Teaching Circle set for Community Reading Project

The first Teaching Circle centered on the book chosen for the Community Reading Project will be held on August 13, from 1-3 p.m. at the Alumni House.

Brian Jbara, director the Office of Integrative Learning and Advising, said the workshop is ideal for faculty and staff members who plan to use “The Distance Between Us” in their courses during the fall or winter semesters.

Jbara said staff members from the Kutsche Office of Local History, faculty members and representatives from the Hispanic Center of Western Michigan will facilitate discussion on specific issues within the book such as immigration, citizenship, broken families and stereotypes.

“The Distance Between Us” is by Reyna Grande. Published in 2012, Grande’s memoir recounts her tumultuous childhood that was spent torn between two parents and two countries. Her Mexican parents make the dangerous journey across the border in pursuit of a new life, leaving their children behind. Grande arrived in the U.S. at age 9 as an undocumented immigrant to live with her father. She quickly learns that life in America is far from perfect. The book was named a National Book Circle Critics Award finalist.

The CRP is sponsored by the Brooks College of Interdisciplinary Studies, University Libraries and University Bookstore. For more information, visit www.gvsu.edu/read.