East Bay Reader Comment: Divergent was such a wild ride. I loved how it threw me into this world where people are sorted based on personality traits—like Hogwarts houses, but way more intense. Tris is figuring out who she is while also surviving insane training, jumping off moving trains, and slowly falling for this guy named Four (who is basically the king of quiet strength). It had action, drama, and just the right amount of romance. Honestly, it kept me hooked the whole way.

Borrow Divergent by Veronica Roth for free from the CSU East Bay Library!

Borrow Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez for free from the Interlibrary Loan service provided by the CSU East Bay Library!

Borrow The Tenant by Freida McFadden for free from the Interlibrary Loan service provided by the CSU East Bay Library!

East Bay Reader Comment: Reading this felt like eavesdropping on a group of over-caffeinated philosophy majors with a God complex—and I loved every second. It made me question my own moral compass, and also whether I should take up Latin. Dark, dramatic, and oddly relatable for a story about murder.

Borrow The Secret History by Donna Tartt for free from CSU+ by logging in with your NetID/Password!

Borrow Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep by Philip K. Dick for free from the Cal State East Bay Library!

East Bay Reader Comment: This book was like hanging out with friends who are way too deep for their own good—in the best way. It’s funny, a little heartbreaking, and made me nostalgic for late-night talks and big questions. Definitely one of those stories that sneaks up on you.

Borrow Looking for Alaska by John Green for free from CSU+ by logging in with your NetID/Password!

Borrow A Flicker in the Dark by Stacy Willingham for free from the Interlibrary Loan service provided by the CSU East Bay Library!

Borrow The Housemaid by Freida McFadden for free from CSU+ by logging in with your NetID/Password!

East Bay Reader Comment: This was so heartwarming and lovely!!! I loved the found family trope it warmed my soul and it was just a breeze to read through!

Borrow The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna for free from CSU+ by logging in with your NetID/Password!

East Bay Reader Comment: i loved everything about this book. at first i was a bit confused with the concept but as i read further i realized how painful but wonderful the story was, and all i can think about are these quotes from the book:

“Find fulfilling work, fall in love, and chase the moon.”

“When was the last time you did something for the first time?”

“Change isn’t always bad, Clementine”

“I think,” he finally said, choosing his words carefully, “that nothing lasts forever. Not the good things, not the bad. So just find what makes you happy, and do it for as long as you can”

East Bay Reader Comment: This was so heartwarming and lovely!!! I loved the found family trope it warmed my soul and it was just a breeze to read through!

Borrow The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna for free from CSU+ by logging in with your NetID/Password!

Borrow Tell Me Three Things by Julie Buxbaum for free from CSU+ by logging in with your NetID/Password!

East Bay Reader Comment: Final Crisis is an event published by DC Comics in 2008 that was written by Grant Morrison and drawn by J.G. Jones (along with multiple other pencillers such as Doug Mahnke and the late Carlos Pacheco). It brought about to establish multiple bylines of plot threads: to name it as the crisis to end all crises ('Crisis' refers to the 1986 DC event that consolidated DC's multiple universes to one Earth), alter multiple ongoing storylines for the rest of the publishing line, and reintegrate the New Gods for a brand-new audience. Though dense and confusing, Final Crisis ended up as a fascinating read on the perspective on the tools that should be beholden only to the author/creator and marks itself as a love letter to Jack Kirby's Fourth World.

Borrow The Final Crisis by Grant Morrison for free from CSU+ by logging in with your NetID/Password!

East Bay Reader Comment: It's classic Chuck Palahniuk, but "Fight Club" is the place to start for a reader wanting to explore this creative genius!

Borrow The Invention of Sound by Chuck Palahniuk for free from the Interlibrary Loan service provided by the CSU East Bay Library!

East Bay Reader Comment: This book made me feel all the emotions, and I couldn't put it down. 

Borrow Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus for free from CSU+ by logging in with your NetID/Password!

East Bay Reader Comment: Agustina Basterrica is a famous Argentinian Author. The book was written in Spanish The original title is "Cadaver Exquisito," I read the spanish version. It is a brilliant outstanding book, but very, very disturbing! A distopia that is 1984 multiplied by 10.

Borrow Tender is the Flesh by Agustina Basterrica for free from CSU+ by logging in with your NetID/Password!

East Bay Reader Comment: Emotional and heart-warming book. I knew about Khaled Hosseini when I read "The Kite Runner."

Borrow A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini for free from the CSU East Bay Library!

East Bay Reader Comment: The final novella from the Expanse series. Tied up the only loose end that I cared about. A quick ~100 pages closed out everything in a sad but satisfying way.

Borrow The Sins of Our Fathers by James S. A. Corey for free from the Interlibrary Loan service provided by the CSU East Bay Library!

East Bay Reader Comment: Seeing the Justice League form through the eyes of a person who was affected negatively by them was eye-opening. Jim Lee art also rocks!

Borrow The Justice League Volume 2: The Villian's Journey for free from the Interlibrary Loan service provided by the CSU East Bay Library!

East Bay Reader Comment: Great book to help improve every college student's writing.

Borrow The Little Seagull Handbook by Bullock, Brody, and Weinberg for free from the CSU East Bay Library!

East Bay Reader Comment: This is a very unique story that it gives you a taste of mystery and fantasy, but also very life-common.

Borrow The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle by Haruki Murakami for free from the CSU East Bay Library!

Borrow The Last Letter by Rebecca Yarros for free from the Interlibrary Loan service provided by the CSU East Bay Library!

Borrow Nettle & Bone by T. Kingfisher for free from CSU+ by logging in with your NetID/Password!

Borrow The Things We Cannot Say by Kelly Rimmer for free from the Interlibrary Loan service provided by the CSU East Bay Library!

Borrow This Bridge Called My Back: Writings by Radical Women of Color for free from the CSU East Bay Library!

East Bay Reader Comment: I am glad I finally got around to reading this book.

Borrow Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson for free from the CSU East Bay Library!

East Bay Reader Comment: I love thrillers and suspense! In 2024 I met my reading goal of 27 books. This year I’ve read 8/30 books so far. (I love books, I wish I could read more. But it can be challenging to finish books fast because of assignments.) 

East Bay Reader Comment: To give an argument means to offer a set of reasons/evidence to support a conclusion. It's not just about "disputation."

Read the ebook of A Rulebook for Arguments by Anthony Weston from the CSU East Bay Library!

East Bay Reader Comment: Really makes you angry at the fact not much has changed but provides at least some food for thought on how things should be changed. 

Borrow Columbine by Dave Cullen for free from the CSU East Bay Library!

East Bay Reader Comment: Kinda difficult to get through in the beginning but the second half of the book is really good. I like the two towers or the hobbit more but it’s still fun to read.

Borrow The Fellowship of the Ring by JRR Tolkien for free from the CSU East Bay Library!

East Bay Reader Comment: Ending will shock you. 

East Bay Reader Comment: The author very clearly explains how Asian Americans are uniquely pressed to comply with a white supremacist "model minority" myth, which both harms them but also other people of color because of its perpetuation of White people at the top of the hierarchy. The book provides a history of US race relations, with a focus on how it places Asian Americans in the pecking order of white supremacy. She also provides a detailed explanation of how white supremacy works as well as a thoughtful and sensitive section on what Asian Americans can do to help dismantle this destructive system. The writing is straightforward and clear, and the author, who used to be a high school history teacher, explains things very well with lots of examples. I appreciate that the section on how to bring change in one's life is realistic, with a range of possibilities depending on how extensive the reader wishes to implement change in their life. Highest recommendation. (Wish I could have read this in high school or college.) 

East Bay Reader Comment: Contemporary feminist essays by the author of Shrill. Lindy is funny but holds nothing back in addressing fatphobia, misogyny, and the U.S. political landscape.

Borrow The Witches are Coming by Lindy West for free from CSU+ by logging in with your NetID/Password!

East Bay Reader Comment: An engaging who-done-it told from multiple character perspectives from different periods of time. Engrossing until the end (though I didn't want it to end!)

Borrow The God of the Woods by Liz Moore for free from CSU+ by logging in with your NetID/Password!

Borrow The Soul of an Octopus by Sy Montgomery for free from CSU+ by logging in with your NetID/Password!

East Bay Reader Comment: A story about love and wanting more from life. Never settle.

Borrow The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo for free from CSU+ by logging in with your NetID/Password!

East Bay Reader Comment: A beautiful end to a masterful trilogy!

Borrow The Hero of Ages by Brandon Sanderson for free from the CSU East Bay Library!

Borrow Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins for free from the CSU East Bay Library!

Borrow Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins for free from the CSU East Bay Library!

Borrow The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins for free from the CSU East Bay Library!

East Bay Reader Comment: This book came at a very important time of my life and helped me analyze my life though a more critical lens, learning to accept life’s hardships and enjoy the ride.

Borrow The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho for free from the CSU East Bay Library!

East Bay Reader Comment: This book was actually recommended to me by my former therapist. Out of all the books I’ve read this one has actually created the largest change within me. It’s helped me identify behavior patterns I exude that I don’t notice myself and has challenged me to change for the better and notice my harmful thought patterns.

Borrow Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents: How to Heal from Distant, Rejecting, or Self-Involved Parents by Lindsay C. Gibson for free from CSU+ by logging in with your NetID/Password!

East Bay Reader Comment: This book is a lot to comprehend at once, but when chunked, makes for a great source of transformation and self analysis. It’s personally helped me disconnect from my mind and form my own identity.

Borrow The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment by Eckhart Tolle for free from CSU+ by logging in with your NetID/Password!

East Bay Reader Comment: Well written and great descriptions. 

Borrow The Waves Take You Home: A Novel by Maria Alejandra Barrios Velez for free from the Interlibrary Loan service provided by the CSU East Bay Library!

Borrow The Life List: A Novel by Lori Nelson Spielman for free from the Interlibrary Loan service provided by the CSU East Bay Library!

East Bay Reader Comment: It’s written in the perspective of Edward Cullen!

Borrow Midnight Sun by Stephenie Meyer for free from CSU+ by logging in with your NetID/Password!

East Bay Reader Comment: A good post-Cold War John le Carre story. 

Borrow The Constant Gardener by John le Carre for free from CSU+ by logging in with your NetID/Password!

Borrow Maigret's Mistake by George Simenon for free from CSU+ by logging in with your NetID/Password!

East Bay Reader Comment: If you're looking for a feel good book this is it. A bit slow at times but the main characters had good chemistry that would keep you engaged. I enjoyed reading this and give you hope for healing.

Borrow Happiness for Beginners by Katherine Center for free from the Interlibrary Loan service provided by the CSU East Bay Library!

East Bay Reader Comment: This book was amazing! The ending is not what you would expect.

East Bay Reader Comment: This world is so meticulously crafted and detailed, and the story is really interesting. It made me laugh multiple times with the narrator's little sarcastic asides. Compelling and satisfying. 

Borrow The Saint of Bright Doors by Vajra Chandrasekera for free from CSU+ by logging in with your NetID/Password!

East Bay Reader Comment: Calvin and Hobbes might look like a children's comic series, but they all heavily feature impressive philosophical discussions.

Borrow Scientific Progress Goes "Boink": A Calvin and Hobbes Collection by Bill Watterson for free from the CSU East Bay Library!

East Bay Reader Comment: It's really interesting, contains a lot of scientific knowledge but also answers questions about human pre-history and history.

Borrow Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari for free from the CSU East Bay Library!

Borrow To Sir Phillip, With Love by Julia Quinn from the Bridgerton series for free from CSU+ by logging in with your NetID/Password!

East Bay Reader Comment: I love fantasy books and this was something that changed my life. I have not read fantasy in a while and so I was a bit skeptical reading this but it was INCREDIBLE. Super fast paced, funny but also made me cry (the perfect combination). I loved how well the story was written out. There is only one drawback though.... it is incomplete so I have to wait for a whole year to read the next part which I am sad about!! I adored the characters and can't wait for what comes next!

Borrow Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros for free from CSU+ by logging in with your NetID/Password!

East Bay Reader Comment: If you thought you knew fantasy and political intrigue done right, think again. This book has EVERYTHING!

Borrow The Well of Ascension by Brandon Sanderson for free from CSU+ by logging in with your NetID/Password!

Borrow The Wedding People by Alison Espach for free from the CSU East Bay Library!

East Bay Reader Comment: The final book in the Expanse series, I'm so glad to finally have finished it! The series is a great intro to sci-fi for the curious and rigorous enough for some hard sci-fi fans too. Excellent character development with the series taking place over more than 40 years. Some elements of humanist sci-fi that provide food for thought related to today's changing world.

Borrow Leviathan Falls by James S. A. Corey in print for free from the Interlibrary Loan service provided by the CSU East Bay Library!

East Bay Reader Comment: When I have read Freida McFadden books in the past it really sucks me in and can't out it down. I did not feel that way with this book. It was a bit slow and at times, I didn't know where the story was going. I want to say I didn't fully get into until the last 100 pages. The twist was shocking but a bit too much. I would give it a 3/5, not one of her best. 

East Bay Reader Comment: I read it as a graphic audio book through Libby so it had a full cast and sound effects that made it fun to listen to. The story itself is quirky and kind of reminds me of Jasper Fforde books. If you like fantasy characters crossed with reality settings, then you will like this one.

Borrow The Best Thing You Can Steal by Simon R. Green in print for free from the Interlibrary Loan service provided by the CSU East Bay Library (or, check your local public library to see if they provide access to the graphic audio book)!

East Bay Reader Comment: What an incredibly important book for the times we are living in. As a writer, I appreciate Ta-Nehisi Coates's message to all of us to do the work, open our eyes and tell our stories. 

Borrow The Message by Ta-Nehisi Coates for free from the CSU East Bay Library!

East Bay Reader Comment: Very engaging and honest in the accounts of how the Americas came to be when the European nations became involved.

Borrow The Course of Empire by Bernard De Voto for free from the CSU East Bay Library!

Borrow Crying in H Mart: A Memoir by Michelle Zauner for free from the CSU East Bay Library!

East Bay Reader Comment: Amazing read! The characters felt so real and fleshed out, it's a great fantasy book for anyone looking.

Borrow Mistborn: The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson for free from CSU+ by logging in with your NetID/Password!

East Bay Reader Comment: This was such a lovely book to read. I really liked that it was kind of sad at first but then things slowly start to get better in the book for all the characters. This book had a lot of quotes that I enjoyed especially - "A day well spent is a life well lived" this spoke to me so much I've added it to my portfolio too! 

Borrow Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop for free from CSU+ by logging in with your NetID/Password!

East Bay Reader Comment: A fun graphic novel with beautiful art about the end of the world and loving people even when we don't understand them. 

Borrow We Called Them Giants by Kieron Gillen for free from CSU+ by logging in with your NetID/Password!

East Bay Reader Comment: It is a great romance/fantasy sequel that developed the overall plot and kept me reading. 

Borrow Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros for free from CSU+ by logging in with your NetID/Password!

East Bay Reader Comment: Interesting read about the end of the Mughal empire and establishment of the East India Company. 

Borrow The Anarchy by William Dalrymple for free from CSU+ by logging in with your NetID/Password!

East Bay Reader Comment: Exceptional poems...

Borrow The World Doesn't End: Prose Poems by Charles Simic for free from CSU+ by logging in with your NetID/Password!

East Bay Reader Comment: How do I give a book more than a 5 star rating. This might’ve been the best book I've EVER read. It’s so emotional yet comforting. The first time I read it I waited months for this book to come out and I'm very happy to say it didn’t disappoint at all. it’s a beautiful piece of art and I'm glad I got a chance to experience this. I fall in love with it every time i read it, it's the perfect light romance book I've read!

Borrow Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez for free from CSU+ by logging in with your NetID/Password!

East Bay Reader Comment: Josephine Baker led a truly interesting life during a critical time in history. This book sheds light on racism and art around the globe. 

Borrow Fearless and Free: A Memoir by Josephine Baker for free from CSU+ by logging in with your NetID/Password!

Borrow Advocacy in the Human Services by Mark Ezell for free from CSU+ by logging in with your NetID/Password!