WVU Campus Read

WVU's Campus Read is "Station Eleven"

A flu pandemic has decimated the population of the world, unraveling civilization and erasing centuries of technological and scientific advances.

Those remaining have figured out how to survive, but is that all there is: survival? What about beauty, art, history, and human connection?

These are the questions at the heart of WVU's 2018-2019 Campus Read: “Station Eleven” by Emily St. John Mandel. This is no post-apocalyptic thriller. Rather, a hopeful story that focuses on a traveling theater and music troupe determined to bring beauty back to shattered communities.

This novel centers on characters connected to one another in unexpected ways.

Learn more about Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel

About the 2018-2019 WVU Campus Read

Station Eleven's compelling narrative incorporates themes of contagious diseases, cults, graphic novels, the construct of culture and civilization, the arts and humanities and dystopia.

“WVU's Campus Read committee chose this book for several reasons, not the least of which was that students we tested it with really liked it. In fact, every single person who has read the book really liked it,” said Susan Lantz, director of Campus Read. “It has a thought-provoking story that will leave our students, faculty, staff, and community talking and thinking about Shakespeare, music, Star Trek, the internet, communication, extremism and memory. It might also prompt us all to run out and get a flu shot.”

Incoming freshmen will be encouraged to read the book, which will be adopted by many first-year seminar courses. The Campus Read Committee is also planning a full slate of events to engage even more of the campus and community this coming academic year.

Anyone interested in learning more about how to get involved in the WVU Campus Read should contact Susan Lantz for opportunities and more information.

Why WVU Campus Read Matters

The WVU Campus Read fosters an exchange of ideas and critical thinking through thoughtful dialogue. Make new connections and talk about important ideas with other Mountaineers.

The Campus Read has been adopted by faculty in many courses across campus enabling them to explore themes in the book within their disciplines. The campus and community are invited to participate in a series of events throughout the year discussing themes of segregation, sex discrimination, women in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), the race into space, the power of education, and West Virginians who have made a significant contribution to society. 

Are you incorporating the Campus Read into a class, event, discussion or other activity? If so, let WVU Campus Read know what your plans are and how we can help.

Nominate a Book for WVU Campus Read

Do you know a book that would stimulate conversation and engage the campus and community? 

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