inside Grace Doherty Library with stacks of books on each side of row and student studying at end of row

Turning the Page: Must-Read Books from Centre Authors in the New Year

by Centre News

In celebration of December as "Read a New Book Month," faculty, staff and alumni authors from the Centre College community shared their hot-off-the-press publications from 2024. 

If you are a Centre graduate and have published a work, share it with the Centre community by emailing Centrepiece@Centre.edu.  

Here’s a must-read roundup to inspire your literary list as we turn the page on a new year: 

FACULTY & STAFF

A book cover shows sunlight shining through trees.
David Anderson, Blazer Professor of Economics & Business

Environmental Economics and Natural Resource Management (6th edition)
The tools of environmental economics guide policymakers as they weigh development against nature, present against future, and certain benefits against uncertain consequences. The policies and research findings explained in this textbook are relevant to decisions made daily by individuals, firms, and governments. 
 

A book cover shows a black and white photo of people getting off an airplane. The title is "Only a Few Blocks to Cuba."
Mauricio Castro, Assistant Professor of History and Chair of Latin American Studies

Only a Few Blocks to Cuba: Cold War Refugee Policy, the Cuban Diaspora, and the Transformations of Miami
The effect of the Cuban diaspora on Miami has long been observed, but how this history fits into broader trends in American history has not been properly understood. Only A Few Blocks to Cuba shows how a story of migration, federal largesse, and Cold War priorities shaped not only South Florida but our broader national politics.
 

the bronze door
Karin Ciholas, John M. and Louise Van Winkle Professor Emerita of Language

The Bronze Door (The Cyrenian Trilogy)
The second book in Ciholas’ Cyrenian Trology, “The Bronze Door” opens to a turbulent time in history when great courage is needed to defy a tyrant. The drama unfolds against the backdrop of a world torn between cruelty and humanity.
 

A book cover shows a young woman standing in front of a chalkboard filled with equations.
Lenny Demoranville, Marlene & David Grissom Associate Professor of Chemistry
& Jeff Fieberg, John Walkup Professor of Chemistry and Chemical Physics

Chemistry in General Education
From the American Chemical Society Blurb: “This book outlines what it means to teach general education chemistry students, the so-called “nonmajors”.” Our chapter “Developing the Evidence: Using the History of Science to Teach the Process of Science” describes the design of Centre College’s Natural Science 110 course entitled “Big Bang: Developing the Evidence”. Editors: G.L. Crawford and K.D. Kloepper
 

A book cover shows the title "How to Think Philosophically."
W. David Hall, W. George Matton Professor of Philosophy and Religion

How to Think Philosophically
Philosophy is both a way of living and a way of thinking. This book explores the specifics of thinking philosophically by the emphasizing the importance of being philosophical.
 

Miserere Mei: A Journey of Self-Discovery through the Art of Georges Rouault
Joel Klepac, Centre Counseling Services

Miserere Mei: A Journey of Self-Discovery through the Art of Georges Rouault
Artist Georges Rouault channeled this healing energy in his powerful series Miserere et Guerre, a collection of prints created amidst World War I in France. This stunning series of images still beckons the viewer on a healing journey. As an artist, therapist, and spiritual seeker, author Joel Klepac explores themes of suffering, grief, love, and hope in the first 33 plates of the Miserere series.

A book cover shows the title "Appalachian Melodies."
Mike Norris, director of communications (retired)

Mommy Goose’s APPALACHIAN MELODIES
These Kentucky-flavored rhymes and tales deal with themes such as conflict; kindness; the passage of time; and, most of all, the might of words. Former Kentucky Poet Laureate Crystal Wilkinson says, “Mommy Goose’s APPALACHIAN MELODIES is a children’s book and an adult’s book simultaneously….the mixture of Mike’s voice and Minnie Adkins’ art is pure magic.”
 

The cover a book shows the title "The War Comes With You."
Stacey Peebles, H. W. Stodghill, Jr. and Adele H. Stodghill Associate Professor of English

The War Comes with You: Enduring War in Life, Fiction, and Fantasy
The post-2011 surge of war stories in both America and Iraq show how combat violence blurs spatial and temporal boundaries, creating a sense of globalized warfare that seems to go on forever—both in realistic literary and cinematic representations as well as superhero and Star Wars films.
 

A book cover shows the title "Squarely Up To You Volume 2"
John H. Wilson, H.W. Stodghill Jr. and Adele H. Stodghill Professor of Mathematics, emeritus        

Squarely Up To You, Volume 2  
Get ready to experience the joy of solving a new type of logic puzzle. The Squarely puzzles found in this book will sharpen your deductive skills. Beginning with a completely empty 5 by 5 grid, you are challenged to fill all 25 cells with the digits 1 through 9 while following two simple rules. Fifty basic puzzles will get you started as you gradually develop techniques to solve the more advanced puzzles.

ALUMNI

A book cover shows the title "Professional Mindset Journal."
Kelenda Allen-James ’01 

Professional Mindset Journal  
and Professional Mindset Weekly Planner 
As we move forward, we will see ups and downs, successes and setbacks as we pursue professional development. This journal is designed to help you regroup, rethink, and reset yourself when needed, as well as celebrate along the way.  
 

A book cover shows the title "Bryzzo Gets a Brother."
Cole J Chandler ‘17 (Author) and Hiruni Kariyawasam (Author) 

Bryzzo Gets a Brother  
Bryzzo, a chubby and spoiled Frenchie, thinks he lives the perfect life. That is, until his smelly Basset Hound brother, Dunkin, comes along. Will he learn to love his new little brother of will he have to unwillingly Share his treats and belly rubs from mom and dad forever? 
 

A book cover shows the title, "Toxic Leaders and Tough Bosses."
Teresa A. Daniel  ‘79 

Toxic Leaders and Tough Bosses: Organizational Guardrails to Keep High Performers on Track 
Employment law attorney Teresa A. Daniel JD, PhD, draws upon numerous studies and interviews to show the real, devastating impact of toxic workplace culture and why leaders must care. 
 

They Built Me for Freedom
Tonya Duncan Ellis ‘92 

They Built Me for Freedom: 
The Story of Juneteenth and Houston's Emancipation Park 
A moving picture book about the history of Emancipation Park in Houston, Texas — and the origins of Juneteenth. 
 

A book cover shows a roman helmet and the title "The Heir of Achilles."
Patrick Garvey ’10 

The Heir of Achilles: A Novel
Garvey’s first novel, a mystery thriller, involves ancient history and mythology. “My time at Centre was crucial to helping me develop the writing and research skills needed to make this dream come true,” he wrote.  
 

A book cover shows the title, "The Chaplain River Letters."
Mary Lynn Jordan ’96

The Chaplin River Letters
In this gripping account, M. L. Jordan unveils the raw truths of the Civil War era. Beyond polished tales, dive into a world filled with desire, mystery, and chaos. Personal letters shed light on passionate love, deep betrayals, and unwavering faith. Experience America's pivotal moment through the eyes of those on the battlegrounds and in whispered secrets. This isn't just history: it's the heart and soul of a nation at war.
 

A book cover shows the title, "The Social Justice Investor."
Andrea Longton ‘09 

The Social Justice Investor: Advance Your Values While Building Wealth, Whether a Few Dollars or Millions Having lived through recessions and pandemics, we all recognize the importance of financial well-being. But we are also living in a time of uncertainty, marked by injustice, climate crisis, and social change. How do we reconcile these two things--our financial well-being and our desire to advocate for a more just and equitable world? 
 

A book cover shows the title, "Bridges Over Trouble Waters."
Donald Preston ’67 

Bridges Over Trouble Waters: My Life of Faith and Fortitude
Step into the deeply personal memoir that spans nearly eight decades of love, loss, and the challenges in between. This book shares the spiritual journey of a man whose life has been filled with significant obstacles and profound moments of faith.
 

Taking Flight
Mary Ruez Rogers ‘86 

Taking Flight 
Taking Flight is a captivating collection of poetry that takes readers on a poignant journey through the author's life, from the challenges of adolescence to the profound reflections of adulthood. With lyrical prose, raw emotion, and touches of humor, Mary Ruez Rogers weaves a tapestry of experiences that resonate deeply with the human condition.
 

A book cover shows the title, "Illuminating Nature."
Jon Reynolds ‘95

Illuminating Nature: Chasing Light Across the Landscape
A debut collection of photography by Jon Reynolds that includes photos from Acadia National Park to the Great Smoky Mountains to the Oregon Coast and many points in between.  
 

A book cover shows the title, "The Lost Story."
Meg Shaffer ‘00

 The Lost Story: A Novel
Years ago, a reclusive mega-bestselling children’s author quit writing under mysterious circumstances. Suddenly he resurfaces with a brand-new book and a one-of-a-kind competition, offering a prize that will change the winner’s life in this absorbing and whimsical novel.