Looking for Something to do Over the Winter Break?
by Kathleen McCoy |
What about relaxing with a good book? Did you know UAA and APU partner with Books of the Year readings? The 2007-2008 Books of the Year are The Handmaid's Tale, by Margaret Atwood and The Swallows of Kabul, by Yasmina Khadra.
Together, these books provide a nuanced perspective of religious extremism as it plays out--or might play out--in both the Christian and the Muslim worlds. The Handmaid's Tale is a modern classic, detailing a young woman's life in a dystopian society. The Swallows of Kabul is a very human story of two couples living under the strict rule of the Taliban in Afghanistan. Both are works of fiction.
Dr. Nelta Edwards (Sociology) and Tara Smith (College Preparatory and Developmental Studies) will serve as Faculty Associates for the Books of the Year in 2007-2008, helping to promote the books across campus, leading discussion groups, and assisting faculty in building the Books into their class curricula. They may be reached at:
Dr. Edwards: nelta.edwards@uaa.alaska.edu; 786-6454
Ms. Smith: aftyms@uaa.alaska.edu; 786-6873
.