Zeitoun Named Book In Common

This year's 2011-12 Book-in-Common is 'Zeitoun' by Dave Eggers. The book is a true story about Syrian born Abdulrahman Zeitoun and his family, and his fight to survive during and following hurricane Katrina – complete with issues of race and religion, bureaucratic injustice, and a desire to make a difference. The Book in Common is a shared, community read, designed to promote discussion and understanding of important issues. Each year, the Book in Common draws together people committed to encouraging the reading of the book and to organizing events that highlight themes and issues raised in each year's selection. Partners in the Book in Common include CSU, Chico, Butte College, Chico Unified School District, Butte County Public Libraries, the cities of Chico and Oroville, and local booksellers, among others. Through all of these activities, the Book in Common provides the campus and community with a means to discuss common and enduring themes, enhance our sense of connectedness and belonging, and to foster an intellectual community.

Local Book in Common Events:

Book Discussion

Join a discussion of Zeitoun and how what happened in New Orleans has lessons for us in California.

Wednesday, September 28 from 3-4:00 p.m.
Butte County Library
Paradise Branch
5922 Clark Rd.

Create A Reading Group

Wednesday, September 28 at 6:30 p.m.
Butte County Library, Chico Branch
1108 Sherman Ave.

Criteria used to select the Book in Common:

The Book in Common should be engaging to a broad readership, drawing diverse readers into the book and the issues it raisesThe Book in Common should deal with relevant and enduring topicsThe Book in Common should lend itself to use and discussion in a variety of contexts in the community and on campusThe Book in Common should touch on important social issues, and value the diverse cultural perspectives found in contemporary society

The Book in Common should resonate with the unique characteristics of the North State and Butte College, and CSU, Chico as a special place for living and learning.