Two randomly selected students among all participants each won a $25 Amazon gift card. Their names and recommended books are highlighted below.
Izabelle Medina who recommended The Mountain is You by Brianna Wiest.
Nicholas Rengifo who recommended The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang.
"I absolutely love this book as it's entire premise is essentially how a habit so tiny as making your bed every morning can lead to such major changes within one's life. Consistency is truly key, and this book shows just that. It's lessons are applicable in all aspects of life."--Isaac Villalobos, Student
"The Beatles are my favorite band of all time. With the book, I'm learning so much about them."--Xavier Lugo, Student
"This fictionalized memoir of a young girl growing up during the Great Depression in the southwest United States, is an exciting, fast read. Lily helped her father break-in horses as a young girl, and she eventually left home to become a teacher, along with learning how to fly a plane, and run a ranch. This book provides insight into the prejudice against women and Native Americans during the early 20th century."--Catherine Avino, Staff
"Changing & Managing the WAY that you as an (individual) may think."--Diana Barthelus, Student
"I had watched a movie called Greenbook. After watching that movie I searched for movies that will give me the same heartache and connection that it gave me. Then, i saw that 12 Years a Slave was a book and a movie. I watched the movie, and read the book, and now it’s one of my most recommended books"--Alayna Lugo, Student
"I am recommending this book because it is one of the few books that put me into a 'reading coma'. It is more than a love story that it says that it is on the cover. It goes much deeper into the exploration of mental health and how the human mind works when we're alone and with others. The story of Regan and Aldo will always have a special place in my heart. The writing style completely consumes you and by the end I was overwhelmed with emotions I couldn't read a thing for weeks after."--Juliana Matos, Student
"Assata Shakur was on top of New Jersey's 2025 most wanted list as a 78 year old woman. Why would this country still hunt her down despite the racist trial that falsely convicted her 40 years ago? Assata Shakur is a prime example of a selfless revolutionary that struggled and put her whole life on the line for the betterment of her people. Her life and struggle is as relevant as it was 40 years ago."--Diego Luna, Student
"The book was just so good and I cried SO MUCH and stared at the wall for an hour lol."--Mmesomachi Onyiriuka, Student
"This author wrote one of the most deeply moving novels i have ever read. It explored the sick traumas in the book along with the beautiful and healing relationship between the mother and her daughters with profound honesty. This novel was really really good to the point i wish that i could erase it out of my memory, anyways anyone who reads the book i say to you good luck cause ur going to need it when you finish, and ur trying to find something better."--Vanessa Anigbogu, Student
"Most attention has been given to Madeline Miller's other Greek mythology book, The Song of Achilles, which is a phenomenal read. However, Circe is a rare but masterfully done glimpse into the ancient Greek world from a female perspective, written with intent to touch on women's issues."--Caden, Student
"A very thought-provoking book about AI. The author has useful suggestions about how we can think about artificial intelligence, such as AI as tutor, AI as creative, AI as coach."--Casey Williams, Faculty
"Spain Civil War, political corruption. Past Reality."--Luis A. Lopez, Staff
"For anyone who likes horror, this book is great for an insight of that nature."--Rafael Gonzalez, Student
"The premise makes you think about whether knowing the length of your life would impact your decisions."--Karen Venturella, Faculty
"This book is truly a life changer, it includes many tips on how to deal with self sabotage, anxiety, and stress and coping in general. It is extremely helpful for those who suffer with finding their inner peace and have chronic fear of self destruction."--Izabelle Medina, Student
"It is one of the best, if not the best high fantasy book that I've ever read; it has the right measure of world-building added by a narrative that hugged you. It has a deep story and at the same time, it doesn't leave the background world aside. I highly recommend it for anyone who enjoys fantasy."--Ines Lelis, Student
"The book written by Kristin Hannah is a historical fiction novel set in France during World War II. This well-written novel takes you on a journey of sorrow, anger, fear, and isolation with Vianne and Isabel, two sisters who are opposites."--Kiara Muniz, Student
"A brilliantly written novel about a fantasy in 20th century China. It travels through a fantastical world while covering topics like drug abuse, depression, and the consequences of war. It's easily my favorite book."--Nicholas Rengifo, Student
"Because it talks about not fitting in and what it means to be different. It also teaches you to stand and fight for what is right plus date fine guys."--Amanda Egesionu, Student
"Fantastic love story that lets you have faith that an old tale will turn out well this time."--Cristina Ramos-Rodriguez, Student
"Shafak's writing is incredibly lyrical and poetic. Through the journey of the main characters we learn about acceptance, grief, second-families, what it means and feels like to be an outcast. It humanizes those who are marginalized and scapegoated, which trains empathy."--Rosebertine Michel, Student
"The narrative part. How it describes the search for the missing. It reminded me of my country, Argentina. And being countries so far apart, how can such similar horrors be committed"--Andrea Crespo, Student