Greetings, Saint Rose readers. While I have been mentioned on this blog previously, allow me the chance to introduce myself personally. My name is Dr. David Szczerbacki, and in October 2012 I was officially inaugurated as
Join President Szczerbacki in reading John Steinbeck’s “The Grapes of Wrath” (photo credit: Kayla Germain)
the president of The College of Saint Rose. I joined Saint Rose in 2004 as provost and vice president, and have taken much pleasure in contributing to and seeing our College transform and grow over the years.
I suppose you’re wondering why I’m here. I’ve joined the blog because I would like to share my pleasure of reading with others in The College of Saint Rose community. To this end, I am launching an online book discussion blog – Read with President Szczerbacki.
Four books a year will be featured – one every three months beginning January 2013. This blog will note the current book as well as the book for the next period quarter (April – June 2013). The blog will offer my general impressions on the selection and some initial questions designed to start things off. The blog comment format will allow you to share your point of view and raise additional questions. In the process, we can engage in what should be an enjoyable intellectual experience.
So, I hope you give it a try!
Dave
Current Selection (January – March 2013): John Steinbeck, The Grapes of Wrath*
John Steinbeck’s “The Grapes of Wrath” (image from The College of Saint Rose Campus Store site)
My reasons for selecting one of Steinbeck’s classic works are personal, pragmatic and, I believe, very timely. On a personal level, when my Father was recovering from major cancer surgery some 15 years ago, this was the first book he read! What is significant (for me) is that prior to this he was not much of a reader – Reader’s Digest – yes; Legion Magazine – yes; classic fiction – never! My Father said to me at that time: “I never knew reading would be so enjoyable.” He went on to read everything he could get his hands over the last five years of his life. Chalk-up this selection as gratitude to Steinbeck.
On a pragmatic level, this is a widely read classic which continues to sell well. Thus, the selection should be familiar to many – increasing the chances of attracting early blog participants.
Finally, while the book offers a powerfully graphic portrayal of the causes and consequences of the Great Depression in the United States, issues raised are contemporary and perhaps (unfortunately) timeless. Steinbeck portrays a crumbling social fabric in the face of corporatization, exploitation, dislocation, and greed. We see the income inequality in graphic terms – haves vs. have-nots; and, have-nots vs. have-nots. It is a grim portrayal of the shattering, for many, of the American Dream. In the face of all of this, Steinbeck also tells a story of hope, resilience of the human spirit, and pride. The Grapes of Wrath is therefore also a story of emerging consciousness (both class and personal), community, and solidarity.
Overall, it is a very powerful book in my view. The central characters of the Novel, the Joad family (along with a cast of fellow travelers), offer striking contrasts of humanity and despair. The family Matriarch, in particular, emerges as a powerful moral force by book’s end.
I am interested in what you think:
- What is your opinion of the book?
- Do you have an opinion of my general observations?
- Do you have a favorite character?
- Are there contemporary examples of Steinbeck’s themes – in the U.S.? Globally?
Please feel free to answer and contribute your own questions through comments here. I look forward to reading and responding to your postings.
For those who like to plan ahead: Next Selection (April – May 2013): Yann Martel, Life of Pi
*The Saint Rose Campus Store has agreed to offer The Grapes of Wrath at a 30% discount. Please visit the store in-person to receive the discount.
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Angela Gordon says:
January 21, 2013 at 9:48 AM (UTC -4 )
First, what a great idea! A community book club!
Also, I haven’t read this since 11th grade (we won’t explore ancient history), so I’m excited to read it in a very different time in my life.
David Szczerbacki says:
January 26, 2013 at 9:07 PM (UTC -4 )
Thanks Angela. Looking forward to your active participation. Dave
Peter Koonz says:
January 22, 2013 at 10:31 AM (UTC -4 )
Great idea, Mr. President! You’ve picked two great books to begin your initiative. (As well as books that have been made into very good films — but no cheating! Read the books first.)
In addition to joining in the discussion on the blog, I’d encourage all those with a passion for reading to join Goodreads (http://www.goodreads.com). It’s a good way to build a list of books you have read and want to read and engage with a community of readers.
Thanks, Dr. Szczerbacki. I will be reconnecting with the Joad family forthwith!
Courtney C says:
January 22, 2013 at 12:11 PM (UTC -4 )
Although I have not read this book in a couple of years- I think it to be one of the most iconic works to come out of American literature. I agree that this is also a very powerful work, mainly because of the emotions it evokes as the American dream is put to the test. When I was reading this book I found my favorite character to be Jim Casy simply because of what he stood for and how he seemed to change so drastically during his time traveling with the Joads. This was a great selection and I look forward to your commentary on the Life of Pi.
Genevieve says:
January 25, 2013 at 9:14 AM (UTC -4 )
I am going to go out today and buy this book for the sole reason of reading it and participating in the book club! I believe I read it some years ago, but I don’t remember much of it, so this should be fun
I am SO EXCITED Life of Pi is the next book! It’s my absolute favorite book, and it portrays such an amazing tale. I’ll let you know what I think of The Grapes of Wrath! 
Kayla Germain says:
January 25, 2013 at 9:22 AM (UTC -4 )
Genevieve- Don’t forget you can get it at the Campus Store for a 30% discount! The cost is $11.00. Thanks for joining the club!
David Szczerbacki says:
January 28, 2013 at 5:17 PM (UTC -4 )
Thank you for these initial responses. Based upon initial hits to this blog site, I am hopeful others will soon join the discussion. I endorse Peter K’s reference to “Goodreads” as well.
I look forward to comments from Angela, Peter, Courtney and Genevieve as they (re-) read Grapes of Wrath. I am very interested in Courtney’s comment on how Steinbeck frames causes and consequences of a shattered American Dream. I think his poignant betrayal of desperation (and hope) informs our understanding of human nature. Can we extrapolate this perspective to the present?
Regarding Courtney’s reference to Jim Casy as her favorite character, I find Jim to be the alter ego of Tom Goad. Over the course of the story, Jim demonstrates a reflective and spiritual transformation which, in the end, foreshadows an emerging class based response by the displaced and dispossessed.
wilkieja says:
February 1, 2013 at 3:22 PM (UTC -4 )
I too think this is a great idea, to reinforce that college is not about positioning yourself for economic advancement but rather for expanding your mind. I too have not read this work in years but think it would be fun to re-read it now. My memory about the book is that I enjoyed the way in which Steinbeck challenged our ideas about what makes a person heroic. He of course was not the first author to do so, but his “outcast” heroes push the reader to rethink our assumptions about human potential and capacities.
David Szczerbacki says:
February 5, 2013 at 8:32 PM (UTC -4 )
steinbeck -and all great literature- does challenge does and should challenge us. I appreciate your perspective on how we think about and how we identify what it means to be a hero. I had not thought of this but I think you are on to something.
Seems to me that the concept of hero has been hijacked by popular culture and the dominance of the info-tainment industrial complex.
Read with President Szczerbacki: Life of Pi » The College of Saint Rose says:
April 1, 2013 at 9:07 AM (UTC -4 )
[...] for “Read with President Szczerbacki.” To read more about this online book club, please read the original post. President Szczerbacki tackling his current selection, “Life of Pi.” (photo credit: [...]