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Marquette Reads: Dr. Joseph Green

Photo by Dan Johnson

Dr. Joseph Green started this fall as the director of Marquette's renowned Educational Opportunity Program, which serves as a resource for low-income and first-generation students. A man of varied interests, Green earned his doctorate in political science, his master's in counseling psychology and his bachelor's in sociology. His reading tastes are also wide-ranging.

"I truly love to follow a great story," Green says. "Also, I am a fan of learning and wonderful character development. The six books listed below express this interest."

Tuesdays With Morrie by Mitch Albom and Love: What Life Is All About by Leo F. Buscaglia: "I find Mitch Albom and Leo Buscaglia's work both heartwarming and uplifting. Albom's story of friendship, trust and understanding provides a solid foundation for understanding mentorship. His ability to share his life story as well as his relationship with his former college professor is remarkable. Albom provides an excellent example of the mentor-protégé partnership at its best, in a word, inspiring. Bucaglia's book explores the meaning of 'love' and our need as human beings to feel connected and understood even though we may appear to have it all."

Why Black People Tend to Shout: Cold Facts and Wry Views from a Black Man's World by Ralph Wiley and Jazz by Toni Morrison: "Ralph Wiley and Toni Morrison are excellent storytellers. Wiley provides his view of 'real life' through a series of essays that ask the question why black people tend to shout. Wiley focuses on the true complexes of contemporary Black Americans. Morrison, whom I consider one of our great American treasures, puts forth a story in Jazz which challenges the reader to think of relationships and our need for support and understanding in each other. Jazz provides a window into the thoughts and feelings of an individual's helplessness when family misunderstanding exists. Finally, Jazz explores our unique ability to survive and strive despite loss."

The Kill Artist by Daniel Silva and Omerta by Mario Puzo: "Omerta, in my opinion, is Mario Puzo's best work. Puzo introduces the reader to an unknown underworld through his main character, Astorre Viola. In Astorre Viola we find an extremely interesting everyman who combines the qualities of our modern day heros (such as Jason Borne of Borne Identity or Jack Ryan of The Hunt for Red October) with uncommon flair. Likewise, Daniel Silva's character development is flawless. His main character, Gabriel Allon, the remarkable art restorer and international man of mystery, presents the reader with a tale of adventure and excitement worthy of the best action adventure stories told."

Have an idea for a future Marquette Reads? We'd love to hear it.