One Book Villanova Program

"I became what I am today at the age of tweleve, on a frigid overcast day in the winter of 1975..."

This is the opening line of the gripping book I just finished called The Kite Runner, by Kahled Hosseini. I found this book becasue of the One Book Villanova Program.


From Villanova's Website:

This year we are starting a new project called “One Book Villanova,” a campus-wide effort to engage all members of the community (students, staff, faculty, alums) in reading and discussing a single contemporary book.

The book we have chosen for this year is The Kite Runner, by Khaled Hosseini. Many of you have read this book already; you know that it is an incredibly powerful book. Set both in Afghanistan and in California, the plot engages you from the first page. The book gives a powerful perspective on some of the most pressing national issues of our day. At the same time it raises important personal questions having to do with friendship, loyalty, prejudice, and intercultural communication. It is particularly relevant to the experience of our students, which is why it is a best seller in college bookstores across the nation.

The year’s events will begin with a gala celebration on Wednesday, September 28^th. Every Villanova undergraduate will receive a free copy of the book, and many departments have already ordered copies for their staff.

Many campus events have also already been scheduled dealing with this book and some of the issues raised by it. In fact, the author himself will be addressing the campus on Tuesday, February 7^th. Look for announcements here and elsewhere about these Kite Runner events.

I am excited to see the author when he comes to campus in February. I strongly suggest you pickup this book. It's gripping and haunting and something that had me deeply moved on a number of occasions. I can only hope that this program introduces me to numerous other books of equal calibar. The bar has been set very high...

Happy Turkey Day

I wanted to wish everyone a happy thanksgiving. Currently I am visiting Bachelor Gulch, Colorado. There have been some very nice recent real estate developments in the Vail Valley. Most notably is the Ritz Carlton in the Gulch.

Assuming the snow goods are good the gulch should open in the next day or two. I'm very excited about this as I feel there are few things better than a long opening run on freshly groomed corduroy.

A quote from Vail's website: "At 5,289 acres, Vail is the largest single ski mountain in North America, featuring seven powdery bowls, backcountry skiing of Blue Sky Basin and the front side. 1,500 acres of corduroy means the most groomed terrain on the planet. You don't have to look for sweet spots here they find you. With a yearly average of 346 inches of snowfall and 300 days of sunshine, Vail will change your idea of a good time. Permanently... And, there's nothing like Vail Village with world-class dining, shopping, galleries, apres ski, nightlife and spas all just steps from accommodations. Vail - There's No Comparison."













Vail is now open and is servicing 2165 acres. This includes the ever fun Game Creek Bowl. I will be out here for about a week.