Reading Recommendations

“Orbital” by Samantha Harvey

Jane Dryden Lous ’69 | “This novel is profoundly mind-bending and written with eloquence and grace. It begs the question of where home is for us earthlings and invites deep thought about the purpose and meaning of our existence relative to those we share the planet with.”

“Shelterwood” by Lisa Wingate

Claire McKay ’71, P ’98, ’05 | “This historical novel is about the exploitation of children in southeastern Oklahoma in the early 1900s who often fled from state-appointed ‘guardians’ and lived on their own in the woods, and were referred to as ‘elf children.’ The timeline moves between those events in 1909 and the story of a park ranger in 1990 trying to solve the mystery of human remains found in a cave on parkland.”

“The Huntress” by Kate Quinn

Alice Nazro Nezzer ’87 | “This historical fiction novel is about World War II, the decade following and the hunt for a Nazi war criminal who has immigrated to the United States to lead a new life. I enjoyed learning about Soviet female pilots and had to do some follow-up research ... about them.”

“The Frozen River” by Ariel Lawhorn

Shannon Flahive Powers ’96, P ’31 | “This tender story based on the life of Marha Ballard, a midwife in the 1780s, is an inspiring account of the realities of being a woman (and mother), with the murder of an accused rapist taking center stage. I enjoyed this book so much that tonight I will begin “Code Name Hélène,” also written by Ariel Lawhon, which follows Nancy Wake, a Parisian socialite who becomes a spy in the French Resistance.”

“Goddess of Warsaw” by Lisa Barr

Mallory Boyle ’04 | “A very good World War II Warsaw Jewish ghetto uprising tale that starts out in Hollywood. Page-turner!”

“Field Notes for the Wilderness” by Sarah Bessey

Louise McNutt Brazitis ’07 | “I read this [spiritual] book with a moms’ group at my church and really enjoyed the author’s take on how our faith can evolve depending on different circumstances and [how we’re] navigating new chapters and phases of life.”

“Leonardo da Vinci” by Walter Isaacson

Paul Byars ’07 | “Walter Isaacson’s best book, and this is coming from someone who doesn’t know which way is up on a paintbrush.”

“As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow” by Zoulfa Katouh

Amanda Kushner ’08 | Amanda says this contemporary fiction novel about the Syrian refugee crisis and how our brains protect us from trauma “will make you cry, potentially more than once.”

“A Farewell to Arms” by Ernest Hemingway

Liza Ayres ’14 | “I’ve been a Hemingway fan since my dad read “The Old Man and the Sea” to me and my sisters as a bedtime story in kindergarten.”

“Who Have Never Known Men” by Jacqueline Harpman

Madeline Renbarger ’14 | Madeline read this with her book club after it had a viral moment on “BookTok” (book TikTok) and absolutely loved it! The post-apocalyptic science fiction novel tracks themes of intergenerational friendships and how humans survive in hostile environments.

“Granite on Fire” by Kenneth Kesselus

David Allen ’19, Alumni Engagement Officer | “I don’t usually go for biographies, but this look into the life and career of St. Stephen’s co-founder (and 22nd presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church), Rt. Rev. John Hines, was fascinating.”

“Station Eleven” by Emily St. John Mandel

Indigo Giles ’20 | “While a science fiction novel about the disastrous aftermath of a deadly global pandemic seemed like it might be a little too close to home, I found this story’s exploration of themes like connection, community and the importance of art to be charming and poignant. I loved the way all the story threads were neatly and seamlessly knitted together by the end!”

“The Small and the Mighty” by Sharon McMahon

Michelle Geo Olmstead, Director of Alumni Relations | “Thank you, Katherine Bailey Brown ’05, for the recommendation! This book tells the story of 12 remarkable yet unknown Americans who changed the course of history. I loved hearing these untold stories of perseverance and determination. It gave me hope for the future.”

What are you reading or have you enjoyed reading recently? Your recommendation could land in the next Spartan Magazine.

Thomas Mack ’56 passed away peacefully at home on July 24, 2024. A devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather full of warmth and love, Tommy will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Claire McInerney Mack; his three children, Thomas Michael (Carole), Donna Melissa Lombardo (Victor) and Melanie Raffa (David); and his seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

George Sampson Nalle III ’63 passed away peacefully on January 9, 2025, surrounded by his children. After graduating from St. Stephen’s, George earned a BBA from The University of Texas at Austin and served as a first lieutenant in the U.S. Army, stationed in Okinawa, Japan.

A devoted family man, George was proud of his St. Stephen’s heritage, and his children and grandchildren followed in his footsteps on The Hill. Despite his long battle with Parkinson’s disease, his good nature and quiet generosity left a lasting impact on all who knew him.

George is survived by his children, Brian Nalle ’88 (Karen ’88) and Karey Nalle Oddo ’90 (Chris); his grandchildren, Caroline Nalle ’23, Garrett Nalle ’23, Harrison Oddo ’24 and Katie Oddo ’25; his brothers, Alan ’64 and William; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Carole, and other beloved family members.

Robert “Rocky” Burton McAshan III ’64 passed away peacefully at his home on February 18, 2025, surrounded by his family. Rocky was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jane Elizabeth Duke McAshan, who passed away on June 16, 2024. Rocky was born on April 18, 1946, in Houston, Texas. Despite contracting polio at age five and losing mobility in his legs, Rocky’s life was a testament to resilience, adventure and an unyielding spirit. Known for his powerful upper body, golden voice and “never quit” attitude, Rocky pursued life with boundless enthusiasm — scuba diving, indoor skydiving at age 70, ziplining into his late 70s and even snow skiing. Although Rocky attended St. Stephen’s for only one year, he remained a loyal Spartan and frequent attendee of alumni events throughout his life.

Rocky and his wife, Jane, raised three children together — Beth, David and Robert. Later in life, his greatest happiness came from time spent with his five grandchildren — Evan, Kierra, Ashlyn, Rowan and Hallie. If you have memories of Rocky that you would like to share, email them to rockyandjanememorial@gmail.com.

Don Wreden, M.D. ’71 passed away peacefully at home on January 29, 2025, surrounded by love and care. Born in Raymondville, Texas, on September 5, 1953, Don overcame early health challenges by exhibiting a lifelong spirit of optimism. He grew up on his family farm, where he developed a strong work ethic and sense of adventure. Seeking broader horizons, he attended St. Stephen’s before excelling at Dartmouth College and the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School. His lengthy medical career included leadership roles at Sutter Medical Group and Sutter Health.

Diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2022, Don approached his illness with resilience and gratitude, embracing both medical and holistic care. Through it all, he remained a source of wisdom and encouragement to others. Don’s journey was one of deep fulfillment, and he departed this world knowing he was truly blessed.

Christian John Luhnow ’82, a man of immense generosity, passion and love, passed away on January 9, 2025, surrounded by those he loved. Chris touched the lives of so many through his warmth, adventurous spirit and deep connections with family and friends.

Chris’s journey took him from Mexico City to Austin, Stanford, Oxford and Wharton, ultimately finding a home in Los Angeles, where he pursued his entrepreneurial passions. His impact was felt in the dot-com world, in the luxury automotive industry and, most importantly, in the lives of those fortunate enough to know him. His kindness extended to all, from close friends to strangers, always remembering names, sharing laughter and embracing life wholeheartedly.

A memorial service to honor Chris’ life was held in April in Mexico City.

Kwasi Agbottah ’00 and his wife, Elizabeth Agbottah, tragically passed away in Detroit, Michigan. Kwasi was an exceptional scholar and artist. After graduating from St. Stephen’s in 2000, he went on to earn Phi Beta Kappa honors at Morehouse College and later pursued graduate studies at the University of Delaware. Though he began his Ph.D. journey, he ultimately followed a call to ministry and education. A gifted communicator, Kwasi was a poet, musician, visual artist and fluent Spanish speaker. As the proud son of a Ghanaian father and African American mother and activist, Kwasi held a deep commitment to global justice and civil rights.

Kwasi and Elizabeth were the proud parents of five beloved boys, ages 15, 13, 5, 4 and 2. The couple leaves behind a legacy of generosity, spiritual devotion and transformative service. Their impact lives on through their sons, through Kwasi’s words and music, and in the countless lives they touched.