Book Criteria and Selection

The following is the criteria for the Common Book selection:

It encourages scholastic intellectual development for new students.
It is compatible with Otterbein's mission.
It is appropriate for a wide variety of disciplines and classes.
It is by a significant contemporary author who can visit campus.
It is not a book read in high school.
It is challenging but not overwhelming to entering first-year students.
It provides potential for hands-on experiences or service learning.
It will sustain discussion for a year.

Selection of the Common Book

A committee of faculty, staff, and students select from over fifty books each year in an effort to find a significant contemporary work to read the next year. Members of the committee meet weekly to discuss the books nominated for the next Common Book, and then continue to meet to prepare the introduction of the book to the campus community.

If you enjoy reading and are interested in joining the committee, contact Kate Porubcansky, Co-Chair of the Common Book Committee, at (614) 823-3202. Send your suggestions or reviews of the books to the committee via Patricia Rothermich.

Common Book Committee

Ann Biancamano	Dr. William Harper	Amy Parsons
Rev. Monty Bradley	Deanna Heermann	Kirsten Peninger
Claire M. Brock	Zack Hopper	Kate Porubcansky, Co-Chair
Dr. Mary Ann Burnam	Amy Jessen-Marshall	Dr. Alison Prindle
Donna J. Burtch	Ellen Kasulis	Amy Rosen
Jody L. Clemens	Regina Kengla	Diane Ross
Dr. Beth Rigel Daugherty	Mary Pat Knight	Patricia Rothermich
Marisa Glaviano	Dr. Mary McKelvey	Denise Shively
Anna Haller	Peggy McMains	David Stucki, Co-Chair
		Jennifer Westbrook