Upper School students have been hard at work coordinating A Dam Good Read 2024. This summer community reading program–curated and led by students–is available for any Beaver student to opt-in. In the fall, students will gather to discuss whichever book(s) they selected to read.
Below, you can find a list of the books selected for this summer!
- The Seven Husbands of Evenlyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
- The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
- The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
- Everything I Know About Love by Dolly Alderton
- The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver
- Raybearer by Jordan Ifueko
You can find all these titles at your local library or independent bookstore—or use one of the many ways to access free books through Beaver! Click here to sign up and receive email updates about the program. For any additional questions on accessing books and getting involved, contact Billye Toussaint.
Happy reading, Beaver!
More about these titles
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Unknown magazine reporter Monique Grant is summoned by Evelyn Hugo former Hollywood idol and star to record and tell her life story. They revisit each of Evelyn’s former husbands and her rise to fame, including all she had to sacrifice. Tugging at your heartstrings the book unfolds, and we learn more about this recursive star than anyone could have imagined. Each of the loves sucks you in and leaves you heartbroken for Evelyn. It tells the story of sacrifices, stardom, and love, and ultimately is a beautifully tragic story.
The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
Alicia Berenson lives a normal life, but this is turned upside down when her husband comes home one night and she shoots him 5 times in the face. After this, she does not say another word, her refusal to talk lands her in a psychiatric facility where Theo Faber tries to unravel the mystery behind the mute Alicia, leading to his own disturbing revelations, and a plot twist no one saw coming.
The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
When the earth gets destroyed Arthur Dent and his alien friend Ford Perfet hitchhike through the galaxy meeting up with old friends and past partners. In this journey, we see our characters experience comedic shenanigans and discover the meaning of life the universe, and everything in it.
Everything I Know About Love by Barbara Kingsolver
Everything I Know About Love is a comedic memoir of a woman in her 20s navigating her relationships. Dolly Alderton explores love through partying, college, work, and life in London. She humorously recounts past lovers, realizing they can never compare to her best friends. Everything I Know About Love is a story about bad love, good friendships, and realizing that you are enough.
The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver
The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver follows Taylor Greer as she leaves her hometown and forms an unlikely family with a young Native American girl named Turtle. Set in the American Southwest, the novel explores themes of friendship, motherhood, and societal challenges. Through Taylor’s journey, Kingsolver offers insights into issues like immigration and community.
Raybearer by Jordan Ifueko
Tarisai is magically bound to fulfill her mother’s wish, to kill the Crown Prince of the empire, Aritsar. Tarisai infiltrates the Crown Prince’s new council, however, she starts developing a special bond with the Crown Prince. She uncovers scandals and ancient secrets in the royal family lineage. Tarisai must forge her own destiny and decide the kind of life she wants to lead outside the expectations of others.