At Michigan State University, the list also includes the One Book, One Community program. Now in its ninth year, this program is a staple for MSU students and a launching pad for their college careers.
"First year students interact around the book so they connect," said Ginny Haas, director of community relations. "[The program] is based on a common experience and it's a positive interaction."
Before the pressures and stress of school and social life set in, the program hopes to encourage conversations and promote discussion among peers and the larger community in a range of settings.
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One Book, One Community presents
Dave Eggers
Aug. 29, 7 p.m. Free - Attendees will be seated on a first-come, first-served basis onebookeastlansing.com |
The One Book, One Community program is not a purely original concept.
"The initial idea was to develop a program like the ones that started out in Seattle and Chicago," Haas said. "We wanted to have something that would bring communities together."
Both the City of East Lansing and Michigan State University found their answer in the One Book, One Community (OBOC) program.
"We have been told that this is the first program to bring together a university and a community," says Haas. "And the author always thinks it's a great program."
The OBOC program begins before the academic year even starts: incoming freshman are asked to read the chocsen book before arriving on campus where they are then encouraged to join in community-wide discussions. The first book of the program was Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451 followed the next year by Frankenstein. The Color of Water, The Kite Runner, The Glass Castle and The Soloist have all been featured books with author appearances.
Though assigned readings make most students groan, Haas is proud to say that this program has become "part of the culture" of the university.
"It's not only for freshman but is used by the faculty in other classes," she says.
The OBOC program boasts consistently high participation by the students.
"The lowest polled percentage [of participating students] was 55 and the high was 95," Haas said. "The average is 76%. It's amazing."
Participation may hit another high this year as the book for the 2010 program is Zeitoun by Dave Eggers. The popular author of six books, including What is the What, A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius and The Wild Things, tells the true story of a man's struggle for survival in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. The book was chosen by a committee who seeks works that offer a strong plot with well-developed characters, a moral or humanistic vision and cultural resonance with American students.
After "An Evening with Dave Eggers" on Sunday night, the author will appear during the MSU academic welcome program that kicks off the students' official year. The public is welcome to both events. Students can enjoy OBOC-related events for weeks to follow including a special New Orleans dinner in the residence halls, a documentary film, a study away program in the Big Easy and multiple discussions addressing issues related to Zeitoun and the post-Hurricane Katrina situation.
