“I'm reading 'An Actor Prepares,' by Constantin Stanislavski. It's kind of an actor's textbook based on his teachings.”

— Gabriel Murphy, Webster University junior, Baldwin City

“'Pride and Prejudice,' by Jane Austen. I like it pretty well. It's kind of hard to understand, but I think it will become easier as I get deeper into the book.”

— Natalie Hiebert, Southwest Junior High School eighth-grader, Lawrence

“'The Blooming of a Lotus,' by Thich Nhat Hanh. It's a system of breathing exercises to calm yourself and to support and take care of uncomfortable emotions.”

— Dale Beaulieu, director of communications, Lawrence

“'The Harlequin,' by Laurell K. Hamilton. It's an Anita Blake vampire novel. She's a detective who solves crimes while dealing with a complicated personal life.”

— Christina Harsch, bookstore assistant manager, Leavenworth

“I just finished 'Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe,' by Fannie Flagg. I wanted to read something fun before school started. It was actually pretty close to the film.”

— Paula Rose, Kansas University graduate student, Lawrence