This week we explored the shelves of someone who is no stranger to Candler School of Theology, the Graduate Division of Religion, or Emory Libraries, Director of Pitts Theology Library and Margaret A. Pitts Assistant Professor in the Practice of Theological Bibliography Richard (Bo) Manly Adams, Jr.! Trained as a New Testament scholar, a software developer, and a librarian, Bo Adams has guided Pitts Theology Library as it moves into an increasingly digital future through remote learning and research, collection access, and virtual outreach. Bo’s recommendations for summer reading and listening are ancillary with his talents, interests, and vision for the library.
If you fancy fiction, Bo recommends Neal Stephenson’s latest novel Fall, or, Dodge in Hell (William Morrow, 2019). Stephenson, a prolific author of science fiction and technology thriller, explores what it means to be and stay alive through a story of a man who dies but is kept “alive” through the attempt to scan and upload the contents of his brain. Stephenson’s fast-paced story, which draws upon fields as diverse as transhumanism, religion, history, and sociology, invites readers to consider the connection of our minds to our bodies, the notion of the human as a social being, and our responsibility and control over the created world we inhabit. Be prepared, however, as Bo warns “this book is long!” Find it on the shelves at Emory, at your local public library, or online for purchase.
If you’re looking to listen on a long road trip or flight, Bo suggests of of his favorite podcasts, the NPR series “Tiny Desk Concerts.” This collection of intimate concerts is recorded in the office of All Things Considered host Bob Boilen. Bo has listened often to the concert of John Prine, who recently died due to COVID-19 complications. This 4-song concert was recorded in March 2018, and shows the genius and humor of Prine, one of America’s great songwriters and story tellers. NPR also just released a tribute to Prine, with performances by Margo Price, Jeremy Ivey, Courtney Marie Andrews, John Paul White, Nathaniel Ratcliff, and Brandy Clark, all performing Prine classics.
As we move into the final weeks of the summer intercession, find even more summer resource suggestions from Candler and Pitts faculty and staff, including podcasts, films, and more, on the Pitts Librarians’ Blog!