JMU One Book is an annual campus-wide reading program that brings the James Madison University community together through the shared experience of reading and discussing a single book. The program aims to foster intellectual curiosity, promote dialogue, and build a sense of community among students, faculty, staff, and alumni.
This year's selection for the JMU One Book program is "The Great Believers" by Rebecca Makkai. The book tells the story of a group of friends living in Chicago during the time of the AIDS epidemic. The book explores themes of love, loss, friendship, and resilience in the face of adversity.
The JMU One Book program offers a variety of events and activities throughout the academic year that are open to the entire community. These events include author talks, book club discussions, film screenings, art exhibits, and more. The program is designed to create opportunities for people from all walks of life to engage with the book and with each other in meaningful ways.
jmu one book
Uniting JMU through the power of literature.
- Annual campus-wide reading program
- Promotes intellectual curiosity
- Encourages diálogo
- Builds community
- Selected book: "The Great Believers"
- Explores love, loss, and resilience
- Varied events and activities
- Author talks, book club discussions
- Film screenings, art exhibits
- Open to the entire JMU community
JMU One Book is a unique and meaningful experience that brings people together through the shared joy of reading.
Annual campus-wide reading program
JMU One Book is an annual campus-wide reading program that brings the James Madison University community together through the shared experience of reading and discussing a single book. The program aims to foster intellectual curiosity, promote dialogue, and build a sense of community among students, faculty, staff, and alumni.
Each year, a committee of faculty, staff, and students selects a book that is thought-provoking, relevant, and accessible to readers of all backgrounds. The book is announced in the spring semester, and the program officially kicks off in the fall. Throughout the academic year, there are a variety of events and activities related to the book, including author talks, book club discussions, film screenings, art exhibits, and more. These events are open to the entire community and provide opportunities for people to engage with the book and with each other in meaningful ways.
The JMU One Book program is more than just a reading program. It is an opportunity for the JMU community to come together and explore important issues and ideas. The program helps to create a sense of shared experience and understanding among people from all walks of life. It also encourages people to think critically about the world around them and to engage in dialogue with others who may have different perspectives.
The JMU One Book program is a valuable asset to the university community. It is a program that promotes intellectual curiosity, dialogue, and community. It is a program that makes JMU a more vibrant and engaged place to learn and grow.
If you are a member of the JMU community, I encourage you to participate in the JMU One Book program. It is a great way to connect with others, learn about new ideas, and explore the world around you.
Promotes intellectual curiosity
The JMU One Book program promotes intellectual curiosity by exposing students, faculty, staff, and alumni to new ideas and perspectives. The selected book is often one that deals with important and challenging topics, and the program provides opportunities for people to explore these topics in depth.
- Explores important and challenging topics:
The JMU One Book program selects books that deal with a wide range of important and challenging topics, such as social justice, race, gender, sexuality, and the environment. These books encourage readers to think critically about the world around them and to challenge their own assumptions.
- Provides opportunities for discussion and dialogue:
The JMU One Book program provides many opportunities for people to discuss and dialogue about the book. There are book club discussions, author talks, panel discussions, and other events that allow people to share their thoughts and ideas about the book with others.
- Encourages independent research and learning:
The JMU One Book program encourages people to do their own research and learning about the topics covered in the book. There are often online resources, bibliographies, and other materials available to help people learn more about the book and its themes.
- Creates a shared intellectual experience:
The JMU One Book program creates a shared intellectual experience for the entire JMU community. When everyone is reading and discussing the same book, it creates a common ground for conversation and understanding. This can lead to new insights and a deeper understanding of the world around us.
The JMU One Book program is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to expand their intellectual horizons and learn more about the world around them.
Encourages diálogo
The JMU One Book program encourages diálogo by creating opportunities for people to come together and discuss the book in a meaningful way. There are a variety of events and activities that are designed to foster dialogue, including book club discussions, author talks, panel discussions, and online forums.
Book club discussions are a great way to have in-depth conversations about the book with other people who have read it. Book clubs meet regularly to discuss the book's themes, characters, and plot. They also provide an opportunity to share personal reactions to the book and to learn from other people's perspectives.
Author talks are another great way to engage in diálogo about the book. Author talks give readers the opportunity to hear directly from the author about their inspiration for writing the book, their research process, and their thoughts on the book's themes. Author talks can also be a catalyst for discussion, as they often raise new questions and insights about the book.
Panel discussions are another way to foster diálogo about the book. Panel discussions typically feature a group of experts who discuss the book's themes from different perspectives. Panel discussions can be a great way to learn more about the book's historical, social, and cultural context. They can also help to identify different interpretations of the book and to explore the book's relevance to contemporary issues.
The JMU One Book program also provides opportunities for diálogo through online forums. Online forums allow people to post their thoughts and ideas about the book and to respond to other people's posts. Online forums can be a great way to connect with other readers and to share your own insights about the book.
The JMU One Book program is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to engage in meaningful diálogo about important and challenging topics. The program provides a variety of opportunities for people to come together and discuss the book in a supportive and respectful environment.
Builds community
The JMU One Book program builds community by bringing people together around a shared experience. When everyone is reading and discussing the same book, it creates a common ground for conversation and understanding. This can lead to new friendships, new perspectives, and a stronger sense of community.
The program's events and activities are designed to create opportunities for people to connect with each other. Book club discussions, author talks, panel discussions, and online forums all provide opportunities for people to come together and share their thoughts and ideas about the book. These events can also help people to learn more about each other and to build relationships.
The JMU One Book program also builds community by creating a sense of shared purpose. When people come together to read and discuss a book, they are engaging in a collective activity that is larger than themselves. This can create a sense of belonging and purpose, and it can help people to feel connected to the JMU community.
In addition, the JMU One Book program helps to build community by promoting dialogue and understanding. When people come together to discuss a book, they are exposed to different perspectives and viewpoints. This can help to break down barriers and to create a more inclusive and welcoming community.
The JMU One Book program is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to build community and connect with others. The program provides a variety of opportunities for people to come together and share their thoughts and ideas in a supportive and respectful environment.
Selected book: "The Great Overpowering"
The JMU One Book program's selected book for this year is "The Great Overpowering" by Makkai, a novel that tells the story of a group of friends living in Chicago during the time of the AIDS epidemic. The book explores themes of love, loss, friendship, and resilience in the face of adversity. The book was chosen for a number of reasons. First, it is a well-written and engaging story that is sure to appeal to a wide range of readers. Second, it deals with important and timely themes that are relevant to the JMU community. Third, it is a book that can be enjoyed on multiple levels, from a purely entertaining story to a thought-provoking work of literature. The JMU One Book program is excited to have "The Great Overpowering" as our selected book for this year. We hope that you will join us in reading and discussing this powerful and moving novel.Explores love, loss, and resilience
"The Great Believers" is a novel that explores the themes of love, loss, and resilience in the face of adversity. The novel is set in Chicago during the time of the AIDS epidemic, and it tells the story of a group of friends who are affected by the disease.
- Love:
The novel explores the different types of love that exist between friends, family members, and lovers. It shows how love can sustain people through difficult times and how it can help them to find hope and meaning in life.
- Loss:
The novel also explores the pain and grief that comes with losing loved ones. It shows how people can cope with loss and how they can eventually find a way to move on with their lives.
- Resilience:
The novel also celebrates the resilience of the human spirit. It shows how people can overcome adversity and how they can find the strength to carry on even in the most difficult of times.
"The Great Believers" is a powerful and moving novel that explores the universal themes of love, loss, and resilience. It is a novel that will stay with you long after you finish reading it.
Varied events and activities
The JMU One Book program offers a variety of events and activities throughout the academic year that are open to the entire community. These events are designed to create opportunities for people to engage with the book and with each other in meaningful ways.
- Author talks:
The JMU One Book program brings the author of the selected book to campus for a public talk. This is a great opportunity to hear the author speak about their inspiration for writing the book, their research process, and their thoughts on the book's themes.
- Book club discussions:
The JMU One Book program organizes book club discussions throughout the academic year. These discussions are a great way to delve deeper into the book's themes, characters, and plot. They are also a great opportunity to share your thoughts and ideas about the book with other people.
- Film screenings:
The JMU One Book program often hosts film screenings of movies that are related to the book. This is a great way to experience the book in a different way and to gain a new perspective on its themes.
- Art exhibits:
The JMU One Book program sometimes collaborates with the JMU art department to host art exhibits that are inspired by the book. This is a great way to see how the book can be interpreted through the medium of art.
These are just a few of the many events and activities that the JMU One Book program offers. The program is always looking for new and innovative ways to engage the community with the selected book.
Author talks, book club discussions
Author talks and book club discussions are two of the most popular events that the JMU One Book program offers. These events provide opportunities for people to engage with the book and with each other in meaningful ways.
Author talks are a great way to hear the author speak about their inspiration for writing the book, their research process, and their thoughts on the book's themes. Author talks are typically held in a public forum, such as a lecture hall or auditorium. They are open to the entire community and are a great way to learn more about the book and the author.
Book club discussions are a great way to delve deeper into the book's themes, characters, and plot. Book club discussions are typically held in smaller groups, such as a classroom or a living room. They are a great way to share your thoughts and ideas about the book with other people and to hear different perspectives on the book.
Both author talks and book club discussions are valuable opportunities to engage with the JMU One Book selection. These events can help you to gain a deeper understanding of the book and its themes, and they can also help you to connect with other people who are interested in the book.
If you are interested in attending an author talk or a book club discussion, please visit the JMU One Book website for more information. The website lists all of the upcoming events, as well as information on how to register for the events.
Film screenings, art exhibits
Film screenings and art exhibits are two other ways that the JMU One Book program engages the community with the selected book. These events provide opportunities for people to experience the book in different ways and to gain new perspectives on its themes.
Film screenings are a great way to experience the book in a different medium. The JMU One Book program often hosts film screenings of movies that are related to the book. These movies can be adaptations of the book, documentaries about the book or its author, or movies that simply share similar themes. Film screenings are a great way to see the book come to life and to gain a new understanding of its characters and themes.
Art exhibits are another great way to experience the book in a different way. The JMU One Book program sometimes collaborates with the JMU art department to host art exhibits that are inspired by the book. These exhibits can feature paintings, sculptures, photographs, and other works of art that are inspired by the book's themes, characters, or plot. Art exhibits are a great way to see how the book can be interpreted through the medium of art and to gain new insights into the book's meaning.
Both film screenings and art exhibits are valuable opportunities to engage with the JMU One Book selection. These events can help you to gain a deeper understanding of the book and its themes, and they can also help you to connect with other people who are interested in the book.
If you are interested in attending a film screening or an art exhibit, please visit the JMU One Book website for more information. The website lists all of the upcoming events, as well as information on how to register for the events.
Open to the entire JMU community
The JMU One Book program is open to the entire JMU community, including students, faculty, staff, and alumni. This means that everyone in the JMU community is invited to participate in the program's events and activities.
The JMU One Book program is designed to be inclusive and accessible to everyone in the community. All of the program's events and activities are free and open to the public. The program also provides a variety of ways for people to participate, from attending author talks and book club discussions to viewing film screenings and art exhibits.
The JMU One Book program is a valuable resource for the entire JMU community. The program provides opportunities for people to come together and engage with important and challenging ideas. It also helps to build community and to create a sense of shared experience among people from all walks of life.
If you are a member of the JMU community, I encourage you to participate in the JMU One Book program. It is a great way to connect with others, learn about new ideas, and explore the world around you.
Here are some ways that you can participate in the JMU One Book program:
- Attend an author talk or book club discussion.
- View a film screening or art exhibit.
- Read the book and write a review or reflection.
- Attend a panel discussion or workshop related to the book.
- Join the JMU One Book online community and connect with other readers.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about the JMU One Book program:
Question 1: What is the JMU One Book program?
Answer 1: The JMU One Book program is an annual campus-wide reading program that brings the JMU community together through the shared experience of reading and discussing a single book.
Question 2: Who can participate in the JMU One Book program?
Answer 2: The JMU One Book program is open to the entire JMU community, including students, faculty, staff, and alumni.
Question 3: How do I participate in the JMU One Book program?
Answer 3: There are a variety of ways to participate in the JMU One Book program. You can attend author talks, book club discussions, film screenings, and art exhibits. You can also read the book and write a review or reflection.
Question 4: What is the selected book for this year?
Answer 4: The selected book for this year is "The Great Believers" by Rebecca Makkai.
Question 5: Where can I find more information about the JMU One Book program?
Answer 5: You can find more information about the JMU One Book program on the program's website.
Question 6: Can I suggest a book for the JMU One Book program?
Answer 6: Yes, you can suggest a book for the JMU One Book program. The program's committee is always looking for new and exciting books to read.
Question 7: How can I get involved with the JMU One Book program?
Answer 7: There are a variety of ways to get involved with the JMU One Book program. You can join the program's committee, volunteer at events, or simply spread the word about the program to your friends and colleagues.
Question 8: What are the benefits of participating in the JMU One Book program?
Answer 8: There are many benefits to participating in the JMU One Book program. The program provides opportunities to engage with important and challenging ideas, to build community, and to create a sense of shared experience among people from all walks of life.
Closing Paragraph for FAQ: The JMU One Book program is a valuable resource for the entire JMU community. I encourage you to participate in the program and to experience the many benefits that it has to offer.
If you are looking for more ways to engage with the JMU One Book selection, here are a few tips:
Tips
Here are a few tips for getting the most out of the JMU One Book program:
Tip 1: Read the book early.
The sooner you read the book, the more time you will have to think about it and to discuss it with others. This will also give you more time to participate in the program's events and activities.
Tip 2: Join a book club or discussion group.
Book clubs and discussion groups are a great way to engage with the book and to share your thoughts and ideas with others. The JMU One Book program offers a variety of book clubs and discussion groups that are open to the entire community.
Tip 3: Attend author talks and other events.
The JMU One Book program hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including author talks, film screenings, and art exhibits. These events are a great way to learn more about the book and its author, and to connect with other people who are interested in the book.
Tip 4: Write a review or reflection.
After you have read the book, take some time to write a review or reflection. This is a great way to process your thoughts and ideas about the book, and to share your insights with others. You can post your review or reflection on the JMU One Book website or on social media.
Closing Paragraph for Tips: By following these tips, you can get the most out of the JMU One Book program and have a more meaningful and engaging experience.
The JMU One Book program is a valuable resource for the entire JMU community. I encourage you to participate in the program and to experience the many benefits that it has to offer.
Conclusion
The JMU One Book program is an annual campus-wide reading program that brings the JMU community together through the shared experience of reading and discussing a single book. The program promotes intellectual curiosity, dialogue, and community. It also helps to build a sense of shared experience and understanding among people from all walks of life.
The JMU One Book program is a valuable resource for the entire JMU community. It provides opportunities for people to come together and engage with important and challenging ideas. It also helps to build community and to create a sense of shared purpose. I encourage you to participate in the JMU One Book program and to experience the many benefits that it has to offer.
Closing Message: Reading is a powerful way to learn about the world around us and to connect with others. The JMU One Book program provides a unique opportunity for the JMU community to come together and to share in the experience of reading a great book. I hope that you will take advantage of this opportunity and that you will join us in reading and discussing this year's selection, "The Great Believers" by Rebecca Makkai.