A little fiction, a few fairy tales and many microbes under a microscope top this year’s summer reading list culled from dozens of books published over the past year by UC Davis authors.

“Banana Republican”

Tom Buchanan, a central character in “The Great Gatsby,” is given new life and an opportunity to redeem himself in this just-published novel, the first by UC Davis history professor Eric Rauchway. Described by the publisher as a “rollicking, outrageous and altogether brilliant perversion of known facts, Banana Republican sends the sexist, racist, elitist Buchanan careening through America’s brilliantly mismanaged intervention in Nicaragua in the 1920s.” Rauchway previously wrote the nonfiction books, “Murdering McKinley: The Making of Theodore Roosevelt’s America” and “Blessed Among Nations.”

“Nine Medieval Romances of Magic”

Fairies, enchanted hags, otherworld lovers, magic trees, strange abductions and bold rescues are all part of the mix as Marijane Osborn, a UC Davis professor emeritus of English, translates into modern English nine lively medieval verse romances. Well-known only to scholars, the fairy legends of medieval Britain have long been cloaked in the Middle English and Scots in which they were written. In addition to her lively translations, Osborn provides an introduction to each poem.

“March of the Microbes: Sighting the Unseen”

Who says science can’t be fun and entertaining. This book by microbiologist John Ingraham, a UC Davis professor emeritus, introduces readers to the powerful, invisible force known as microbes — ubiquitous microorganisms that play a role in the pop in champagne, the holes in Swiss cheese, the granite walls of Yosemite, Botox, gunpowder, fatal illnesses and vital nutrients. Each chapter also contains intriguing anecdotes about microbes in history. “Highly readable, engrossing, and endlessly informative,” said Publishers Weekly. “This is a standout example of science writing for general audiences.”

"The Survival Guide for Outsiders: How to Protect Yourself from Politicians, Experts and Other Insiders”

Perhaps a timely primer for skeptics and others long convinced that public officials, the media and many others are trying to manipulate them. Mathematician Sherman Stein, a UC Davis professor emeritus, crunches the numbers to show how the media, government and other organizations use fuzzy math and data to push agendas. Stein, who also taught critical thinking courses, introduces readers to what he calls “the dead fish principle,” “expert creep” and the “shaman,” a public official who makes others feel everything is OK.

“The Scoundrel and the Optimist”

The first novel by Maceo Montoya, this book follows the journey of an undersized 13-year-old boy forced to become a giant among men as he teaches his abusive father the values of integrity and optimism. “The boy’s innocent viewpoint provides the powerful narrative hook in this affecting first novel … but it also brings out both the violent horror lurking in macho posturing and the difficulty of crossing borders to find family and forgiveness,” wrote Hazel Rochman of Booklist. Montoya has been a visiting professor of Chicana/o studies at UC Davis. He is the son of acclaimed Chicano artist and UC Davis professor emeritus Malaquias Montoya.

“Ethical Borders”

In a topical new book, UC Davis law professor Bill Ong Hing examines the relationship between the North American Free Trade Agreement, globalization and illegal immigration and considers policy options for controlling immigration. An expert on immigration law and policy, Hing develops a rationale for opening up the U.S.-Mexico border, as well as improving conditions in Mexico, so that Mexican citizens would have little incentive to leave their homeland. Hing’s earlier books include “Deporting Our Souls — Values, Morality, and Immigration Policy,” “Defining America Through Immigration Policy” and “Making and Remaking Asian America Through Immigration Policy.”

“Acting: The Basics”

For movie buffs, aspiring thespians and interested others. A theoretical guide to the world of professional acting, this book by UC Davis acting professor Bella Merlin also is an ideal introduction for anyone who wants to learn more about acting and those who have advanced its evolution. The book covers techniques, training, auditioning, rehearsing and performing — both for the stage and camera — as well as the approach and legacy of pioneers and practicing professionals from around the world.

“In Search of Paradise: Middle-Class Living in a Chinese Metropolis”

A new middle class in China is trading collective sacrifice and socialist ideals for a defining symbol of the American dream — new homes in gated communities. Li Zhang, an anthropology professor at UC Davis, traces the lifestyle revolution in the booming cities of China. She finds that the quest for home ownership and the good life is profoundly transforming the physical and social landscape of urban China. Zhang previously wrote “Strangers in the City.”

More from UC Davis authors

To keep up with other new books from UC Davis authors, subscribe to UC Davis Bookstore Buzz by trade books buyer Paul Takushi (who helped select titles for this list). Send an e-mail to pmtakushi@ucdavis.edu with “buzz subscribe” in the subject heading. Books by UC Davis authors also are on sale at the bookstore, in the “Campus Authors” section.

About UC Davis

For more than 100 years, UC Davis has engaged in teaching, research and public service that matter to California and transform the world. Located close to the state capital, UC Davis has 32,000 students, an annual research budget that exceeds $600 million, a comprehensive health system and 13 specialized research centers. The university offers interdisciplinary graduate study and more than 100 undergraduate majors in four colleges — Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Biological Sciences, Engineering, and Letters and Science. It also houses six professional schools — Education, Law, Management, Medicine, Veterinary Medicine and the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing.