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It is no secret that Cormac McCarthy is known for his extensive bibliography of novels, stories which cover difficult topics many other authors avoid. What is not so well known is that the Calvin College English Department is currently celebrating one of McCarthy’s best-known novels for this year’s One Book, One Department program. Which story you ask? The English Department chose McCarthy’s Pulitzer-Prize winning book, “The Road,” which is the post-apocalyptic story of a man and his son and their search for hope.

For those who are as yet unfamiliar with what One Book, One Department is, Professor Jennifer Holberg described it as a community building concept based on similar local events. She said, “It’s pretty common for cities and states to do programs like it. Every year, for example, Kent County has the One Book, One County program. Right now, the Michigan Humanities Council sponsors the “Great Michigan Read” — this year’s book is “Stealing Buddha’s Dinner.” The idea is that community is built when we read and talk about books together.”

Professor Holberg went on to say, “It’s a yearlong program for English majors and minors — each of whom gets a free copy of the book. People who haven’t picked their copies up yet can come by the English department and get one. We’ll attend the movie (coming out next month), host several lectures (by people like Professor Vanden Bosch) and host small discussion groups in professors’ homes. Many of these events will be open to students, regardless of major.”

In their efforts to build this community of readers, the English department as a whole is reaching out to everyone they can in the hopes that students of all majors and minors can participate in this event. All the English professors are joining in to bring their various interpretations and ideas to discussions, but although the event is publicized as being intended primarily for English majors and minors, Professor Holberg encourages everyone to join in the event because of how accessible it will be to students of all studies. In addition, there will not be a significant time commitment aside from attending lectures and discussions, so it will not interfere with busy schedules

“[It is] nothing mandatory,” said Holberg. “It’s simply supposed to be a fun way for English majors and minors — and really, anyone who'd like to discuss the book — to get together.”

With regard to how the English department actually chose the book, Professor Holberg had this to say: “We wanted a contemporary novel which spoke to deep issues of what it means to be human. There are several English professors who have studied and written about the book and about Cormac McCarthy. He helps us think about faith in fresh and challenging ways. The movie adaptation, coming out soon, will also be another way to think about the text.”

The English department is excited about the broad range of ideas and background it is bringing to this event. Nevertheless, for those who are uncertain what their contribution to the group could be, Professor Holberg emphasized how open and inviting this event is saying, “We don’t have preset ideas — we’re looking forward to learning from students!”

This is the first year of One Book, One Department at Calvin, but the English professors are hoping to see the program continue to develop and grow “for many years.”

For those who would like to get involved with this program, Holberg said, “We’re only just starting. Books came out last week and are still available for pick-up in the English department. We’ll be publicizing each event via Student News, and if anyone (including non-majors) would like to be on our mailing list, they should e-mail Rebecca Moon in the English department.”