Common Read
What is a "common read"?
The Common Read provides a shared experience of intellectual and community engagement by bringing the campus community together to read and discuss one text and its themes. Many students will have required reading and assignments in their courses related to the text, But, all students and faculty are highly encouraged to read the text in their free time and participate in campus-related events.
Goals
In keeping with BCC’s mission and equity statement, the purpose of the common reading of Hidden Figures is to promote a campus environment that advocates for diversity, equity, and inclusion.​
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Engage students, faculty, administration, staff, and community in discussion of topics and questions of equity and social justice through a shared reading;
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Give students a positive reading experience by sharing the content of the reading through activities both inside and outside the classroom, thus helping students make connections between classroom and out-of-classroom experiences;
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Encourage campus-wide dialog and interdisciplinary explorations of topics related to diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout the academic year by a variety of activities.
2022-2023 Selection
Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space Race recovers the history of these pioneering women and situates it in the intersection of the defining movements of 20th century America: the Cold War, the Space Race, the Civil Rights Movement and the quest for gender equality. Published in 2016, this New York Times bestseller by Margot Lee Shetterly is the basis for the popular movie of the same name. A powerful and rich narrative, in addition to the historical periods and movements, the book touches on many themes–among them are race relations, education, parenting, WW II, NASA, the social/political climate of the 1940s-60s, and the American Dream.
What is the Young Readers' Edition?
Although Hidden Figures is recommended for young adult readers, there is a lot of detail that may be overwhelming for some readers. Some details include complex math equations and scientific concepts, for example. The Young Readers' Edition provides readers with an abridged version by focusing more on the women's stories. The committee will use the primary text, but we hope the Young Readers' Edition will help everyone engage in this project.
Learn how to engage: https://bergen.libguides.com/hiddenfigures
Borrow a copy from the library: https://bergen.libguides.com/c.php?g=1255090&p=9194437
Purchase a copy: Bergen Bookstore
Listen to the Audiobook: Audible
E-book: Amazon Apple Books
Young Reader's Edition: Amazon Barnes & Noble
