In addition to dorm assignments and orientation materials, many college freshmen are now starting to get a suggested reading list from the admissions office prior to their arrival. The titles are not part of course work, but to be considered preparation for critical thinking. Below are the top five non-fiction titles being suggested this year:
“The Soloist” (Steve Lopez, author). Los Angeles Times columnist Steve Lopez came upon a homeless musician one day and it changed everything about the way sees humanity. The musician was a former Julliard student whose schizophrenia led him away from the stage and onto Skid Row. Lopez put his head together with both doctors and musicians in order to improve musician Nathaniel Ayers’ life.
“Zeitoun” by Dave Eggers. This tragic story of a New Orleans Hurricane Katrina survivor whose situation goes from bad to worse when he is accused of belonging to Al-Qaeda. Although the author didn’t experience the hurricane or its aftermath firsthand, his portrayal of his subject’s experience is intimate and emotional. This example of “great narrative” (according to the New York Times) is a great read for all readers.
“This I Believe”, edited by Jay Allison and Dan Gediman. National Public Radio has a reputation for providing thought-provoking material to the masses and this anthology of essays is no exception. A program with the same name was hosted by Edward R. Murrow in the 1950′s and has been resurrected for today’s audience hosted by Jay Allison. The content, however, is what moves readers (and listeners) to consider what their own values are and how they impact their daily lives. Anecdotes from Helen Keller to Newt Gingrich and everyday Americans in between will give all who come in contact with it something to think about.
“The Omnivore’s Dilemma” by Michael Pollan. When you sit down to dinner after reading this book, it’s entirely possible that you’ll see what’s on your table in an entirely different way. The subject of the book is the American food chain, specifically industrial farming as well as the increasing popularity of organic offerings. Also discussed is the process of hunting and gathering for yourself instead of depending on the marketplace to provide sustenance for you.
“Enrique’s Journey” by Sonia Nazario. After being left behind in Honduras at the tender age of five, the subject of this harrowing story illegally immigrates to the United States when he’s 17 to reunite with his mother. If you know anything about the quality of HBO original programming, you’ll likely be even more moved to read this title upon learning that it’s the basis of an upcoming HBO series.