Gustavus Adolphus College

History of the program

The Reading In Common Program began in the 2000–2001 Academic Year. Books in the Reading In Common Program have included:

• 2008: Chinese Lessons: Five Classmates and the Story of the New China by John Pomfret
• 2007: Mountains Beyond Mountains by Tracy Kidder
• 2006: Honky by Dalton Conley
• 2005: The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
• 2004: When the Emperor Was Divine by Julie Otsuka
• 2003: The Things They Carried by Tim O'Brien
• 2002: The Legacy of Luna by Julia Butterfly Hill
• 2001: The Chosen by Chaim Potok
• 2000: The Samurai's Garden by Gail Tsukiyama

Books are chosen based on their literary quality, reading manageability (college level reading but not too long), interdisciplinary nature, and whether author is available for a campus appearance.

Goals and aims of the program

• Encourage intellectual interaction among students in conjunction with faculty
• Welcome students to the academic life of Gustavus
• Facilitate a shared academic experience for all students
• Emphasize reading as a significant component of the college experience
• Tie together transition and integration experiences of first-year students
• Provide opportunities for first-year students to explore issues and ideas relevant to our community and our world

How is the Reading In Common Program used?

All first-year students and Gustie Greeters read the book over the summer. These students will meet with faculty members during orientation to discuss the book. Hopefully, the book is used as a reference or resource in students' First Term Seminars (FTS). A website is maintained with discussion boards and other resources relating to the book and its subject matter. Finally, the author visits Gustavus in the Fall to speak about the book and the issues raised in the book.