Tell us a little bit about yourself
I’m a high school history teacher who loves sharing stories both in and out of the classroom. When I’m not teaching, I’m usually reading, traveling, or finding connections between books, culture, and everyday life. I’m especially drawn to stories that spark conversation and leave a lasting impression.
What is your favorite genre?
I love historical fiction and nonfiction, especially when it brings the past to life in unexpected ways. WWII history has always been my favorite, but I’m also drawn to contemporary stories that explore identity and culture.
What city do you live in?
Livermore, CA
1.
Mad Honey
Jodi Picoult & Jennifer Finney Boylan
Why did you like it?
I don’t even want to tell you what this book is about—because going in blind made the story hit even harder. What I can say is that the dual perspectives kept me captured by attention, and I felt deeply connected to the characters and the choices/circumstances they faced. This novel stayed with me long after I closed it, leaving a real impression on my heart.
2.
American Like Me: Reflections on Life Between Cultures
America Ferrera
Why did you like it?
This collection is so beautiful, thoughtful, and full of insight. Each story explores identity in a way that feels both deeply personal and universally human. One of my IB students gave me this book as a gift, saying it reminded him of what we study in History of the Americas and Theory of Knowledge. He was right. Reading it, I was reminded why I teach and why I love hearing how my students carry these ideas into their lives beyond the classroom.
3.
Wine and War
Don & Petie Kladstrup
Why did you like it?
I love history, and I love wine—so this book was an easy pick. It dives into the extraordinary efforts the French made during WWII to safeguard not just their vineyards but their culture and heritage. It’s a story of resilience, creativity, and survival. WWII history has always been my jam, and this book shows a side of the war that’s as surprising as it is inspiring.
4.
The Many Lives of Mama Love
Lara Love Hardin
Why did you like it?
This memoir really made an impression on me because I could relate to it in many ways. Set in the Bay Area, Lara’s story is raw and honest, but ultimately full of hope. She shows how it’s possible to overcome addiction, rebuild your life, and finally step into the person you’ve always longed to be. Her journey to becoming both an amazing mom and a writer is inspiring, and it reminded me how powerful resilience can be.
5.
The Handmaid’s Tale
Margaret Atwood
Why did you like it?
I read this partly because I teach the women’s movement in the Americas, and I loved how Atwood, as a Canadian author, wove real historical policies on women into the story of Gilead. That made it hit even harder for me. It’s a tough read at times, but it also gave me some hope—that maybe if we pay attention to history, we can stop the violence and subjugation so many women still face, and be more aware of how easy it is for societies to slip into authoritarianism. I’d also highly recommend reading The Testaments, the second part of the story—it adds even more depth and perspective.