'Oscar Wao' Chosen as Summer Reading for Duke's Class of 2013
A major appeal of the book is that almost any reader can find a connection, in some way, with the story, committee members say.
Monday, March 30, 2009
“The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao” by Junot Diaz has been selected by a committee of Duke University students, faculty and staff as the summer reading for the incoming Class of 2013.
Published in 2007, Diaz spent more than a decade writing this Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, which tells the story of Oscar Wao, his unusual family and his epic journey across international and cultural boundaries.
A major appeal of the book, according to the Summer Reading selection committee, is that almost any reader can find a connection, in some way, with the story.
“There are certain qualities in the characters and experiences in this book that almost any Duke student can relate to,” said Meg Foran, Trinity ‘10, a student member of the selection committee. “You might be struggling with weight, or feel unpopular, or have love troubles, or you might be from a foreign country. Oscar’s experiences are the experiences we all go through.”
Carol Apollonio, associate professor of the practice of Russian and co-chair of the selection committee, loves the book for its artistry and its readability. “To start with, this is great literature. I think it’s the best fictional work we’ve chosen. Diaz is a master of words,” she said. “At the same time, the story is engaging and very accessible. It’s good food for the mind.”
Summer reading for incoming students is intended to create a common touch-point for introductions, social and intellectual interactions, and community-building.
“The selection was close, but the students on the committee unanimously chose this book,” said Todd Adams, associate dean of students for the New Students & Family program and co-chair of the selection committee. “It’s a story that has the ability to appeal to 1,700 students from varying backgrounds and reading interests. I have no doubt this will generate great conversation.”
The process for selecting the book began last November. At that time, more than 60 titles were submitted by students, faculty and staff for consideration. Over the following months, each book was discussed, and the list was eventually reduced to five. The Duke community was then asked for input. The other books considered were “Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close,” by Jonathan Safran Foer; “Better: A Surgeon’s Notes on Performance,” by Atul Gawande; “Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America,” by Barbara Ehrenriech; and “The White Tiger,” by Aravind Adiga.
“I love the idea of putting this book in the hands of students and hearing what they have to say,” Foran said. “It has problems and confusion and feels so much like college. I’m really looking forward to talking with the first-years about it.”
A special printing of the book will be mailed to members of the Duke Class of 2013 this summer.
