Big Read aims to connect readers to local environment Months-long community reading program centered on 'The Bear'

Eastern Connecticut State University's 2024-25 Big Read program kicked off on Sept. 18 with a presentation on the months-long series's themes, goals and events. The event was presented by Emily Todd, dean of arts and sciences, and Patty Szczys, executive director of Eastern's Institute for Sustainability.

This year's Big Read program theme is "Where We Live," and it aims to "create meaningful conversations about our local, physical environment," said Todd. The program is centered around author Andrew Krivak's 2020 book, "The Bear."

The novel tells the story of the last two humans on earthand how they learn to live in harmony with nature. Through the goals of Eastern's Big Read program, "The Bear" will serve as a vehicle to engage the campus and surrounding community with the local environment, as the story is set in the New England region. "It will hopefully begin a dialogue about what we have to lose and what that means for humans," said Szczys.

Todd acknowledges how literature can bring about social change. She said that "The Bear" invites readers to reflect on "humans' relations with the natural world." Szczys added that it is very difficult to call people to action when it comes to environment and sustainability issues. This is why Eastern's 2024-25 Big Read program aims to connect the campus community with the local environment.

An additional part of this year's program is a collaboration between Eastern and The Last Green Valley, a national heritage corridor headquartered in Danielson. Through a series of eight walks, hikers will be able to experience a transformative journey across New England. Another event is the spring 2025 Art Gallery exhibit,"When There Were No Maps or Borders: the Grandeur of Nature" in collaboration with the Connecticut Audubon Society.

Visit the program website for on this year's Big Read.