Surrey, B.C. – The adage goes: never judge a book by its cover. Unless of course it’s by local author Aislinn Hunter – then you know it’s going to be good.
Hunter’s award-winning novel The World Before Us, lauded around the world as a riveting, beautiful page-turner, will be the first official book of KPU Reads, a brand new initiative that aims to bring together students, employees and the greater community through literacy, discussion and a passion for reading.
“One of the best things about reading a book can be the ideas and discussions that are generated from reading it. Book clubs large and small are about sharing a ‘world’ with a group of people whose ideas and thoughts can support, inform and challenge our own thinking,” said Hunter.
Three book club events are already scheduled at KPU Surrey over the course of the next few months, and other opportunities to host book readings and discussions offsite are also being explored. Moving forward, the KPU Faculty of Arts hopes to feature the work of other KPU faculty and local authors, with the aim to engage the community in some of the impactful work being written by their neighbours.
“Reading has the ability to transform lives. Reading the same title helps transform a community by creating a culture of common experience,” said Todd Mundle, university librarian. “The World Before Us is a fabulous choice for the first KPU Reads not only because of the author’s KPU connection, but it’s a book with many levels and will appeal to a wide audience.”
The whole initiative will kick off next Wednesday at the university’s Surrey campus, with a short reading by KPU President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Alan Davis, and the opportunity to chat with Hunter.
“KPU Reads is an opportunity for the entire KPU community to engage with the written creative works of outstanding KPU faculty. We hope that students, staff, faculty, alumni, community partners and those who love to read will join us at one or all of the many exciting KPU Reads events we’re planning,” said Diane Purvey, dean of the Faculty of Arts.
KPU Reads will launch on Jan. 20 at 2 p.m. on the first floor of KPU Surrey’s Coast Capital Savings Library. Everyone is invited to attend the free event. To RSVP or for more information on KPU Reads, visit kpu.ca/reads.
Kwantlen Polytechnic University has served the Metro Vancouver region since 1981, and has opened doors to success for more than 200,000 learners. Four campuses—Richmond, Surrey, Cloverdale and Langley—offer a comprehensive range of sought-after programs in business, liberal arts, design, health, science and horticulture, trades and technology, and academic and career advancement. Over 19,000 students annually have a choice from over 120 programs, including bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, diplomas, certificates, citations and apprenticeships. Learn more at kpu.ca.
Media contact:
Hayley Woodin
Media Specialist
t: 604.599.2883
c: 604.364.1288
hayley.woodin@kpu.ca
For more KPU news:
@KPUmedia
kpu.ca/newsroom
Flickr