New Books for a new perspective

Yet another week of schoolwork down, and several more to go. As a college student, I know it can be draining when it feels like the only books you read nowadays are for classes and homework. Why not switch things up a bit and take some time for yourself with a book you pick all for yourself – no assignments, analyses, or page counts required. 

Memoir – “Sid Meier’s Memoir!: a life in computer games” by Sid Meier

The computer game “Pirates!” was one of my favorite video games growing up. I think it’s still somewhere in my desk drawer at home ready to be reinstalled, and I would be lying if I said I didn’t think about firing it up during quarantine last year for a little nostalgia. If you have ever played “Pirates!” or “Railroad Tycoon” or “Civilization,” you have Sid Meier to thank. 

The prolific game designer recounts his youth and his climb to fame and fortune through a series of “interesting decisions.” Along the way, he shares his thoughts on his creative process, the culture and psychology of gaming, and the industry as a whole all with his trademark wit and humor.

“Sid Meier’s Memoir!” is a fascinating look into the author’s four-decade career in producing some of the world’s most popular video games,” said Roger Myers, Associate Professor and Research and Instruction Librarian at Lamar Memorial. “If you have played any of Meier’s games, you will want to read about the history of these games and the challenges and successes Meier encountered along the way.” 

Fiction – “His Only Wife” by Peace Adzo Meide

If you want something just as funny, but with a little more spirit, then “His Only Wife” is the book for you. It follows a young woman in Ghana named Afi who agrees to an arranged marriage to a wealthy young bachelor in order to provide for her mother. She soon finds that her new husband is in love with another woman and Afi is meant to pull him away from this other “unfit” woman. 

With nothing to do in her posh new life besides cook for a man who barely comes home, Afi finds herself falling in love with her new hometown, the beautiful capital city of Accra, and all the independence it grants her. This book is modern and powerful and takes a look at Ghana in a way that is not often explored in media today so it will make for a refreshing and inspiring addition to your bookshelf.

Sci-Fi – “Ready Player 2” by Ernest Cline

From the author of the bestseller “Ready Player One” comes a much anticipated sequel. In the year 2044, just after Wade Watts wins the contest that OASIS founder James Halliday set in motion, Wade makes the shocking discovery. Halliday hid away “a technological advancement that will once again change the world and make the OASIS a thousand times more wondrous—and addictive—than even Wade dreamed possible.” 

With a new, lethal rival and both OASIS and humanity hanging in the balance, Wade is once again on a mission. Full of geeky easter eggs and nerd nostalgia, if you read the first book, saw the movie, or are just a fan of science fiction in action, you’ll want to pick this book up.

History – “Agent Sonya” by Ben Macintyre

Behind the innocent facade of being a sweet little housewife in England, one of the world’s most dedicated and legendary Soviet spies ran agents and collected intelligence under the codename “Sonya.” This biography details her life and mission as she was hunted by MI5, MI6, the FBI, the Chinese, the Japanese, and the Nazi’s and deceived each and every one of them in turn through her diaries and top-secret correspondence. More spy novel than history book, this story is bound to make an excellent movie or mini-series in no time.

“I enjoy biographies that read like thrillers, so I’ve been happily working my way through the recent microburst of books featuring World War II women spies,” said Angela Quick, Assistant Professor-Library Director and big fan of this new book. “Ursula Kuczynksi Burton appeared to live a simple life in a quiet Cotswold village. In reality, ‘Agent Sonya’ ran the network of communist spies that stole the scientific information the Soviet Union needed to build atomic weapons. It also shows how each of us is many different things, all at once – in Burton’s case, ‘a mother, housewife, novelist, expert radio technician, spymaster, courier, saboteur, bomb maker, Cold Warrior, and secret agent.”