“What are you reading these days?” Avid readers often ask fellow bibliophiles this question, out of both curiosity and the desire to add more titles to their own “books to read” lists. Ask that same question around the ETSU campus, and you’ll probably hear a good number of students, faculty and staff tell you they’re reading “All the Light We Cannot See.”

This Pulitzer Prize-winning book by Anthony Doerr is the selection for the 2024-25 Campus Read at ETSU. A National Book Award finalist and New York Times bestseller that was made into a popular short series on Netflix, this book tells the story of “a blind French girl and a German boy whose paths collide in occupied France as both try to survive the devastation of World War II” (Amazon.com). 

The Campus Read is now in its second year at ETSU. It was first introduced by Provost Dr. Kimberly D. McCorkle (herself an avid reader, who asks visitors to her office for a book recommendation to add to her own “must-read” list) as a way to bring the campus community together to read and discuss one text and its themes. The first Campus Read, “The War for Kindness: Building Empathy in a Fractured World” by Jamil Zaki, generated quite a bit of interest, and this year’s is certainly doing the same. Here, a few participants share their thoughts on the Campus Read and “All the Light We Cannot See”:

I appreciate how the author continually shifts between the different characters’ perspectives throughout the book. It seems to illustrate how our different lived experiences can shape our own perspectives and how we make sense of the world around us. Within the book club, I think we see this take place in our group discussions and the various ways we each perceive actions and themes within the book. I love having the opportunity to hear and learn from others through these conversations. I appreciate how much ‘All the Light We Cannot See’ interconnects with last year’s Campus Read, ‘The War for Kindness.’ Both focus on humanity and how essential fostering empathy is, especially in times of division – a theme that I believe deeply resonates with current challenges we’re facing in the world. Overall, to me, ‘All the Light We Cannot See’ is a book about hope.
Jessie Wang, Assistant Dean of Student Success and Access in the Clemmer College of Education and Human Development
This fall, I’m on campus and have never been part of a book reading group. I felt the reading group would open new doors on my college journey. Most of the light around us is not visible, and the thought of considering that light intrigued me. I like Anthony Doerr’s style of telling parallel stories linked in time, place and personal progress. The group discussions draw out my innermost thoughts about the reading, and the shared ideas add insight and depth to the text.
Charlie Coltrain, a junior from Salt Lake City, Utah, majoring in communication studies
I was intrigued by the dual perspectives. Having two narrators from warring countries forces the reader to critically think and empathize with the characters (in a way) that having one viewpoint does not allow. I find the character Marie-Laurie to be especially compelling. The loss of her sight forces her to interact with the world in an entirely different manner than the other characters, consequently bringing the reader with her throughout the story. Marie-Laurie demonstrates immense resilience and grit, qualities that allow her to stand out among the media oversaturated with superheroes and celebrities.
Skylar Brackett, a senior health sciences major from Harriman
One of my favorite book genres is historical fiction, so it was on my ‘to-be-read list’ and I am glad I had an excuse to bump it to the front. The different narratives have me intrigued, and you can feel the depth in (the characters’) hopes as well as fears. I attended the latest faculty-driven discussion, and it was helpful to see the layout and discussion questions used. This book really is a beautifully woven narrative that explores themes of war, human connection and much more.
Hailey Story, a senior political science major from Franklin




Brackett and Story have enjoyed their involvement with the Campus Read so much that they started a Student Campus Read Club.

“We had heard about the Campus Read last year, and were drawn to this year’s pick because we heard about it recently with its growing popularity,” they said. “We wanted a way to get the word out to students about the Campus Read and thought creating a Book Club would allow students to express their thoughts and really dig into the text.”

Story said attending one of the faculty-driven discussions was helpful, as she became familiar with the layout and discussion questions used. She and Brackett said the student group has both formal and informal meetings. In the formal meetings, participants focus on a topic central to the current section of “All the Light We Cannot See” being read, as well as the greater cultural implications and historical context. These sessions include guest faculty/staff speakers, who bring their perspectives and elaborate on the topics. The informal sessions are Socratic circle-style and allow students to have open, thought-provoking discussions.

Brackett and Story say they have received a great response from students and multiple organizations, including the Student Government Association, the Honors College, Roan Scholars and more. Those interested in the Campus Read may pick it up at any time – perhaps by enjoying it over the holiday break – and join in on the fun during the spring semester. 

The next Campus Read discussion on Parts 11-13 is planned for Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in room 443 of the Sherrod Library. The next meeting of the Student Campus Read Club will be Friday, Dec. 27, via Zoom (time TBA) to go over parts 2 and 3; email Skylar Brackett at brackettsm@etsu.edu for the Zoom link.

 

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