There is so much new technology in the world that older types of entertainment seem to have fallen in the cracks. Professor Cheryl Johnston is hoping to help reignite students interest in reading.
On Monday April 23, Professor Johnston handed out books around campus to celebrate World Book Night. She is handing out the book Q is for Quarry by Sue Grafton.
World Book Night is an annual celebration designed to spread a love of reading and books. It is held in the US as well as the UK and Ireland. It involves tens of thousands of people going out into their communities to spread the joy and love of reading by giving out free paperbacks.
World Book Night was first launched in the UK in 2011, and has now gained popularity in the US, with news of more countries to come in future years.
April 23 was chosen for World Book Night due to the anniversary of Cervantes’ death, as well as Shakespeare’s birth and death. A total of thirty books will be given out in honor of the celebration. To see the whole list go to worldbooknight.org.
World Book Night is a nonprofit organization, the books are specially produced, not-for-resale. Book givers receive 20 copies of the same book, a book they have chosen.
When choosing her book, Professor Johnston decided that Q is for Quarry was a great choice because it is a murder mystery book.
“If anything can gain a reader’s interest, it would be a mystery book,” Johnston said. “That is the kind of book most people can get into.”
Professor Johnston didn’t think handing out books in the C-building would be as productive as if she went out to some of the other buildings. Her plan was to hit more places such as The Cellar, and East and West Tech.
This is the first year that MCCC participated in World Book Night said Johnston. She is happy to be the first to take part in such an enriching event.
“Hopefully next year I can pass this on to someone else, and keep the tradition going,” Johnston said. Johnston reached out to nonreaders specifically, and trying to show them how reading for pleasure can open up all kinds of doors.
Students spend so much of their time reading textbooks for classes, reading a book for entertainment is something that rarely crosses their minds Johnston said.
The book that was given out at MCCC came from The Book Nook in downtown Monroe. Q is for Quarry is part of a series of fictional books written by Sue Grafton. It is the 17th novel in Grafton’s series of alphabet novels.
Anyone can sign up for World Book Night next year, and help to spread the gift of reading. The organization welcomes readers to come to their website to get on the list for next year. Interested parties can also contact Professor Cheryl Johnston for more information.
Wednesday, April 24, 2024
