Monster turnout at book talk

It's not just a monster novel anymore. For freshmen from the University's four schools, Mary Shelley's Frankenstein was transformed into a search for themes and ideas applicable to everyday life during the third annual Penn Reading Project. On Tuesday, 145 groups of about 20 freshmen each met with faculty members to discuss the merits of Frankenstein and expand on the book's themes in an academic context. "I think it was a great success," College Dean Matthew Santirocco said. "Student turnout was very, very high and the quality of the discussions was impressive. Their enthusiasm and participation was very special." Santirocco said the book, written by Shelley when she was just 18 years old, examines issues ranging from the possibilities and limitations of knowledge to social acceptance. It also discusses responsibility, gender, family and social values. Among the professors who led discussion groups were SAS Dean Rosemary Stevens, Interim President Claire Fagin, and Interim Provost Marvin Lazerson. Following last year's disappointing attendance at the Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass seminar, organizers made major revisions to increase participation. Christopher Dennis, director of academic programs in residences, said the biggest change made this year was a restructuring of the data base used to divide students into groups. Last year, when only between 40 and 50 percent of the freshmen attended, students were divided up based on peer advising groups. This year, students were organized based on their dormitories and floors. Dennis added that student enthusiasm for the project intensified because of the administration's promise of more follow-up activities. Among the activities planned are a book reading, open to the public, at Barnes & Noble Booksellers at 14th and Chestnut streets on September 28, a Theater Arts production of an adaptation of the play at the end of the month and a Frankenstein film series and panel discussion next month. Students said the discussions opened their minds to academic topics before classes began. "I think the whole discussion was great," said College freshman Wendy Bass. "It gave me a feel for college and allowed me to see what level I was at in relation to others." Wharton freshman Felix Estrada said the discussion provided an opportunity for students to listen to each others views in an open, comfortable setting. "I liked the discussion in the sense that people got to understand each other more," he said. "The book is very relevant to a lot of things we're doing at the University." Other students, like College freshman Elizabeth Bernstein, said they were impressed that high-profile faculty led reading project discussions. "I loved it," Bernstein said. "I loved the fact that [Santirocco] invites freshmen to his home to discuss a novel." Dennis said he hopes students will continue to discuss novels and other academic ideas with each other, following the reading project's lead.