News

Tuesday, January 19, 2021

MCC Reads the book ‘Reading with Patrick’

 

“Reading with Patrick,” by Michelle Kuo, is this year’s MCC Reads book selection.

An inspirational story of race, inequality and the power of literature to transcend social barriers, “Reading with Patrick” is told through the life-changing friendship between a young teacher and her gifted student, who is jailed for murder in the Mississippi Delta.

MCC Library Director Katie Arwood, who coordinates MCC Reads, said the book contains powerful messages that speak to a variety of readers.

“This is a story of a teacher who sets out to change the world but learns right away that her students have the power to change her, too,” Arwood said.

MCC Reads aims to reach our community of readers, in Montcalm County and at MCC, to inspire, uplift and enlighten by reading books that touch the hearts and minds of our readers, celebrate literature and encourage library use.

Several virtual presentations are offered to support MCC Reads, including:

  • Feb. 3, 12 noon, MCC Emeritus Instructor Val Vander Mark celebrates “A Raisin in the Sun” and playwright Lorraine Hansberry.
  • Feb. 17, 12 noon, MCC Vice President for Academic Affairs Rob Spohr and MCC President Dr. Stacy H. Young discuss opportunities and inequalities in education.
  • March 3, 12 noon, MCC Writing Center Consultant Kyleigh Ritter explores the power of poetry.
  • March 10, 12 noon, MCC Adjunct instructor Claude Johnson shares his thoughts on compassion and empowering individuals to enhance their education through reading.

In addition, the MCC Library offers a variety of other resources to support the program, including discussion questions and thoughts to consider, as well as MCC Reads in a Minute – a listing of favorite book titles from MCC family and friends. For more information, visit montcalm.edu/mcc-reads.

“Reading with Patrick” is now available for circulation in MCC’s Library in the lower level of the Donald C. Burns Administration/Library Building on the college’s Sidney campus.

MCC Reads runs through March 10 and is sponsored by MCC and the MCC Foundation.