Reading project groups feast on Hemingway

and Doree Shafrir Ernest Hemingway might have raised an eyebrow if he knew the University's entire Class of 2000 read his novel A Moveable Feast for this year's Penn Reading Project. After all, the novel is not among his most famous works, which include The Old Man and the Sea and A Farewell to Arms. During New Student Orientation, the annual Penn Reading Project divides the incoming class into faculty-led groups to discuss the book all freshmen were asked to read during the summer. And Sunday, more than 2,000 freshmen divided into 140 groups to spend 90 minutes discussing everything from Paris in the 1920s to drinking alcohol. Approximately 30 students from a randomly chosen hallway discussed the book with University President Judith Rodin. "This clearly is a depiction of youth entering the action of learning," Rodin told the group of freshmen from the third floor of Warwick and McIlhenny in the Quadrangle. "I came away not knowing if I like Hemingway in the end," she added. College freshman Scott Cohen said he had a mixed reaction to the novel. "[Hemingway] tries to show you the beauty of the land but he doesn't show you the history of the people," Cohen said. Wharton freshman Cliff Bayer said he was a little nervous when he found out he would be discussing the novel with Rodin. "I was happy that I did the reading," Bayer said. But College freshman Alisa Cole said she was simply excited to meet Rodin. "I thought it was an excellent way to open up school," Cole said. Currently in its sixth year, the reading project is sponsored by the Council of Undergraduate Deans and the Office of Academic Programs in Residence. According to Academic Programs in Residence Director Chris Dennis, the office chose Hemingway's novel because of its relevance to students entering their first year in a new educational community. A selection committee of faculty and students chose A Moveable Feast, a memoir of Hemingway's time in Paris and an account of his intellectual awakening, over more than 250 possible books. "One of the things that delighted us about the project was how connected the faculty session leaders feel," Dennis remarked. "When we get session leaders together, a lot of folks have not led discussions of literary books." Dennis explained that Hemingway's selection of Paris as the location for his intellectual growth related to the Class of 2000 as well. "In some similar way, people have chosen Penn," he added. English Professor Allen Grove, who led a discussion, said he considers the project a broad introduction to the classroom environment. "The book is a broad metaphor for the students' experience," he added. In talking with a group of students from Hill College House, Grove explained that the students will never forget the University -- just as Hemingway always remembered Paris. According to College of Arts and Sciences Dean Robert Rescorla, the program creates a connection among all freshmen. "It's a signal to students that Penn cares about ideas," Rescorla said. "This gives students a common intellectual context and encourages them to talk about such matters." The Penn Reading Project sponsors are planning related programs throughout the year. The first event, dubbed "A Real Moveable Feast," will take place at the Writers' House on September 11.