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On My Nightstand: Understanding Yourself

An alumnus urges you to explore what it means to be human.

Robert Cameron

PhD in Human Services alumnus Dr. Robert Cameron ’11 is a probation supervisor and adjunct professor in Minnesota whose reading habits are as eclectic as his work. Rather than reading purely for entertainment, he turns to books to learn how to navigate his life and explore what it means to be human:

THE MIRACLE OF MINDFULNESS: AN INTRODUCTION TO THE PRACTICE OF MEDITATION by Thich Nhat Hanh
To relax the mind and body at once is truly a gift. This simple primer about meditation by a noted Buddhist monk focuses on integrating mindfulness into everything you do. Its purpose is to help you understand happiness and peace of mind while reminding you that improving yourself improves everything—and everyone—around you.

DISCIPLINE & PUNISH: THE BIRTH OF THE PRISON by Michel Foucault 
One of the philosopher’s seminal works, Foucault presents complex ideas about discipline and power and the impact individuals have on shaping freedom itself. Anyone can draw something relevant from this book. Ultimately, we all deal with issues of power and hierarchy.

LEAVING THE ATOCHA STATION by Ben Lerner 
Although this novel sacrifices plot to explore ideas, it has a real, human quality. People working on advanced degrees can relate to the main character’s feelings of uncertainty and may even discover new ways to think about their own lives.

What’s on your nightstand? Share your top reads by emailing [email protected]

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