East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania announced \u201cThe Book of Unknown Americans,\u201d 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 \u201cThe Book of Unknown Americans\u201d will take place on campus throughout the fall 2018 semester and are open to the general public.\u00a0Now in its sixth year, ESU\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
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\u201cThis book really tackles subject matter that is relevant in today\u2019s society,\u201d said Doreen Tobin, D.Ed., vice president for student affairs. \u201cOur 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
According to the book\u2019s 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, \u201cwith testimonials of men and women who have come to the U.S. from all over Latin America.\u201d<\/p>\n
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. \u201cOur hope is to expand ESU\u2019s One Book, One Campus program to include more members of our community \u2013 particularly students and teachers from regional high schools we well as book club members, reading enthusiasts and library members,\u201d Dr. McClanahan said. \u201cThe book characterizes what many families experience when they arrive in the U.S. with their hopes and dreams \u2013 not unlike those we want for ourselves and our families.\u00a0 It offers us many great ways to have conversation and discussion and to learn from one another\u2019s experiences.\u201d<\/p>\n