Thomas Durso, ENC 3250 Professional Writing Student

Recommended Books for 1st Year College Freshmen

In researching 3 books, I highly recommend, The Innovators; How a Group of Hackers,
Geniuses, and Geeks Created the Digital Revolution, The Story of an American Muslim, the
Struggle for a Soul of a Generation, and The Collapse of Western Civilization a View from the
Future. I chose my first selection based on something each student comes into contact with each
day. The following was chosen from Stanford University:
Stanford University- The Innovators; How a Group of Hackers, Geniuses, and Geeks Created
the Digital Revolution by Walter Isaacson.
Publication Date: October 7th, 2014
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
ISBN-10-147670869X
560 Pages
Hardcover: $23.79/Paperback: $13.31
This book is based on the life of Steve Jobs. It includes those who created the computer, internet,
and digital revolution and how they all worked together to create such breakthroughs in
technology. Dont be fooled by the number of pages; this is an engrossing, fast moving journey.

I chose this book because it fulfills FGCUs principle for Technology. It feel it is an
interesting choice that each student can identify with in regards to how their cell phones,
laptops, and other devices came about and the teamwork that went into these creations.

My second selection was based upon fellow students coming together regardless of their
background. The following was chosen from Tufts University:
Tufts University- Acts of Faith: The Story of an American Muslim, the Struggle for the Soul of
a Generation by Eboo Patel.
Publication Date: July 27th, 2010
Publisher: Beacon Press
ISBN-10-080700622X
192 Pages
Paperback: $12.11
The author writes about his life of growing up as a Muslim in America. He has a doctorate in
sociology and has founded Interfaith Youth Core which draws together young people of different
religions to explore common values and perform community service. He proves that all races and
religions can get along in harmony.

This book is a good choice for FGCUs principle for Diversity. It teaches the student that
regardless of your religion or color of your skin, we all have things in common. We can

all work together to establish a certain need or want. This is such an important theme,
especially in todays world.
My final selection was based upon a highly publicized environmental problem in our world
today. The following was chosen from Smith College:
Smith College- The Collapse of Western Civilization: A View From the Future by Naomi
Oreskes and Erik Conway
Publication Date: July 1st, 2014
Publisher: Columbia University Press
ISBN-10-0231169564X
104 Pages
Paperback- $9.16
This futuristic book takes place in the year 2393. It involves the consequences of what happens
to our environment regarding climate change and global warming. A scary reality check of what
could happen if we dont ban together to protect our air, skies, earth, and water.

I like this book because it was a good selection for FGCUs principle for Sustainable
Society. My generation, and generations to come, need to learn and understand the
possible consequences when a worlds environment is neglected, disrespected, and taken
for granted. Hopefully, it will instill a conscientious effort to do their part in preserving
our world.

I feel privileged to be included in this research. I hope that through my efforts these books will
qualify to be selected. Please consider them for the reading list.