'Einstein's Dreams' chosen for Penn Freshman Reading Project

The book Einstein's Dreams, written by Massachusetts Institute of Technology Physics Professor Alan Lightman, will be the centerpiece of the 1994-5 Penn Freshman Reading Project. The book tells the fictional story of a series of dreams the physicist Albert Einstein had about the nature of time, according to Christopher Dennis, director of academic programs in residence and a member of the selection committee for the book. Dennis said the dreams in the book range from what would happen if time ran backwards to the differences in time experiences between people living in valleys and people living in mountains. "Einstein's Dreams combines literature and science in a particularly interesting way," Dennis said Tuesday. Dennis added that the reading project "provides a gateway intellectual experience for first-year students, introducing them to each other and the faculty." The book was chosen from a list of 250 books suggested by University faculty and students through a poll published in the Almanac. "The committee didn't want to limit the reading project to classics," Dennis said. "Einstein's Dreams is adventurous, contemporary and speaks to interdisciplinary concerns -- it will bring people together in science and literature." The physics in the book is meticulous, but it's not necessary to appreciate the physics to appreciate the book," he added. "It's accessible to the non-physicist and relevant to everyday life." Approximately 150 University faculty members are expected to volunteer to lead small groups of freshmen in conversation about the book. The discussion periods will be held on a Sunday this year to avoid conflict with Rosh Hashana, a holiday commemorating the Jewish New Year. Faculty members' response to the reading project's book selection was generally favorable. English Department Chairperson John Richetti said a major difference with this year's selection is that it is a contemporary work. "Unlike other books read in other Penn reading projects, the author is alive," he said. "It's a 20th century book which speaks to modern times.