Ryan Dodd, bartender, Lawrence

“‘On Equilibrium,’ by John Ralston Saul. It ties philosophical concepts into political and sociological defects. He says reason has been overemphasized and hijacked by utilitarianism and that administrative structures don’t recognize common sense, memory, ethics, imagination and intuition.”

Jessica Johnson, art teacher, Lawrence

“I just finished Michael Chabon’s ‘Wonder Boys.’ It’s about a middle-age professor having a meltdown and going on misadventures with a student.”

Allison Kubiak, Kansas University senior, Lawrence

“‘Insight Guides Italy.’ It’s just a traveling guide to Italy. I’m trying to decide where to go this summer.”

Stephen Bruce, barista, Topeka

“‘We Real Cool,’ by Bell Hooks. It’s about the notions of African-American male masculinity in America and issues related to it.”

Krystal Werth, student assistant, Lawrence

“‘The Taming of the Shrew,’ by William Shakespeare. It’s about two sisters, Catherine and Bianca. Their father tells them that Bianca cannot have any suitors until Catherine is married.”