Reflective dialogue

• Comparison potential: Connections can be drawn to films like "Parasite" or "Brooklyn," exploring similar themes of migration and social mobility, fostering discussions about representation and belonging in different societal contexts.

Option 2: "On Immunity: An Inoculation" by Eula Biss (2014):

• Provocative: This non-fiction work challenges common assumptions about vaccines and immunity, prompting critical thinking about public health, scientific literacy, and the role of individual responsibility in a collective society.
• Interdisciplinary: The book bridges science, history, philosophy, and personal narrative, offering a multifaceted lens for examining complex issues and understanding different perspectives.
• Discussion prompts: Students can delve into debates about individual freedom vs. collective good, the ethics of medical interventions, and the responsibility of information dissemination in a world saturated with misinformation.
• Comparison potential: Pairing it with films like "Contagion" or "Icarus" could facilitate discussions about the portrayal of science and healthcare in media, sparking debates about ethics and societal trust in these areas.

Option 3: "Sing, Unburied, Sing" by Jesmyn Ward (2017):

• Powerful: This lyrical coming-of-age story grapples with themes of racial injustice, generational trauma, and the weight of history in the American South. It offers a poignant representation of Black experiences and the struggle for equality and justice.
• Empathy builder: The narrative encourages readers to step into the shoes of marginalized characters, fostering understanding and empathy for experiences different from their own.
• Discussion prompts: Students can engage in meaningful dialogues about systemic racism, historical legacies, the power of resilience, and the importance of fighting for social justice.
• Comparison potential: Reading alongside works like "Just Mercy" or "Selma" could provide historical context and broaden discussions about racial representation and activism throughout American history.

Ultimately, the best choice for your incoming class depends on your unique student body and the specific themes you want to emphasize. Consider the diversity of your students, their potential interests, and the types of conversations you hope to facilitate. Whichever book you choose, ensure it has the potential to spark meaningful dialogue, challenge perspectives, and offer new insights into the world and the human experience.

Choosing the perfect common text for a diverse incoming class can be a challenge, but there are several factors to consider that might lead you to the ideal book. Here are three options, along with justifications for each:

Option 1: "Exit West" by Mohsin Hamid (2017):

• Relevance: This magical realist novel tackles the timely themes of migration, displacement, and the search for belonging in a globalized world. It provides insightful perspectives on both the hardships and hope associated with uprooting oneself and building a new life.
• Accessibility: The captivating blend of realism and fantasy makes the story engaging for various readers, while the lyrical prose and vivid imagery provide ample material for discussion and analysis.
• Discussion prompts: Questions about identity, the ethics of borders, the resilience of the human spirit, and the power of storytelling can spark thought-provoking conversations among incoming students from diverse backgrounds.