Pulitzer Prize-winning author to speak on Oct. 16

October 8, 2007

All the University of Florida freshmen participating in the Common Reading Program will have the chance to meet the author of this year’s book on Oct.16.

Tracy Kidder, Pulitzer Prize winner and author of “Mountains Beyond Mountains: The Quest of Dr. Paul Farmer, a Man Who Would Cure the World,” will speak at 7 p.m. at the Phillips Center.

“We were a little uncertain if he would be able to come,” said Dean of Students Eugene Zdziarski. “But, when he found out it was an invitation from the University of Florida, he was excited for the visit.”

Described by The Baltimore Sun as the “master of the non-fiction narrative,” Kidder will discuss the themes surrounding his work, as well as take questions from the audience and participate in a book-signing.

Before the event, the author will have dinner with two representatives of the first-year class, who were selected from an essay contest where they expressed their reflections on the book and how they were inspired by the message.

“We are trying to really provide students with a variety of opportunities to share their experiences about what they’ve learned through the program and provide their own ideas,” Zdziarski said.

The Common Reading Program began when the office of the Dean of Students sought to create a collective starting point for incoming freshmen. Students received the book free of charge at last summer’s Preview, and professors have incorporated themes from the book into their curriculum.

“I think the program helps students to be introduced to the high academic standards here,” said Leslie Hahn, assistant director of New Student Programs at the office of the Dean of Students. “The response we have received has been overwhelmingly positive.”

“Mountains Beyond Mountains” was selected by a committee composed of students, faculty and staff. The committee read a number of books, but “Mountains Beyond Mountains” stood out because of its global topics and wide variety of perspective, Hahn said.

“He devotes his entire life to his cause,” Hahn said of the main character, Dr. Farmer. “It brings up the idea: how do our students maintain balance in their first year? It also encourages them to think beyond their typical environment, and to understand that learning happens both in and out of the classroom.”