The Wall

Reading for pleasure really is a gift! I spoke with my library helpers and they put together a list of historical fiction recommendations for you to enjoy:

-Artifice by Sharon Cameron
-Glorious Exploits by Ferdia Lennon
-The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro
-Sacré Bleu by Christopher Moore
-The Women by Kristin Hannah
-The Huntress, by Kate Quinn (Partially set in Boston!)
-The Cliffs by J. Courtney Sullivan
-A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith
-The Bedlam Stacks by Natasha Pulley
-Babel by R.F. Kuang
-The Binding by Bridget Collins
-The Night Watch by Sarah Waters
-The Pretender by Jo Harkin
-Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell
-Since I lived in Chicago for a while, I am partial to “The Devil in the White City” by Erik Larson. Also, I enjoy the writing of David Grann. They are both journalists, so it is very easy reading–perfect for summer.
-The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Annie Barrows and Mary Ann Shaffer
-Playworld by Adam Ross
-The Bull From The Sea by Mary Renault
-Nuestra Señora De La Noche/ Our Lady of the Night by Mayra Santos-Febres
-Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel
-Bernard Cornwell’s series of Richard Sharpe novels is fantastic if action and adventure in the Napoleonic wars appeals to you
-Delayed Rays of a Star by Amanda Lee Koe
-Sarah MacLean’s Hell’s Belles Series (Romance + Victorian Era)
-The Aubrey-Maturin series by Patrick O’Brian
-The Parisian by Isabella Hammad
-You Dreamed of Empires by Alvaro Enrigue
-Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier
-Anything by Bernard Cornwell

There are no books currently banned by the United States government on a federal/national level. However, the American Library Association does keep track of bans and challenges on the school/district/state level, which you can find here: https://www.ala.org/bbooks/book-ban-data.

BOTH AMAZING, GOOD WILL HUNTING, IDK BUT HE WORKED AT A DUNKS WHICH TRACKS

I don’t know of a list, but the University Archives are held by Burns Library — I bet they could help you find some names! You might also what to check with the Office of University Commencement to see if they have records of past speakers: https://bit.ly/bc-commencement

Sorry, I can’t do political or commercial endorsements here. Part of my contract.

BC highly regards Tip O’Neill because he was a graduate who had a very distinguished career in state and national politics, including US Representative for Cambridge and Boston for sixteen terms and Speaker of the House of Representatives from 1977 to 1987. There are numerous anecdotes of people who called his office and were surprised to hear him answer. He is also remembered as someone who listened and addressed his constituents’ problems as best as he could. BC has honored him many times, and he attended the opening of this library in 1981. I recommend visiting the Burns Library Reading Room to see an exhibit of items from his life and career.

Oh 🙁 I’m sorry to hear that.

My sources report it’s been flooding lately. I assume we’re waiting on a repair.

It makes me so happy to see declarations of love!

I’ll miss all of those graduating or going elsewhere, too. If you’re graduating, congratulations!

Hi!

Why, thank you! It’s not today, but I’m happy to celebrate! (My birthday is in February.)

Awwwwwww… thanks for the love! ☺️ Back atcha!

I love these critters. Thank you for leaving me a delightful little treat. I wish I could pet them.

I hear that within fan communities, the “original” ships of Kirk/Spock and Scully/Mulder remain favorites. I also asked one of my Millennial assistants, who said there’s nothing quite like Destiel or Dramione. I’ll lean towards any of those!

Have your friend visit the counseling center (or call 617-552–3310, extension 2) right away and ask for a Psychological Emergency Clinician (PEC). More info: bit.ly/bc-pec. If you’re interested in longer-term skills & training for suicide prevention, this mental health & wellness page has strategies and training opportunities: bit.ly/bc-mental-health-wellness.

Sexual orientation is not tied to a single gene.

It depends on the day and on the question. 

Oh 🙁 I’m sorry to hear that.

It depends on so many factors that you really ought to have a lot of conversations about it with people whose judgment you trust. In a general sense, it’s OK to do whatever is best for you, of course.