2021 Senior Books
Meet the Library’s Class of 2021!
Every year, the graduating seniors who are working in the library are invited to pick a favorite book and say something about what it was like to work in the library. Learn more about the Senior Book Project.
Years available:
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
Daria Chamness
Hometown: Ann Arbor, MI
Years in the Library: 1.5
Book Selection:
An Unkindness of Ghosts by Rivers Solomon
“This book helped me rediscover what I love about sci-fi. It was also the first time I’d ever read neurodivergence depicted in a way that felt both authentic and embodied. Rivers Solomon has a way of making their fictional settings both hauntingly otherworldly and viscerally familiar at the same time as they explore race, dis/ability, queerness, and love in this intrigue-packed read.”
What have you enjoyed about working in the library?
“Even though I only worked in-person at the archives for a few months, I loved my time there and have been super grateful for how flexible and understanding everyone has been about remote work during the pandemic. My favorite thing has been finding creative ways to connect people on campus to parts of Mac history they didn’t know about before.”
Nicole Frey
Hometown: Madison, WI
Years in the Library: 4
Book Selection:
The Space Between Worlds by Micaiah Johnson
“I read this book over winter break and found it exciting and thought-provoking. The Space Between Worlds is a science fiction book about a woman named Cara whose job is to travel to different universes. She can only travel to another Earth if the Cara there is dead, and so she is one of the most valuable travelers because she died on almost every other version of Earth. The space travel mechanics were clear and interesting without being too simple, and I was really invested in Cara’s journey. I read it in one day and I wanted to travel to a different universe and read it again!”
What have you enjoyed about working in the library?
“I’ve enjoyed getting to know all the awesome people who work here. I also like the feeling of getting everyone the books they need and seeing all the interesting books people check out!”
Rachel Liebherr
Hometown: Port Edwards, WI
Years in the Library: 4
Book Selection:
Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh
“I adore this book and have since I first read it as a child! The characters are so funny and Harriet was an important role model as a young girl dedicated to her craft.”
What have you enjoyed about working in the library?
“There is so much I have loved but I will keep it simple: All of the amazing people I get to interact with on a daily basis! Being introduced to new ideas through osmosis! Helping people!”
Jennings Mergenthal
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Years in the Library: 4
Book Selection:
I Want My Hat Back by Jon Klassen
“It’s a good book.”
What have you enjoyed about working in the library?
“The community of people at the library!”
Katharine Moore
Hometown: Omaha, NE
Years in the Library: 3.5
Book Selection:
Angels in America by Tony Kushner
“This is my favorite play of all time. Every character is so nuanced, believable and complex that I take away something new every time I experience it. Tony Kushner handles complex themes of religion and the HIV/AIDS epidemic with such a unique and bold tone. A truly transcendent, emotional, and enrapturing read or watch! ”
What have you enjoyed about working in the library?
“The people are wonderful! I’ve also learned a lot about research and making full use of all the library’s great services.”
Lidija Namike
Hometown: Brimingham, AL
Years in the Library: 2
Book Selection:
The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel van der Kolk
“This book combines neuroscience, psychology, and physiology to dissect trauma and its lasting impacts on mental and physical health. Even if you haven’t experienced trauma, it is a phenomenal book to read to better understand those who have, and even parts of yourself that you may not be aware of. If you have experienced trauma or mental illness– I could not more highly recommend this book as a companion for self-help and growth as you go through day-to-day life. It is the perfect book to read when you’re in quarantine and want to spend some time with yourself.”
What have you enjoyed about working in the library?
“The best part of working in the archives is being able to work hands-on with items and documents that were once in the hands of Macalester students decades in the past. There are some parts of the Macalester experience that seem to be universal across the years, and it is such a touching feeling to recognize those timeless feelings, experiences, and jokes…. while being paid to do so too :^)”
Teresa Padron
Hometown: Charlottesville, VA
Years in the Library: 2
Book Selection:
The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan
“I started this series winter of my first year of college, and am currently on Knife of Dreams, the 11th book and the last book written by Robert Jordan, the original author. These books have meant a lot to me and have shaped my free time over the past four years, as I’ve used them to decompress and rest between semesters and during breaks, and listening to the audiobooks driving to and from campus from my home in Virginia. It feels fitting to be finishing Macalester where I am in the series, having not finished the books but being on the last one the original author wrote before he died.”
What have you enjoyed about working in the library?
“Working at the archives has been wonderful. Ellen Holt-Werle is a fantastic campus leader, agitator, and mentor, who uses her position to try and distribute institutional counternarratives. Besides that, Ellen cares deeply about her student workers, and has been phenomenally flexible, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. She routinely checks in with us, not only as her employees, but also as people in the world, and has done a lot to make sure I take care of myself. Thanks for everything Ellen.”
Bruno Stojčić
Hometown: Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Years in the Library: 4
Book Selection:
And Every Morning the Way Home Gets Longer and Longer by Fredrik Backman
“It is incredible how such a short novella can carry such a deep and nuanced meaning behind it. Ever since I read this novella during the lockdown, I have been literally thinking about it at least once a week. You will probably read this in less than an hour, but it will surely stick with you for days and months to come!”
What have you enjoyed about working in the library?
“I really enjoyed the relaxed and friendly environment that we had in the library, the shifts were always so much fun! I hate to admit this, but doing ILLs was weirdly satisfying, especially doing the pack and ship. Next to all of the people that made my experience at the library incredible, I am going to miss using the “LIBRARY RATE” stamp.”