As spring settles in and the weather grows warmer, it’s the perfect time to refresh your reading list and go outside with a new book. The Daily Texan curated a collection of five books authored by UT alumni that offer new perspectives and inspiration for spring.
“Tales as Old as Crime: Laughter and Pain in the Criminal Injustice System” by Randy Schaffer
A graduate of UT Law in 1973, Schaffer’s currently a criminal defense lawyer in Houston. His 2025 memoir offers a seasoned attorney’s view into the flaws in the U.S. justice system, drawing on his 50-year career experiences with biased judges, hidden evidence and wrongful convictions. Schaffer presents a chilling argument that people cannot always trust the justice system to deliver fair outcomes. He balances such a narrative with darkly humorous moments and reflections on rewarding aspects of his work that allow him to continue advocating for clients. For true crime enthusiasts or for those wanting to pursue criminal law, this book’s a must-read.
“The Complex” by Karan Mahajan
Mahajan, a 2015 alumnus of the Michener Center for Writers, focuses his newest novel on the power dynamics and struggles of a wealthy family in Delhi, India. Through repulsive yet multifaceted characters, Mahajan follows internal strife and family tensions as the empire begins to crumble under political turmoil and corruption. A finalist for the National Book Award for “The Association of Small Bombs,” Mahajan uses illustrative storytelling that examines broader social issues through complex characters. “The Complex” is no exception.
“The Gifts of Imperfection” by Brené Brown
New York Times bestseller author and UT Social Work alumna (BSW ‘95), Brown is widely acclaimed for her work on vulnerability and leadership. “The Gifts of Imperfection” helps individuals find joy in the imperfect and embrace authenticity, guiding readers through 10 “guideposts” to move toward acceptance. While self-help books are often considered vain, Brown offers a refreshing alternative, with a conversational tone and accessible concepts.
“The Sweetness of Water” by Nathan Harris
Harris, a 2020 Michener Center for Writers alumnus, writes his debut novel as a historical fiction set in Reconstruction-era Georgia. A New York Times bestseller on Oprah Winfrey’s and Barack Obama’s reading lists, it follows two newly freed Black brothers and their developing bond with a white farmer, alongside a parallel story of a forbidden romance between two Confederate soldiers. The essence of humanity, as reflected by Harris’ characters, provides a much-needed reminder of the resilience of compassion even when division runs deep.
“Returning to My Father’s Kitchen: Essays” by Monica Macansantos
Within her 15 essays, Macansantos, a 2013 Michener Center for Writers alumna, reflects upon her father’s death, exploring themes of both grief and identity. Born in the Philippines, Macansantos’ adult life was largely in the United States and New Zealand, but she returned home after her father’s passing, writing about reconnecting with her heritage and her father’s legacy through his recipes. It’s a deeply personal yet relatable read for anyone navigating adulthood and searching for a sense of self.
