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Michigan-born journalist chosen for One Book read

 The One Book One Community Committee has decided to go in a different direction for the 2015 event. 

The American Way of Eating: Undercover at Walmart, Applebee’s, Farm Fields, and the Dinner Table, by Tracie McMillan, will be the topic of discussion for the three-week event running March 23 through April 18. 

Cheryl Johnston, professor of English and co-chair of the One Book One Community Committee, said that although the non-fiction narrative diverges from the committee’s usual selections, members are hopeful that it will be a good read for the community.

“We did break away from fiction this year, but I think it’s going to be an exciting choice,” Johnson said.

 The American Way of Eating follows McMillan while she works undercover in the American food system to see how food is grown, prepared, and sold. 
It also aims to expose how American food standards have lowered to what they are now, and what keeps Americans from eating well. 

 

Johnston admits that McMillan’s home roots played a large part in the selection process.

“For a long time, the community was hoping to get a Michigan author, so the fact that she is one of us is very appealing,” Johnston said. 

McMillan is a Michigan native whose writing has been acclaimed by the New York Times, earned the prestigious Sidney Hillman Prize for Book Journalism and a Books for Better Life Award. Her writing was also recently featured in National Geographic.

Along with being excited about the author and book selection, the One Book Committee is also looking forward to the activities that are in the beginning phases of planning. 

Activities will include a buffet from the MCCC culinary students, documentary viewings at local libraries, and a visit from McMillan. 

McMillan will be on campus April 15. She will meet with stu- dents during the day, and at night will be present for a book signing and presentation in the Meyer Theater. This event will be free and open to the public. 

The One Book One Community committee members believes they  selected a book that will quickly capture the attention and interests of community members.

They also hope the selection will bring awareness to the American food system, while also stir- ring up conversation in the community.

“We thought it was something the Monroe community could relate to that we would enjoy discussing, and would be enlightening for most of us," Johnston said.