Big Bend CC sponsors 'One Book, One College'

MOSES LAKE — Spokane author Jess Walter will read selections from his short story collection, “We Live in Water,” and answer questions about the book and the life of a writer at 2:30 p.m. Nov. 16 at Big Bend Community College. It’s part of the BBCC’s inaugural “One Book, One College,” a “college and community-wide reading club,” said BBCC librarian Libby Sullivan.

Sullivan said the idea came from other community colleges around the state, who have sponsored similar all-school, all-town reading projects. It’s a way for students, faculty and college district patrons to get to know each other better, “just by sharing the common experience of reading.”

Walter has written eight books and is a former finalist for the National Book Award, as well as having a book at the No. 1 spot on the New York Times best seller list. He is a winner of the Edgar Allen Poe award. “We Live in Water” is his latest work, published in 2013.

Many of the stories are set in the Pacific Northwest – Spokane, Portland, northern Idaho. Sullivan said she wants to generate discussion, about the stories, about the topics, especially “controversial or difficult” material, about the characters, about the writer and the choices a writer makes. “Have a discussion with a wide variety of people.”

Walter’s book was on a short list that was the result of a vote by BBCC faculty. “I kind of settled on this one,” Sullivan said.

Walter grew up in Spokane and still lives there, one of the things that made the book an attractive choice, she said. He gave a presentation Sullivan attended in Wenatchee. “I thought it would be wonderful to get him here. He’s funny – he’s a witty speaker. He’s a generous, warm person to listen to.”

And it’s a real event for a writer short-listed for the National Book Award to come to campus, she said.

Some professors, especially in the college’s language arts department, are using the collection in their classes, Sullivan said. Other professors are offering extra credit to students who read it. A limited number of copies are available to students in the BBCC library. The "One Book, One College" project was made possible in part through a anonymous donor, she said.

The all-college reading project is a recent phenomenon, Sullivan said, and the goal is to bring different people together through a common experience. “Create unity through reading.”

The program may expand over time, she said, but she plans “at the very least, a book a year.” She’s already received suggestions for books focusing in science and history. “We’ll have a variety as we move along.”

Cheryl Schweizer can be reached via email at education@columbiabasinherald.com.