The Common Read is a program designed to engage the university and Moscow community, its students, staff, faculty and community members, in a unified intellectual activity. For first-year students it introduces them to academic expectations, respectful discourse, and community building. The Common Read is supported by the Judith M. Runstad Lecture Series, which sponsors a keynote address by the author of the Common Read, or someone closely associated with the book.
The Common Read book is available for purchase through the U of I VandalStore and for check out at the University of Idaho Library.
The Anthropocene Reviewed by John Green
The Anthropocene is the current geologic age, in which humans have profoundly reshaped the planet and its biodiversity. In this remarkable symphony of essays, bestselling author John Green reviews different facets of the human-centered planet on a five-star scale—from the QWERTY keyboard and sunsets to Canada geese and Penguins of Madagascar. Funny, complex, and rich with detail, the reviews chart the contradictions of contemporary humanity.
John Green’s gift for storytelling shines throughout this masterful collection. The Anthropocene Reviewed is an open-hearted exploration of the paths we forge and an unironic celebration of falling in love with the world.
~ from Penguin Random House
John Green is the award-winning, #1 bestselling author of books including Looking for Alaska, The Fault in Our Stars, and Turtles All the Way Down. His books have received many accolades, including a Printz Medal, a Printz Honor, and an Edgar Award. John has twice been a finalist for the LA Times Book Prize and was selected by TIME magazine as one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World. He is also the writer and host of the critically acclaimed podcast The Anthropocene Reviewed. With his brother, Hank, John has co-created many online video projects, including Vlogbrothers and the educational channel Crash Course. He lives with his family in Indianapolis, Indiana. You can visit John online at johngreenbooks.com.
~ text from Penguin Random House, photo from Facebook
This year’s University of Idaho Common Read kickoff event is set for 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 16, in the Vandal Ballroom of the Bruce M. Pitman Center.
The event is free and open to the public. English Professor Erin James will give the keynote address. Members of the University of Idaho community can use their UI credentials to register to attend the event via Zoom: https://uidaho.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0odeqgrj0iGNZZ6mSYkqucMbDvWHAjCyW_
James studies how we access new worlds through literature to foster positive environmental change. Combining narratology and ecocriticism into a theory she calls econarratology, James believes this approach to literature can help solve tough environmental problems. Her debut book, “The Storyworld Accord: Econarratology and Postcolonial Narratives,” dives into the fusion of ecocriticism, postcolonialism and narrative theory, earning accolades like the International Society for the Study of Narrative’s Perkins Prize for Best Book in Narrative Studies. Her second book, “Narrative in the Anthropocene,” further explores storytelling’s role in the climate crisis.
Teaching with the Common Read Brown Bag Series
The "Teaching with the Common Read Brown Bag Series" will cover topics related to integrating the Common Read into classes across disciplines. Collaborating with peers from different colleges, participants will leave the sessions with ideas for using the Common Read in their classes.
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