Books & Coffee

On seven Thursdays of the spring semester, members from various parts of the University review books from the New York Times Best Sellers list.

The audience — townspeople as well as students, faculty, and staff — is noteworthy for its lively discussion. Students are encouraged to attend to hear stimulating reviews of important works of fiction and nonfiction and to meet an interesting group of people.

The Books and Coffee series, sponsored by the English department, is free and open to the public. All events are held in the Harre Union from 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm. Here is the schedule for this season, beginning in Spring 2024:

Spring 2024 Schedule

• Jan. 11: Tom Lake, a novel by Ann Patchett, reviewed by Fred Niedner, Senior Research Professor of Theology. Harre Union, Ballroom C, 4 p.m.
• Jan. 18: A Man of Two Faces: A  Memoir, a History, and a Memorial, by Viet Thanh Nguyen, reviewed by John Ruff, Senior Research Professor of English. Harre Union, Ballroom C, 4 p.m.
• Jan 25: Let Us Descend: A Novel by Jesmyn Ward, reviewed by Samuel Graber, Associate Professor of Humanities and Literature, and Anna Stewart, Director of the Institute for Leadership and Service. Harre Union, Ballroom C, 4 p.m.
• Feb 1: The Anthropocene Reviewed: Essays on a Human-Centered Planet by John Green, reviewed by Christine Maul Rice, Assistant Professor of English. Harre Union, Ballroom C, 4 p.m.
• Feb 8: Lessons in Chemistry: A Novel by Bonnie Garmus, reviewed by Dr. Katie Leach, Adjunct Assistant Professor of Chemistry. Harre Union, Ballroom C, 4 p.m.
• Feb. 22: The Song of the Cell: An Exploration of Medicine and the New Human by Siddhartha Mukherjee, reviewed by Susan R. Holman, John R. Eckrich Chair and Professor of Religion and the Healing Arts. Harre Union, Ballroom C. 4 p.m.
• Feb. 28: The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store: A Novel by James McBride, reviewed by Michael Chikeleze, Richard C. and Francelia A. Gozon Chair in Values-Based Leadership. Harre Union, Ballroom C. 4 p.m.
• Please note: there will not be a meeting on Thursday, February 15.  A Zoom link is provided for those who are unable to attend in person. Susan Holman will zoom in for her review from Cambridge, Massachusetts. All other reviews will be live and in person on campus in the Harre Union. It promises to be a great season. If you have friends, family members, or colleagues who wish to be added to the Books and Coffee mailing list, please contact John Ruff at John.Ruff@valpo.edu