2012 Summer Reading Guide - Hopkins School

Reston Jr., James Warriors of God
This gripping narrative of the 3 rd Crusade examines the conflict through the forceful personalities of
its leaders, England’s Richard the Lionheart and the great Sultan Saladin.
Rhodes, Richard The Making of the Atomic Bomb
A fascinating narrative that chronicles the nuclear scientists during World War II whose research
culminated in the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan.
Rilke, Rainer Maria Letters to a Young Poet
A collection of 10 letters written by Rilke to a confused and frustrated youth. This collection is a
must-read for young adults struggling to find security and peace in their lives.
Roach, Mary Stiff
An enthralling journey to the actual land of the dead. Roach humorously explores the "life" of
cadavers and how someone can make a difference, even when he or she is stone-cold dead.
Salzman, Mark Iron & Silk
A young American teacher tells of his experiences in China during the early 1980’s, right after the
end of the Chinese Cultural Revolution.
Schama, Simon Citizens
This history of the French Revolution, written by one of our most accomplished living historians, was
appropriately called “an argument in the form of a story.” Narrative history at its best.
Sevela, Ephraim We Were Not Like Other People
A tough-minded Russian Jew gives a straightforward account of his travels through Siberia and
Germany during World War II.
Shilts, Randy And the Band Played On
A powerful account of scientists' and politicians' willful indifference to the spread of AIDS.
Smith, Adam The Wealth of Nations
Widely regarded as a definitive work of modern economic theory, Smith’s “epic” study of human
interactions within large-scale societies laid the foundation for economic thinkers from Alexander
Hamilton to Karl Marx to Alan Greenspan. An excellent, eminently readable introduction to
economics.
Smith, Hendrick The Power Game
Students of modern government could not hope for a sharper picture of American politics. Smith
discusses anecdotes from his years as a New York Times correspondent and uses them to explain
how the government really works.
Spence, Jonathan The Search for Modern China
The British historian portrays China’s history from the fall of the Ming Dynasty to present day.
Despite its length, truly an enjoyable book to read.
Stewart, Rory The Places In Between
A Scottish writer records his experience walking across Afghanistan in a masterpiece of journalism,
anthropology, and political commentary.
Sykes, Bryan The Seven Daughters of Eve
This fascinating story of one scientist’s research traces the origin of all Europeans back in time to
seven women. Sykes combines modern science, imaginative narration, and eloquent humor to create
a captivating book.
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