The Book of Unknown Americans Becomes ESU’s One Book Selection For 2018-2019 Academic Year

Posted by: Elizabeth Richardson on May 4, 2018, No Comments

East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania announced “The Book of Unknown Americans,” as its choice for the 2018-2019 One Book, One Campus program, which is intended to promote deep reading, critical thinking and unity among members of the campus and local communities. Book discussions around themes of “The Book of Unknown Americans” will take place on campus throughout the fall 2018 semester and are open to the general public. Now in its sixth year, ESU’s One Book, One Campus program will culminate on Wednesday, November 7, 2018, with a presentation by author, Cristina Henriquez, on campus. Ticket information about this event will be forthcoming.

“This book really tackles subject matter that is relevant in today’s society,” said Doreen Tobin, D.Ed., vice president for student affairs. “Our hope is that in reading the book, our students, faculty, staff and community members will engage in deep discussion that is meaningful and educational. We should all come away from this book and the planned events feeling as though we have been transformed.”

Dr. Tobin adds that the book has received a number of accolades since its release in 2014; it has been named as a Notable Book by the New York Times and the Washington Post, a Great Read by NPR, Novel of the Year by The Daily Beast and a Best Book of the Year by Mother Jones, Oprah.com, School Library Journal and BookPage.

According to the book’s publisher, the novel is one of hopes and dreams, guilt and love, that provides a new definition of what it means to be an American. In essence, it is a love story that has extreme consequences for those involved, “with testimonials of men and women who have come to the U.S. from all over Latin America.”

Andrea McClanahan, Ph.D., professor of communication, is the co-chair of the One Book, One Campus committee, which is comprised of faculty, staff and students. “Our hope is to expand ESU’s One Book, One Campus program to include more members of our community – particularly students and teachers from regional high schools we well as book club members, reading enthusiasts and library members,” Dr. McClanahan said. “The book characterizes what many families experience when they arrive in the U.S. with their hopes and dreams – not unlike those we want for ourselves and our families.  It offers us many great ways to have conversation and discussion and to learn from one another’s experiences.”

Additional book discussions will be announced for fall 2018. For more information about ESU’s One Book, One Campus program, to purchase the book online, or to purchase tickets for the Henriquez event on November 7, visit www.esu.edu/onebook.