The 2008 year brings new opportunities to reevaluate priorities and renew commitments to ourselves and our communities.  While many schools prepare for the next semester, the break presents a chance to expand our horizons. To help facilitate such endeavors, ASPH queried the Deans of its member Schools of Public Health for reading recommendations for the new year. Below is a list compiled from their responses:

"The Bottom Billion"
By Paul Collier

This book examines a group of roughly 50 failing countries, the bottom billion of the world's population, that may pose the central challenge of the developing world in the twenty-first century. It highlights this group of nations that are dropping further and further behind the majority of the world’s people in terms of poverty and a decline in living standards, and is Dean Barry Bloom’s (Harvard) "#1 reading recommendation."

"The World Without Us"
By Alan Weisman

Dean Tom Chandler (South Carolina) says, "This book is a popularized but still fairly scientific look at what the world would be like if all human population pressures (e.g., habitat destruction, built environments, pollution) were to suddenly disappear. Most previous books on human-environment connections are prospective about how humans will change the planet to the negative. This book shows a reverse view of how the environment would be different (mostly of higher quality, but not always) without human influence. It's an easy and enjoyable read."

"Wikinomics: How Mass Collaboration Changes Everything"
By Don Tapscott and Anthony D. Williams

Dean John Finnegan (Minnesota) recommends this "…very well-crafted look at the development of "Web 2.0"interactive tools (e.g., MySpace, Wikipedia, Second Life, YouTube) and the impact they are having on collaborative behavior world-wide. There are huge potential economic impacts to be sure, but also impacts on the way we do research in a global environment and how we create and deliver education programs. These will likely have profound impact on Schools of Public Health."

"Hope or Hype: The Obsession with Medical Advances and the High Cost of False Promises"
By Richard A. Deyo and Donald L. Patrick

Dean Linda Rosenstock (UCLA) says, "You’ll find no hype here, only well-documented, clearly presented information that will shock and amaze you.  Required reading for all who want to understand what makes our health system work…and not work."  

Dean Patricia Wahl (Washington) offers several suggestions:

"The Long Tail"
By Chris Anderson

This book details how the internet is changing the business model.

"Three Cups of Tea" by Greg Mortensen is a tale of one man’s efforts to promote peace in Afghanistan and Pakistan by building schools for girls.

"Team of Rivals"
By Doris Kearns Goodwin

This book discusses President Lincoln's cabinet and how he got rivals to work together -"something every dean needs to know!"

"What Is the What"
By Dave Eggers

This book tells the story of a refugee from the second Sudanese civil war, one of the "Lost Boys" who walked thousands of miles from their demolished villages to relative safety in Ethiopia and later Kenya. It presents an opportunity to learn about other cultures and how people live and survive.

"Good to Great"
By Jim Collins

Based on a five-year research project, Good to Great examines 11 companies that made substantial improvements in performance over time and details the common traits that may challenge many of the conventional notions of corporate success. The book presents several strategies and ideas for good management.

"Are We Ready? Public Health Since 9/11"
By David Rosner and Gerald Markowitz

This book explores the impact of 9/11 and the anthrax attacks and what followed in the way of public health preparations.

ASPH thanks all who contributed recommendations and would like to wish everyone happy reading!

Further suggestions for recommended reading can be sent via E-mail to submissions@asph.org. Please include one or two sentences describing the book and why it is recommended.