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Book in Common Raises Issues

"The selection of Fast Food Nation as the Book in Common for CSU, Chico raises some interesting issues for our university to objectively discuss. … Although there have been historical challenges with the Book in Common, this is the first time that a text which can directly and negatively impact a degree program has been chosen. ...How can we use this in University Life courses, and have CAPE forums based on a combination of fiction/nonfiction, where the author has so effectively melded the two? I do not have the time to research every statement that Schlosser makes, and my guess is that those professors using this book in class don't have that time, either. To expect freshman to do so is not realistic. But if we are to effectively teach freshmen how to think critically, shouldn't we choose a book where 'facts' can be linked to specific references so the information can be verified? In my opinion, scaremongering does not seem an appropriate 'Book in Common' experience for all incoming students."

-- David Daley, coordinator of CSU, Chico's Agriscience Program

"The Book in Common Committee was the group who selected Fast Food Nation. The committee was composed of faculty across campus who had previously served on the committee. We selected Fast Food Nation because the subject matter of the book was consistent with the president's message for students that they should be cognizant of living healthy and safe lifestyles which include important choices about how and what to eat. The book was selected from a list of several books, all of which were read and discussed by the members of the committee. This book is provocative and is doing exactly what we hoped in generating discussion."

-- Byron Jackson, dean of undergraduate studies and chair of the Book in Common Committee