Dear Clemson:
You are invited to participate in the 2005 Summer Reading Program for all incoming freshmen. This year's book, A Civil Action was written by Jonathan Harr, and on Tuesday, August 23, at 1:30 p.m., Jan Shlichtmann, the main character in A Civil Action will speak about the nonfiction thriller.
Immediately after his talk, students will break up into small groups across campus to discuss his remarks, their thoughts on the book, and their reactions to the Summer Reading assignment. I am asking all interested faculty and staff to participate as facilitators of these discussion groups. We will need a lot of help to make this endeavor successful and we will provide you with the resources you will need to lead these discussions. You can volunteer to be a discussion leader by clicking http://people.clemson.edu/~survey/summerreading.htm.
The book is a nonfiction account of an epic courtroom showdown, in which two of the nation's largest corporations stand accused of causing the deaths of children. Representing the bereaved parents, the unlikeliest of heroes emerges: a young, flamboyant Porsche-driving lawyer who hopes to win millions of dollars and ends up nearly losing everything, including his sanity. The book is a compelling tale of a legal system gone awry - one in which greed and power fight an unending struggle against justice. A Civil Action is also the story of how one determined man can ultimately make a difference. The book is the winner of the National Book Critics Circle Award for nonfiction.
A Civil Action is a book about many different issues - laws, lawyers, ethics, family, environment, and community just to name a few. Reading this book causes emotions to arise in the reader that they may not have known even existed.
I hope that you will also join other faculty and staff facilitators for lunch at noon on April 19, in Ballrooms A & B of the Hendrix Student Center to help kick off this year's Summer Reading Program and Presidential Colloquium. Facilitators will receive a complimentary book and study guide at the luncheon, as well as view a short presentation on this year's new Summer Reading Registration process and discussion board options for incoming freshmen.
I encourage you to join the Summer Reading Program as a group facilitator and register for the luncheon by clicking the link above. If you cannot attend the kick-off luncheon, a book and supporting materials can be picked up at the campus bookstore after April 19th.
Thank you in advance for helping make our third Summer Reading Program a success.
Sincerely,
James F. Barker, FAIA
President