08/02/2026
Summer reading is not over. The Harvard Gazette’s “27 Books to Dive Into This Summer” highlights librarian favorites from across Harvard, and we have several of these recommendations available at The COOP.
Visit news.harvard.edu for the full list.
“The Summer Book” by Tove Jansson (Tove Jansson). This charming novel follows a grandmother and granddaughter through quiet summer days on a remote Finnish island, capturing the humor, beauty, and meaning found in everyday moments. Recommended by Kai Miyabayashi McGinn, Research and Instruction Librarian at Frances Loeb Library.
“Transcription” by Ben Lerner. This thought-provoking novel explores the relationship between technology, creativity, and human experience, questioning how we understand authenticity in an increasingly mediated world. Recommended by Molly Hardy, Project Lead for Public Data at the Library Innovation Lab, Harvard Law School Library.
“Strange Houses” by Uketsu, translated by Jim Rion. This page-turning mystery follows an investigation into a house with a bizarre floor plan, uncovering hidden spaces, family secrets, and a series of unsettling discoveries. Recommended by Mitch Nakaue, Interim Head of Scholarly and Public Programs at Houghton Library.
“Playground” by Richard Powers. This sweeping environmental novel explores humanity’s relationship with technology and the natural world through the vast and mysterious depths of the ocean, while examining how innovation shapes our future. Recommended by Tricia Patterson, Interim Head of Digital Preservation at Preservation Services.
“Hamnet” by Maggie O’Farrell (Maggie O'Farrell). This beautifully written historical novel imagines the family life of William Shakespeare, exploring love, loss, resilience, and the enduring power of memory. Recommended by Madeline Sharaga, Program Assistant for Research, Teaching, and Learning at Widener Library.
“All Systems Red” by Martha Wells (Martha Wells). The first book in the beloved Murderbot Diaries series follows a self-hacked security cyborg who would rather watch entertainment streams than protect humans, until a dangerous mission changes ever