Promoting a culture of dialogue, discussion and debate in the local community.
The Community Book Connection (CBC) is a college-wide, interdisciplinary reading initiative committed to fostering student engagement and student success by developing stimulating and challenging classroom opportunities and co-curricular programs.
Each year, we democratically select a book that we recommend to the college community. We encourage faculty and staff from many different disciplines and program areas to adopt the book for use in their courses and initiatives; we offer workshops, trainings and grant-funded opportunities to help faculty develop as educators.
With the support of internal and external partners, Community Book Connection activities include:
Attend keynote lectures, or participate in panel discussions, workshops and student presentations.
Explore the themes of the book through art exhibits, dance performances and musical performances.
Apply what you've learned to real-world settings and experiences.
by Sue Monk Kidd
Set in South Carolina in 1964, The Secret Life of Bees tells the story of 14-year-old, Lily Owens, whose life has been shaped around the blurred memory of the afternoon her mother was killed. Lily's father, T. Ray is very abusive. Lily's fiercely loyal Black caretaker, Rosaleen, insults three racists in town when attempting to register to vote, Lily decides to spring them both free. They escape to Tiburon, South Carolina – a town that holds the secret to her mother's past.
Taken in by an eccentric trio of Black beekeeping sisters, August, May and June Boatwright, Lily is introduced to their mesmerizing world of bees and honey, and the Black Madonna. This story of chosen family is beautifully written. Lily explores her past and rediscovers her mother through the love of the Boatwright Sisters.
Associate Professor, Physical Science
Associate Professor, English
