Class of 1992

With heavy hearts we share the sad news that our classmate Michael Chapman passed away in December. We will be donating a book to Baker in his memory. Please take a moment to visit 1992.dartmouth.org/memoriam; you can email us if you’d like to contribute a remembrance of Michael or any other classmate.

Jon Douglas has just published his first book, a travel guide to American regional food called 500 Ways to Eat Like a Local. It’s perfect for anyone planning a road trip or who loves to seek out local food when they travel. It’s available in paperback and ebook formats on Amazon and wherever books are sold.

Along those lines we asked our class for recent book recommendations:

Gretchen McNeely wrote: “At this point in my reading career, I’m looking for something to really surprise me, whether via structure, story, or premise. One book that has stayed with me in that category is A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara. I’d place it in my all-time top five. I also recently enjoyed The Celebrants by Steven Rowley. How might it be to celebrate your own funeral while you’re still alive? And, in the category of ‘Oddest Premise But It Somehow Works,’ I’d recommend My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh. I still think about that book. You will too.”

Wendy Gruenberg Wray wrote: “Following are three books by Dartmouth authors I’ve enjoyed recently: Before You Go by Tommy Butler, The Plot byJeanne Hanff Korelitz, and Bravey by Alexi Pappas.”

Several classmates suggested Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver. Siobhan Keenan said it’s “a modern retelling of Dickens’ David Copperfield. Expertly done.” Kelly Kruse called it “haunting, challenging, and transformative!” Paula Mascarenhas agreed, also recommending Harlem Shuffle and Crook Manifesto, both by Colson Whitehead.

Blaine Connor said, “We have a plan to be in France this year, so I’ve been enjoying France: An Adventure History by Graham Robb. It’s like you found yourself traveling with a great storyteller who has an eye for the humorous angle and loves a good character. He paints great pictures yet the words sit lightly on the page. A great way to learn about a country!”

Melaura Wittemyer said, “I’m reading The Dead Are Arising: The Life of Malcolm X. This is a remarkable biography—researched for more than 10 years by author Les Payne using original sources and interviews. It offers a more exhaustive, authentic telling of Malcolm’s legacy. As a history major I value the rich historical context and the foil to Malcolm’s often selective and perhaps not always truthful autobiography. Les Payne died before he could complete his oeuvre, so his daughter, Tamara, completed it. Worth a read for those interested in our nation’s history, especially the stories that remain untold.”

—John L. McWilliams IV, 7429 Marquette St., Dallas, TX 75225; Kelly Shriver Kolln, 3900 Cottage Grove Ave., SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403; (920) 306-2192; dartmouth92news@gmail.com