Why Mountains Beyond Mountains?

The Eastern Reads Committee has established several criteria for choosing a book that will fulfill the goals of the program.  The ideal book will

1. Engage students
2. Be of general interest with academic merit
3. Connect to the University mission and academic initiatives
4. Be open to interdisciplinary approaches
5. Deal with contemporary social or cultural issue
6. Have cross-generational relevance
7. Invoke a range of opinions to stimulate rich discussion
8. Be of reasonable length
9. Be available in paperback for less than $20
10. Have a living, accessible author

Tracy Kidder's Mountains Beyond Mountains will enable the campus community to continue the discussions of community service begun in 2007-2008.  Students, faculty, and staff will examine such issues as social justice, responsibility to the community, and world health. We believe all participants will find something in this book that will make them think and will lead to a greater appreciation of the university experience.

Considered one of the best books of 2004, Mountains Beyond Mountains has been used successfully in reading programs at San Diego State University, Louisiana State University, St. Ambrose University, and Syracuse University.
The real-life story of Dr. Paul Farmer will inspire those who read Mountains Beyond Mountains, and the book's novel-like suspense will ensure that readers will keep turning the pages.