Reflections from the Bookshelf Sociological Concepts in Literature

The readings in "Reflections from the Bookshelf" use excerpts from great literature to explore sociological concepts, heightening student interest and making the concepts meaningful and relatable. The book exposes students to outstanding writing and demonstrates that sociology can be used to make sense of many situations, both within the pages of a good book and in life. Student-readers are invited to sit back, read, and enjoy the sociology of Don Quixote tilting at windmills, Captain Ahab giving chase to Moby Dick, and numerous other characters trying within the context of their stories to navigate the same challenges and issues faced daily in the real world. The book successfully blends academic writing and fiction to address issues such as death and dying, sexuality, criminal justice and deviance, and social movements and change. Other topics include families, globalization, science and technology, and war and politics. Innovative and interesting, Reflections from the Bookshelf is an ideal text for introductory sociology courses, particularly those for the non-major. The book can also be used as a supplemental reader for first-year English and writing courses.
Toby A. Ten Eyck earned his Ph.D. in sociology at Louisiana State University. Currently Dr. Ten Eyck is an associate professor in the Department of Sociology at Michigan State University. He has published articles on topics ranging from microbial levels in Michigan apple cider to trust and control in mass communication. His research has been funded by the National Science Foundation and the United States Department of Agriculture. Dr. Ten Eyck is a member of the American Sociological Association.