The Shield

Maci Crowell lists six books she loves for Valentines Day.

Six books I love

Maci Crowell, Staff Writer February 14, 2024

Like a lot of people, I love a good book. No matter the genre, there are good reads everywhere. So, if you’re like me and plan on spending this Valentine’s Day cuddled up with a hardcover book, here’s...

There is a lot to look forward to in 2023, including new movies, games, TV shows and books. Here are 10 books that I look forward to putting on my shelf in 2023. (Graphic by Sydney Lawson)

From Percy Jackson to Emily Henry: 10 2023 book releases you don’t want to miss

Sydney Lawson, Lifestyle Editor February 8, 2023

The lineup of media to be released for the rest of the year is rolling out. From “Barbie” and “Super Mario” to “The Mandalorian” and a new Zelda game, people are talking about the releases...

The David L. Rice Library faces The Quad on campus. (The building was constructed in 2005 and opened in 2006).

Hidden treasures in the David L. Rice Library: What students need to know

Ian Lloyd, Staff Writer September 28, 2022

The David L. Rice Library elegantly overlooks campus, its front entrance beckoning to those on The Quad. Though not as eye-catching or iconic as The Cone, the Rice Library stands out as one of the more...

‘Once There Were Wolves’ is the best book I’ve read this year

‘Once There Were Wolves’ is the best book I’ve read this year

Sydney Lawson, Lifestyle Editor September 27, 2022

Every so often, I read a book I can completely sink into that captures me with its words and immerses me in its world. Books that allow me to become the main character, to see the settings vividly...

Book banning is often born of ignorance and fear, an attempt to censor important issues and silence underrepresented voices. Everyone should be reading banned books— here are seven I recommend.

Seven banned books that will stick with you

Sydney Lawson, Lifestyle Editor September 21, 2022

As an avid reader, I despise book banning. The following list contains some of my favorite books which have been banned or challenged over the years. These books tackle essential issues and have left some...

In “I’m Glad My Mom Died,” Jennette McCurdy opens up about the abuse that she suffered at the hands of her mother and the entertainment industry.

“I’m Glad My Mom Died” is a raw, challenging must-read

Sydney Lawson, Lifestyle Editor September 6, 2022

Jennette McCurdy, well-known for her role as Sam Puckett on “iCarly,” caused a storm when she announced the title of her memoir before it even had a chance to hit shelves. “I’m Glad My Mom Died”...

‘I’ve never seen anything this cheap’ – New textbook program to offer students alternate pricing plan

‘I’ve never seen anything this cheap’ – New textbook program to offer students alternate pricing plan

Alyssa DeWig, Staff Writer April 13, 2022

Editor's Note: Jessica Leonard is the USI Campus Store manager. First Day Complete was made a program through an agreement between the USI Campus Store and the USI Business Office.  USI Campus Store...

An American Marriage takes a look at what life is like for the wrongly incarcerated and how black romance is influenced by black culture.

“An American Marriage:” A Black love story challenged by injustice

Sydney Lawson, Lifestyle Editor February 16, 2022

Every so often, readers come across stories that not only share with them completely new concepts but also challenge their ways of thinking. “An American Marriage” is one of these novels for me.  Written...

Cover art for “The Secret History” by Donna Tartt. The 1992 novel follows a group of friends who are attempting to cover up their murder.

The Secret History: greek mythology, trust funds and first degree murder

Sydney Lawson, Lifestyle Editor December 3, 2021

There’s nothing like good, old-fashioned murder to bring your friend group closer together or tear it apart completely. At least, this seems to be the sentiment shared by the characters in Donna Tartt’s...

This 400 year old book is a part of a two volume set and an item from the University Archives and Special Collections.

Archives prevail as Rice Library’s hidden gem

Emma Corry, Features Editor October 22, 2019

Deanna Engler’s favorite item in the University Archives and Special Collections is a two-volume book set from the year 1603.  The library associate and USI history graduate calls the second volume...

Nancy Schroder, USI campus store assistant manager, said she uses course enrollment numbers and sales history from the past three years when deciding how many textbooks to buy for each course each semester.

‘Don’t assume that you’ll find a better deal somewhere else’

Nicole Mitchell, Special to The Shield January 7, 2019

Janel Ewing said she almost missed her first test in her Literacy Methods class, because the textbook and access code she needed were out of stock at the USI Campus Store. “I was actually able to...

Sci-Fi Novel Falls Short of Potential

Darrian Breedlove, Opinion Editor August 21, 2018

Being the only person in space would be the loneliest experience anyone could ever have, but sometimes there are worse things than being lonely. In Lauren James’s young adult sci-fi novel “The...

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