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“The Anthropocene Reviewed,” by John Green, is this year’s MCC Reads book selection. 

The Anthropocene is the current geologic age, in which humans have profoundly reshaped the planet and its biodiversity. In this remarkable symphony of essays adapted and expanded from his groundbreaking podcast, bestselling author John Green reviews different facets of the human-centered planet on a five-star scale—from the QWERTY keyboard and sunsets to Canada geese and Penguins of Madagascar. Funny, complex, and rich with detail, the reviews chart the contradictions of contemporary humanity. John Green’s gift for storytelling shines throughout this masterful collection. The Anthropocene Reviewed is an open-hearted exploration of the paths we forge and an unironic celebration of falling in love with the world. (Source: Amazon.com) 

According to MCC Library Director Katie Arwood, the purpose of MCC Reads is to enjoy the same text across campus that allows for discussion and interaction as a group – it creates a community of readers. It also promotes reading, literature, and the value of libraries. 

“John Green is one of the bestselling YA authors today and while almost everyone knows him for his fiction (and several of his books have been made into movies) this is his non-fiction side, but is a smooth-reading, thoughtful, makes you ponder the amazing of the everyday written book,” Arwood said. 

Language Arts Instructor Greta Skogseth will be using the book in her Freshman English 1 class – ENGL 100. 

“I decided to incorporate the book before the MCC Reads decision was announced. This book seems like it is a perfect fit for my students emerging from a post-pandemic world. I think that they’ll give it five stars. I did,” Skogseth said. 

Arwood said the essay format of the book allowed her to explore a variety of program possibilities for MCC Reads events. 

All events will be held on MCC’s Sidney campus. 

• Tuesday, Jan. 31: The library will celebrate John Green Day with lively readings, Vernors green floats, shamrock plants for the spring, and other green surprises. The program will begin at 12 p.m. in the library. 
• Tuesday, Feb. 7: Artist Debbie Bell will share her perspective on sunsets, their appearance in art, and demonstrate techniques to create our own stellar sunsets using watercolors. The program will begin at 12 p.m. in the library. 
• Monday, March 13: Biology Instructor Michelle Gibson and Library Director Katie Arwood will explore the biology of smell. They will take a look at the olfactory organs and how scents and our perceptions of smell tickle not only our noses but our memories too. The program will begin at 12 p.m. in the library. 
• Tuesday, March 14: Guests will explore some of the biggest UFO cases on record. The program will be presented by Bill Konkolesky, State Director for the Michigan Chapter of the Mutual UFO Network, since 2004. Konkolesky has also served as a consultant to the History Channel, National Geographic Channel, and the Science Channel. Refreshments will be provided. The event will begin at 6 p.m. in the Beatrice E. Doser Building. 

• Tuesday, March 21: In recognition of World Harmony Day, Dr. Lance Miller will explore several general Buddhist concepts, then point to some commonalities and differences between Buddha and Jesus in this engaging talk with perspectives from philosophy, religion, and history. The event will begin at 12 p.m. in the library.  

For more information, visit montcalm.edu/mcc-reads, email librarystaff@montcalm.edu or call 989-328-1261. 

Media contact:
Shelly Springborn
Director of Communications and Public Relations
shellys@montcalm.edu
989-560-0833