The Speed of Dark, by Elizabeth Moon has been selected for Clemson’s 2009 Freshman Summer Reading Program!
In The Speed of Dark, Elizabeth Moon has created a powerful, complex, and believable portrayal of a man who varies radically from what is defined as "normal." The author insightfully explores the nature of "normality," identity, choice, responsibility, free will, illness and health, and good and evil. The Speed of Dark is a powerful, moving, illuminating novel in the tradition of Flowers for Algernon, Forrest Gump, and Rain Man. 
“Corporate life in early 21st-century America is even more ruthless than it was at the turn of the millennium. Lou Arrendale, well compensated for his remarkable pattern-recognition skills, enjoys his job and expects never to lose it. But he has a new boss, a man who thinks Lou and the others in his building are a liability. Lou and his coworkers are autistic. And the new boss is going to fire Lou and all his coworkers — unless they agree to undergo an experimental new procedure to "cure" them.” — Review by Cynthia Ward for Amazon.com
Award winning author, Elizabeth Moon is a native Texan who grew up 250 miles south of San Antonio. After earning a degree in history from Rice University, she spent three years in the Marine Corps, and then earned a degree in biology from the University of Texas, Austin. She is intimately acquainted with autism, through the raising of an autistic son, now in his 20’s. The Speed of Dark received the Nebula Award for Best Novel in 2004.
All incoming Clemson Freshmen are required to participate in the Summer Reading Program.
- Students will receive a complimentary copy of The Speed of Dark when they come to Summer Orientation.
- On August 18, 2009, Elizabeth Moon will address the entire freshman class at 1 p.m. in Littlejohn Coliseum, immediately following Ms. Moon’s address, students will discuss their thoughts and reactions in small groups across campus, led by Clemson faculty and staff.
Anyone with questions about the Freshman Summer Reading program should contact Casey Berkshire.