Looking for something to read in 2025? Oxford College Library has got you covered. Start your year off right with these new books to start the new year! All of these titles have just hit our shelves and are available to check out today!
Better, faster, farther: How Running Changed Everything We Know about Women is just the inspiring read for anyone looking to get more exercise in their daily routine. Award – winning journalist Maggie Mertens takes readers through the story of how women have broken societal barriers to earn their rightful place in the world of competitive running. From the first woman to cross the boundary and run a marathon in 1896, to the earliest “officially” sanctioned woman’s races in the 20th century, to the most intense races woman can participate in today: the ultramarathon, Mertens shows us that women’s running is full of inspiring figures and potential for a bright future. This true story highlighting the world’s most powerful athletes is sure to set your heart ablaze with grit and determination!
Lazarus Man by Richard Price tells the story of community in shambles after the sudden collapse of a tenement building in New York City. Price creates intertwining stories of four distinct people whose lives are forever changed by one earth–shattering disaster. With high-drama storytelling centered around a community on the brink of collapse, this tale is sure to provide suspense for readers and a truthful commentary on urban life.
One Dark Window is a gothic fantasy novel by Rachel Gillig. It is the first installment of the Shepard King duology along with Two Twisted Crowns. Both books in the series have made waves on #Booktok and are now available here in the library. The Shepard King duology follows Elspeth Spindle, whose miraculous survival of an illness during her early childhood left her with magical abilities and an ancient spirit in her brain that she calls Nightmare. Nightmare controls Elspeth and occasionally grants her protection. Elspeth seeks to survive in a dangerous, magical, and monarchical society as she tries to keep her powers a secret from the invasive eye of the Rowan King.
Lost Frogs and Hot Snakes: Herpetologists’ Tales from the Field by Martha L. Crump is a collection of essays from herpetologists about the trials and triumphs out in the field. From beaches in Peru to rugged mountains in China, fifty field biologists share their experiences and give readers an intimate look at life studying the natural world. Some biologists relay mishaps with humor and candor while others tell of once-in-a-lifetime encounters and the discovery of new species. These essays give the reader an understanding of what field biologists do and how they go about doing it. For anyone trying to connect deeper with nature this new year, these stories are for you!
Orbital: A Novel by Samantha Harvey tells the story of six astronauts on a journey to collect meteorological data, conduct science experiments, and test the limits of the human body. As they circle the Earth, they admire the vastness of the planet’s natural beauty and take on a new perspective of the blue planet. While on their journey, they receive the news detailing the death of a mother and watch a typhoon gather over an island and people they love. They struggle to hold space for their admiration of the typhoon’s beauty and fear of its destruction. Their journey away from Earth brings them that much closer to the planet and the people they call home. For anyone looking for contemplative science fiction, this novel is worth checking out!
Start your new semester off right and check out one of our new books! Didn’t see something that interests you? Don’t worry! Just fill out our Purchase Request Form. We always love to hear from our patrons!