English Deptartment Chooses John Green’s Fault In Our Stars As All-School Read

John Green’s The Fault in Our Stars has been selected to be South’s “One School, One Book” reading assignment for this summer. All South students will be required to read the novel by the beginning of school in September, when they will participate in discussions within their English classes as well as engage in an all-school event regarding the novel.

The Fault in Our Stars was chosen by a committee of students, faculty, and a parent which has been exploring “One School, One Book” possibilities since December. This novel explores the journey of two teenagers who meet at a cancer support group and collaborate to support each other through their difficulties.

English Department Head Brian Baron believes that Green’s novel will have a very different impact on the South community than past “One School, One Book” choices. “This is the book we have chosen that students will most enjoy reading,” Baron said. “It has an authentic, energetic [tone]. This is a novel that people will fall in love with.”

Baron said he thinks that the novel will open a new window to some serious issues for the South community. “Every book has a different conversation that it promotes,” Baron said. “It’s going to be a relatively serious conversation.”

Baron said that although the format of this year’s all-school event will be similar to those of years past, it will have some notable changes. “Zeitoun lent itself well [to the event]; but this is more challenging,” Baron said.

While last year’s event was organized in two sections–speakers at various panels and a student Story Share in small groups, Baron said he believes that the Story Share may be replaced by group book discussions regarding student reactions to the book for this year’s novel.

Baron said he hopes to invite author John Green to attend South’s all-school event on Sept. 21, but no plans have been made.

Copies of the novel will be available for sale for $10 at this year’s used book sale on May 22, 23, and 24 in the Wheeler Commons.

View this video for more information about this year’s “One School, One Book” read:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-KSNdAdqxmM
Visit the Facebook event page here: https://www.facebook.com/events/297175883697247/