One Book 2013

Your involvement in the Cornell College community of ideas begins this summer with your first reading assignment—Zeitoun by journalist David Eggers.

Abdulrahman and Kathy Zeitoun live in New Orleans in August 2005 when Hurricane Katrina is approaching.  They must quickly determine whether or not to evacuate with their four small children as the hurricane approaches.  Among the issues addressed in the book are how communities react in natural disasters, the role of family, how one’s spiritual and religious beliefs impact their actions, and how the judicial system works in the wake of natural disasters.  Throughout the book, Eggers brings a human element to this destructive event.  All new students are receiving a copy of Zeitoun. Read the book and think about it before you arrive at Cornell in the fall.

All students in the 2013-2014 incoming class will discuss the book with a faculty member during New Student Orientation. We are very excited that Clint Twedt-Ball, Executive Director of Matthew 25, a Cedar Rapids organization working with local flood recovery, will be speaking on campus in September. In addition there will be many campus activities related to Zeitoun throughout the 2013-2014 academic year.

Check It Out

New students will be sent a copy of this book in late June. You should read the book prior to arriving on campus and be prepared to discuss it during New Student Orientation.