The One Book
"This has been one of the best experiences I have had since this book was published."
Michele Norris speaking about Author Day on the Sacramento State campus, Oct. 20, 2011
The Sacramento State One Book Program is proud to announce its selection for 2011-2012: The Grace of Silence: A Memoir (Pantheon, 2010) by Michele Norris. As the starred review in Booklist states: “Lauded journalist Norris, cohost for All Things Considered on NPR, intended to write a book analyzing the changing conversation about race in the Obama era. But once she realized that even within her own family, discussions about race were ‘not completely honest,’ she changed course. The result is an investigative family memoir of rare candor and artistry that dramatically reveals essential yet hidden aspects of African American life.” Toni Morrison comments, “The Grace of Silence is an insightful, elegant rendering of how the history of an American family illuminates the history of our country.” Norris, herself, has used the publication of her story to encourage others to tell their family stories.
For further information about the book, including an excerpt and reading group guide, please see:
http://michele-norris.com/.
Michele Norris visited our campus on Thursday, October 20, 2011.
Michele Norris' address at Sacramento State's Convocation, Oct. 20, 2011
About the One Book Program
University and community One Book programs have been established nationwide to promote literacy and to engage all members of a given community in a lively, intellectual conversation based on their shared reading experience. In this way, students, staff, faculty and alumni will share a common University experience: the One Book.
In January 2008, Wells Fargo generously donated funds to establish a One Book Program at Sacramento State. The One Book Program is a campus-wide initiative encompassing all disciplines, all class levels, and all members of the campus community. Bridging literacy and community service, participants read preselected books, engage in discussions with the authors, and take part in service projects that address contemporary social issues raised by the books.
Sacramento State is entering its fourth year of the One Book Program. Please click here to view previous One Books.
About the One Book Selection Committee
The One Book Selection Committee, comprised of faculty, staff, students and community representatives, based its decision on the following criteria:
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Accessibility and appeal to all community members
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Quality of writing
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Encourages interdisciplinary thought and sparks passionate discussion in a variety of courses and contexts
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Explores diverse cultural perspectives
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Provides challenging opportunities for new learning and exploration
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Addresses contemporary issues
If you are interested in serving on the One Book Selection Committee, please contact Prof. Hellen Lee-Keller, One Book Faculty Coordinator, at leekeller@csus.edu.
last updated: October 24, 2011