Angie Pelekidis, lecturer and associate director of the First-Year Writing Program

The novel Unlucky Mel features a PhD candidate, Melody “Mel” Holling, as the main character. Binghamton Lecturer Angie Pelekidis takes you on Mel’s journey as the character is close to achieving her dreams of getting a great academic job and publishing her first novel, but needs to finish her book and graduate before doing so. When her father starts showing signs of dementia, Mel has to stay in her hometown to take care of him, which puts her goals on hold. As things get more complicated, her friend Ben betrays her, pushing Mel to seek revenge while the story humorously highlights the sacrifices women often make for the men in their lives.

Copperhead: A Novel

By Alexi Zentner, professor and director of graduate studies in English

Copperhead, a New York Times Book Review Editors’ Choice, follows protagonist Jessup, a high school senior who struggles with the return of his stepfather, who was recently released from prison after committing a hate crime. As Jessup tries to focus on his future in football, he faces a difficult choice between criticizing the man who supported his family or coming to terms with their family’s history of prejudice. This powerful story dives into themes of racism, class and family loyalty, making it a must-read for those interested in social issues.

Good Night to Your Fantastic Elastic Brain

Co-written by Terrence Deak, vice provost and dean of the Graduate School

Good Night to Your Fantastic Elastic Brain is a STEM picture book written by two brain experts (Deak and his aunt/educator JoAnn) that teaches kids the science and benefits of sleep in a fun and engaging way. It explains how the brain works hard at night to lock in what was learned during the day, reset for the next day and clean itself. This book is great for parents and educators to inform kids about the importance of getting enough sleep.

Legend Tripping: A Contemporary Legend Casebook

Co-edited by Elizabeth Tucker, distinguished service professor of English, general literature and rhetoric

Elizabeth Tucker has spent years researching folklore and has written multiple books involving her findings. Her most recent book, Legend Tripping, examines the practice of legend tripping, where people visit places connected to famous legends. This book features research and projects that encourage readers to think about the links between life, death and the supernatural. It’s a perfect read for students, and anyone interested in folklore.

Mr. Lancaster's System: The Failed Reform That Created America's Public Schools

By Adam Laats, professor in the Dept. of Teaching, Learning and Educational Leadership

Mr. Lancaster’s System reveals how Joseph Lancaster, a con artist and school reformer, influenced America’s public education system. In the book, Adam Laats explores Lancaster’s idea of having children teach one another and shows how his schemes led to important changes and the development of modern public schools through the efforts of students, teachers and families. Readers will find this story enlightening, as it uncovers the true impact of Lancaster’s failures on education and the determination of those who fought for quality schooling.

Shelly and Rhoda: A Most Extraordinary Spirit Encounter

By Gary Truce, professor emeritus

In Shelly and Rhoda, Gary Truce shares a fascinating story about a young family experiencing unusual phenomena, including moving furniture and flying objects. As Truce investigates, he discovers that eleven-year-old Shelly is communicating through their computer with a spirit named Rhoda, who may actually be Shelly’s twin sister who died before birth. This unique ghost story is an engaging read for those interested in the extraordinary.

Heart of American Darkness: Bewilderment and Horror on the Early Frontier

By Robert Parkinson, associate professor of history

In Heart of American Darkness, Robert Parkinson explores the complicated history of imperialism in early America, focusing on how the frontier shaped the nation. He tells the story of two families: the Shickellamys, who wanted peace between Native Americans and settlers, and the Cresaps, known for their ambition. By revealing the true story behind these historical events, Parkinson helps readers rethink American history and its effect on our world today, making it a great read for anyone interested in history.

Moral Economies of Money: Politics and the Monetary Constitution of Society

By Jakob Feinig, associate professor of human development

In Moral Economies of Money, Jakob Feinig explores how the relationship between money users and governments has changed from colonial America to today, revealing how people once viewed money as a shared resource. He discusses how popular movements shaped money creation practices while also facing efforts to silence them. This book helps readers understand the history of money and connects it to the rise of modern monetary theory, making it an excellent resource for anyone interested in economics and activism.

Shakespair: Sonnet Replies to the 154 Sonnets of William Shakespeare

By Martin Bidney, professor emeritus

Shakespair is a creative dialogue in which Martin Bidney engages with Shakespeare’s original works, responding to the themes and emotions. The book explores the conflict between love and desire, particularly in relation to bisexuality, highlighting the complexities of the poet’s connections with his boyfriend and mistress. By offering new perspectives and personal reflections alongside Shakespeare’s lyrical genius, this work encourages readers to dive deeper into the emotional depths of love, identity and artistic expression.

The Pen and the Pan: Food, Fiction and Homegrown Caribbean Feminism(s)

By Robyn Cope, associate professor of romance languages and literatures

Robyn Cope explores the powerful role of food imagery in the works of Caribbean authors in her book The Pen and the Pan. Cope argues that culinary fiction highlights the unique experiences of women and shows how they can come together to fight for freedom and change. By connecting food, identity and resistance, this book reveals how shared meals represent both struggle and unity among Caribbean women.

Missionary to the Middle East: The Journals of Joseph Wilford Booth

Co-written by Kent Schull, associate professor of history

Missionary to the Middle East shares the experiences of Joseph Wilford Booth, one of the first Latter-day Saint missionaries in the Ottoman Empire, serving from 1898 to 1928 in areas now known as Turkey, Israel/Palestine, Lebanon and Syria. The book includes annotated excerpts from Booth’s journals, highlighting the early Latter-day Saint community in the Middle East and important events like the end of the Ottoman Empire and the impacts of World War I. Readers will appreciate this book for its historical insights and the personal experiences of a missionary during a transformative period in Middle Eastern history.

Resonant Violence: Affect, Memory, and Activism in Post-Genocide Societies

By Kerry Whigham, assistant professor of genocide and mass atrocity prevention

Kerry Whigham examines the impact of genocide on societies, often resulting in violence and social divides, in his book Resonant Violence. The book highlights how grassroots movements generate creative responses, demonstrating how communities can reshape the legacy of violence through memory and activism. Using examples from Germany, Poland, Argentina and Indigenous communities in the United States, this significant work encourages readers to reflect on the potential for healing and change following trauma.

Emma Young is an intern for the Office of Media and Public Relations, and a junior majoring in English with a minor in education. She is interested in pursuing a career in public relations. In her free time, she enjoys baking, reading and writing.