On Friday afternoon, September 9th, St. Andrew's held their annual book discussions These book discussons are designed to have groups of students meet with various faculty members; to chat about the books they recommended for summer reading. 319 students had a list of 53 books in which to choose, all selected by their teachers. The directive to the students was to read two books from this very diverse list. All students were required to read Sarah Atwater Abbott's '99 commencement speech to the Class of 2011, Pack Your Parachute Well.
SAS Dean of Teaching and Learning, Gretchen Hurtt said this: "Summer is a chance for students to read more widely and follow their passions and interest."
Pictured in the photo above are Riya Soni and Channing Malkin (both Class of '24) discussing Louise Erdrich's The Night Watchman,with Mrs. Hurtt. A very large group of students met in Engelhard Hall with Dean of Admission, Will Robinson, to review the book, How to Break Up With Your Phone. According to students, the atmosphere was surprisingly calm. Faculty reported that all students were engaged in the discussions and students said they enjoyed spending their afternoon talking about books!
The book talks are a truly wonderful way of organically getting students and faculty together. Students are meeting other students that are new to campus who may not normally have come together. Faculty are able to chat with students they may never have the opportunity to teach. As one faculty member said: "The book talks are another iteration of how we build community - by learning together and by having conversations together."