SFU picks: Looking to do some reading, this reading break?

Ashley Edwards, librarian, Indigenous Curriculum Resource Centre

What is your favourite book?

I find this question so hard! My favourite book changes depending on my mood, the season, and what my interests are. Since I wasn’t able to narrow it down, I want to share two titles: The girl who grew a galaxy by Métis author Cherie Dimaline, and Indigenous Storywork by Stó:lō educator Jo-ann Archibald (Q’um Q’um Xiiem).

When did you first read it? Have you read it since?

I found The girl who grew a galaxy around 2018, shortly after reading Marrow Thieves. I borrowed it from the library, and loved it so bought a copy. I’ve read it a couple of times since, and recommend it to everyone.

I had heard about Indigenous Storywork a couple of times before picking it up when I started my role as the Indigenous Curriculum Resource Centre librarian. I’ve only read the book once in its entirety, but go back to certain sections.

How did it impact your life? The way you live or think?

Reading Girl was the first time I encountered a character with anxiety. The way Cherie Dimaline describes how anxiety impacts the main character, Ruby, was beautiful. As someone who has anxiety myself, the description really resonated with me and gave me a new way to think about my own mental health.

As a reader, and a librarian, I understand how powerful books and knowledge can be. Indigenous Storywork outlines the pedagogy of story, and how Indigenous communities, particularly Stó:lō, teach through story. Archibald begins her book explaining that in Indigenous cultures, sharing what you learn is an important tradition. I aspired to practice this when creating the resources available on the ICRC web pages.

Joy Johnson, SFU president and vice-chancellor

What is your favourite book?

I love to read. I always have a book on the go. I really can’t pick one. I gravitate to fiction, biography and history. 

When did you first read it? Have you read it since?

I rarely reread books. There is such delight in starting a new story. 

How did it impact your life? The way you live or think?

I carry many snippets of books with me. As I go through my day I am often reminded of a character, or a turn of events. The stories I have read shape who I am today. I am inspired by real and fictional lives lived, strong characters, challenges taken up. I can’t imagine a life without books! 

Shaheen Nanji, executive director, SFU International

What is your favourite book? 

It’s hard to pick one favourite, but this book had a profound impact on me and how I think about my work. It’s called The Wisdom of Whores: Bureaucrats, Brothels and the Business of AIDS by Elizabeth Pisani. Its key messages are relevant to this global pandemic as it’s about the importance of data, how to combine facts with a compelling enough story to bring attention to urgent issues; and a reminder that the real expertise about an issue lies with those that live with and through it.

When did you first read it? Have you read it since?

I first read it when doing my MA and, while I haven’t read it since, I talk about it and draw on the lessons often in my work.

How did it impact your life? The way you live or think?

It taught me to question everything; real ethical decisions are most often not black and white; and it is so important to be able to communicate in a way that appeals to your audience.

Melek Ortabasi, associate professor and chair of SFU’s World Languages and Literatures program

What is your favourite book?

I really couldn't pick just one. Also, it changes over time. But one of the best books I've read recently is Stephen Snyder's translation of Yôko Ogawa's The Memory Police.  

When did you first read it? Have you read it since? 

I just read this a few weeks ago, and am thinking of teaching it in one of my classes.

How did it impact your life? The way you live or think?

The book made me think about how important memory is in our conception of ourselves both individually and as a society—and what happens if too many memories are stolen or lost. Truly something we can all relate to, I think.

CJ Rowe, director, Sexual Violence Support & Prevention Office

What is your favourite book?

A Song Below Water by Bethany Morrow.

When did you first read it? Have you read it since?

I was looking for a new YA novel this fall when I first stumbled upon Morrow’s A Song Below Water. I’m not usually someone who reads a book more than once but I gifted a few copies to friends over the holidays and I am planning to read it again over reading week.

How did it impact your life? The way you live or think?

I’m always looking for stories that push my mind, my heart and my understanding of the world around me. There are many elements woven together in this story that keep drawing me back. Morrow masterfully draws on the genre of speculative fiction (hello sirens, a gargoyle and other magical beings) to bring to life many of the social realities that are unfolding today. In her writing I see a clear call to action for social change, see the impacts of persecution and state violence, feel a call to support Black Lives Matter and an opportunity to cheer for deep friendship and chosen family. A Song Below Water is timely and I encourage you to pick up a copy or check a copy out of the library today.

Tammara Soma, assistant professor at the School of Resource and Environmental Management

What is a current book you are reading? 

 The book I’m reading this month is Extraterrestrial: The First Sign of Intelligent Life Beyond Earth, by Avi Loeb, professor with the Department of Astronomy at Harvard University. This book details scientific evidence that ‘Oumuamua’ (the interstellar object that made a splash across global media) is not an ordinary interstellar comet or asteroid. Rather, Loeb argues that this interesting interstellar visitor may potentially be advanced alien technology from a distant star (he published several peer-reviewed articles on this hypothesis).

When did you first read it? Have you read it since? 

It was just released Jan. 26^th, so I am still reading it! I am a fast reader, but I am working on numerous projects and teaching too. Also, there are many scientific terms specific to the field of astronomy. If one is not in the field, it’s best to keep your computer up to better understand some of the concepts and terms (e.g. quarks, etc). It’s accessible enough though for non-astronomers.

How did it impact your life? The way you live or think?

Loeb noted how any mention of extraterrestrials often leads to ridicule (despite being Harvard’s top astronomer). He noted that as scientists, it is important to be open minded and maintain humility in the search for truth. It’s also important to remember that there are actually more earth-like planets in the universe than grains of sand on earth. So in terms of scientific probability, the idea that we are alone in the universe is highly unlikely.

Also, from a spiritual perspective, in the Islamic teachings (I’m Muslim), it is mentioned in the Quran that there are intelligent beings beyond the earth and a prophecy that one day we (Earthlings) will be put in contact. So I’m interested in this issue from both a scientific and spiritual perspective. I guess we’ll just have to wait and see right?