Common Book
For nearly 20 years, the Common Book has brought together the WSU community of readers in the discussion of a single literary work.
Each academic year, a new Common Book is selected and incorporated into the curriculum of numerous courses, including sections of ENG 111: College Reading & Writing. It may also be adopted by any faculty interested in the issues it raises.
Public readings, lectures, discussions, and other related events scheduled concurrently with each author’s visit to Winona State.
Funding for the Common Book has generously been made available by the College of Liberal Arts and the WSU Cabinet.
This year’s Common Book is “The Death and Life of the Great Lakes” by Dan Egan.
Egan has twice been nominated for the Pulitzer for his reporting on the Great Lakes in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Developing out of that reporting, Egan weaves together history, science, and storytelling to bring the Great Lakes to life and make clear why they matter so much to our region economically and ecologically.
Norton Publishing describes this book as a “compulsively readable portrait of an ecological catastrophe happening right before our eyes, blending the epic story of the lakes with an examination of the perils they face and the ways we can restore and preserve them for generations to come.”
When reviewing the book, the Common Book committee noted how Egan had the power to make the invasion of species, like the sea lampreys, a thrilling narrative!
The story Egan tells is an important one for our region, and he tells the story in a way that will have you on the edge of your seat.
Upcoming Events
Get involved in this year’s Common Book with campus events.
View Upcoming Common Book Events
We hope you’ll read and incorporate what you take away from the book into your life while at WSU.
You can purchase this book from:
- WSU Bookstore
- Harvard University Press
- Other booksellers
Faculty Adaptors
If teaching this book, faculty should simply list the book (ISBN 9780674271111) on their book order at the WSU bookstore and can request a copy from the publisher.
A packet of teaching and contextual materials is available starting in mid-August for those teaching the book.
Contact Dr. Andrew Higl for more information.
All WSU community members, students, staff, faculty, and administrators are welcome to propose nominations for a Common Book selection.
The book should be:
- Engaging
- Challenging
- Teachable
- Interdisciplinary
The author should be:
- Available
- Affordable
- Willing to work with WSU students
Related programming may include campus visits by the author or other keynote speakers, panel discussions among faculty and community experts, and film screenings.
Nominations that address the yearly University Theme are particularly encouraged.
Contact Dr. Andrew Higl at ahigl@winona.edu to nominate a book for the 2024-25 academic year.
Do you have a question, or just want more information? Don’t be afraid to reach out!