The Common Reading Selection Committee recently announced the choice for the 2009 common reading novel to be Dreams of My Father, by President Barack Obama. This book was selected because the committee believes that “its themes and topics bear great relevance for college students,” according to an e-mail sent to students.

Professor Diana Howard, director of the Hilltop Scholars and professor of first year rhetoric, was pleased when she learned that Dreams of My Father was chosen as the 2009 common reading novel.

Professor Howard confessed that she has not read it yet but based on the description given by the Associate Provost Tom Tunks, “it sounds like an interesting read.”

This book was not written as a political novel, though some controversy is to be expected. As the author is the recently elected Barack Obama, some SMU students believe that the book is an inappropriate selection for literature classes. Although the book was written before Obama became a politician, it was selected while he was in office.

“I believe it is good to read a story in which the class might disagree,” Professor Howard said. “It provokes a more interesting discussion. Plus, it is always a good idea to see all sides rather than one perspective.”