A group of faculty, staff, and community liasons have worked on developing the University of Arkansas' first all-campus, all-community book read starting this academic year 2009-2010. Students, faculty, and staff at the University, Fayetteville Public Library patrons, and book lovers throughout Northwest Arkansas will read Devil's Highway. The author will visit Fayetteville October 14-16, 2009 for a series of events focusing on the issues raised in this award-winning book.
The book will gain a wide readership among University of Arkansas students enrolled in English, Spanish, and Latin American Studies courses. The book will be integrated into student life through University Housing, and discussion groups will be formed in many of the first-year residence halls. Faculty members and instructors will meet with groups interested in forming discussion groups, and staff members may read the book as part of their work toward earning a diversity certificate.
With the support of the Fayetteville Public Library, book clubs throughout Northwest Arkansas will be encouraged to read the book. During his visit to Fayetteville in October, Urrea will address the library’s annual “Gathering of the Groups” luncheon. After that luncheon, Urrea will also attend a book signing at Nightbird Bookstore, Dickson Street’s newest independent bookstore addition. Additionally, the Northwest Arkansas Writing Project will offer a series of professional development workshops for middle and high school teachers who would like to incorporate the book into their courses.
Luis Urrea’s visit coincides with Hispanic Heritage month. With events planned on campus, at the Jones Center for Families, and the local libraries, "One Book, One Community" will facilitate an important conversation among our diverse communities on the topic of immigration