Campus Community Book Project

Book Cover UC Davis is embarking on a pilot Campus Community Book Project for Fall 2002. This project seeks to promote a greater sense of community among students, staff, and faculty by creating a common experience (that of reading the same book) among campus members. The book, "The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down," by Anne Fadiman, explores the conflict between medical professionals in Merced, California and a Hmong family over the care of their daughter, Lia Lee. Lia is diagnosed with severe epilepsy and both her parents and her doctors wanted the best for Lia, but the lack of understanding between them resulted in tragedy.

This book was chosen for several reasons. First, the book offers our campus an opportunity to engage in a rich dialogue on how to foster mutual respect in a multicultural environment. Secondly, the text has broad appeal and application to a variety of disciplines, such as medicine, communication, political science, history, cultural studies, sociology and education. Finally, the story takes place within the medical community of UC Davis, namely the Merced Community Medical Center and, therefore, the events and experiences relate directly to our institution.

We invite all members of our community - undergraduate and graduate students, staff, faculty, and administrators - to read the book, and to participate in a number of campus events and programs related to the book.

CLICK HERE for pictures from Campus Community Book Project Events.

This program is sponsored by the Campus Council of Community & Diversity, The Office of Campus Community Relations and the Office of the Provost. For a list of contributing sponsors and to print out a book project flyer, please CLICK HERE.

For more information or to inquire about being part of this program, please contact Karen Roth, Campus Community Relations, at 752-2071 or kmroth@ucdavis.edu.