As the year draws to a close, new books authored by members of the University of California, Berkeley community are being highlighted for readers seeking diverse topics and perspectives. The latest publications from UC Berkeley faculty, staff, students, and alumni span genres including memoir, literary criticism, science, history, and fiction.
Among the featured works is “Whiskerology” by Gold McBride. The book examines how hair became an important marker of identity during a period of significant national change in America. McBride traces the shift in perception from hair as “bodily discharge” in colonial times to its role as an indicator capable of revealing truths about individuals.
Robert Reich’s “Coming Up Short” offers both personal reflection and political analysis. Reich discusses his journey from childhood experiences with bullying to roles in presidential administrations. He uses these experiences to assess the impact of his generation on American society.
“Startup Campus” documents UC Berkeley’s transformation into a center for innovation and entrepreneurship. Drawing on accounts from university affiliates, it explores how the campus overcame resistance to corporate collaboration and built a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. The book is positioned as a case study for other universities considering similar changes. More information can be found at UC Berkeley News, which covers this evolution in detail.
A new installment in a Southern gothic mystery series follows homicide detective Raven Burns as she investigates a serial killer while confronting her family’s troubled past. The novel explores themes such as survival and familial legacy.
Historian Hannah Zeavin’s latest work delves into changing ideals around motherhood and concerns about media consumption throughout history. Zeavin details how advances in screen media led to medicalized standards for mothers and increased domestic surveillance. She discusses these ideas further on the Berkeley Talks podcast.
“The Future of Revolution” provides theoretical analysis on how revolutions against class societies might succeed today, drawing lessons from historical movements and emphasizing Marx’s principle that existing state structures cannot simply be inherited by new regimes.
A research-based workbook released this year aims to help readers improve well-being through ten core practices such as self-compassion and empathy—methods supported by recent wellness studies at UC Berkeley.
In her collection “Goodness,” Nolan reflects on the personal costs associated with conforming to traditional female social expectations, sharing insights drawn from her own life story.
The university encourages authors affiliated with UC Berkeley who have recently published books not listed here to reach out so their work can be included.
