Harvard Law School Dean Martha Minow's summer reading list

Harvard Law School Dean Martha Minow discusses what's on her reading list, as well as the line between professional and pleasure reading, and her family's literary history.

In a Q-and-A with the Boston Globe this week, Harvard Law School Dean Martha Minow discusses her summer reading list: it includes novels by Allegra Goodman ’89 and Gish Jen ’77, RF ’02; a biography of Louis Brandeis; short stories by Alice Munro; and a book about the refusal to forgive.

Minow also tells the Globe that everyone in her family, including her daughter, who just graduated from high school, has written a book. And she says she finds works of fiction just as important for her work as a law professor as books about legal issues: "I don't draw a sharp line between professional and personal reading. The novels are often as relevant to my professional life as the nonfiction. I find everything relevant to everything."

You might also like

In 1954, Gregory Corso moved into Eliot House. How he stayed there is a literary legend.

The Gretel and the Great War author on how the Lampoon derailed his science career—and set him on a literary path.

The popular Harvard English professor published Under Water this spring.

Most popular

The University will compensate families of those whose remains were sold and establish a scholarship to honor anatomical donors.

The division is launching a new fundraising effort to support 50 additional students.

A new book explores the Harvard-trained architect’s vision and impact, from Ground Zero to the Smithsonian.

Explore More From Current Issue

Three actors perform on stage, with one actor interacting closely with another, set against abstract backgrounds.

The play Spare Parts is a contemporary fable about the quest to live forever.

A vibrant illustration of a red car parked, surrounded by cheerful people and historic buildings.

Derek Bok donated his car for a good cause.

Decorative wrought iron gate framed by leafy branches, captured in sepia tones.

Former Indiana University president Thomas Ehrlich looks back on curriculum, co-education, and other major trends.