ELON COLLEGE – A highly regarded book that is a letter from a Zimbabwean mother to her daughter, who is on her way to America to study at Harvard, has been chosen as the common reading for the upcoming academic year at Elon College.
The book, “Zenzele: A Letter to My Daughter,” was selected by a committee of faculty and students. Through a series of vignettes, readers enjoy spirited tales that reveal segments of African culture and history. The book also details Zimbabwe’s struggle for independence and what it means to be an African woman.
“The committee liked the fact that book can easily be used by the freshman core courses, especially in Global Studies and English courses,” said Becky Oliver-Taylor, assistant director of academic advising. Although the book is for campus-wide reading, it is mainly used by freshmen.
Olive-Taylor said the transitions discussed in the book are appropriate to freshmen who also are undergoing changes. “This book also offers a look at a family’s heritage and culture. I think it can help students develop who they are and discover what is important.”
-30-