Zoe Whittall to discuss novel The Best Kind of People

Selected by students for students, this year’s Common Reading Program book is Zoe Whittall’s The Best Kind of People, a novel that explores sexual assault and rape culture through the different perspectives of one family.

“The topic and issues raised in The Best Kind of People are timely,” says Michele Corbeil, program coordinator of orientation and transition at The Student Success Centre. “It is our hope and expectation that this novel will be the start of conversations that lead to greater understanding, raised awareness and engagement, helping students to identify systemic barriers to equality and inclusiveness and advocating for the dismantling of these barriers and the elimination of sexual violence.”

An integral part of the Common Reading Program is providing a space to open up conversations around themes addressed in the novel in an intimate, welcoming and safe space. In September, the program welcomed Zoe Whittall to campus for a public reading; smaller discussions have also taken place in residence halls, Arts and Science students, Mills Library and online through the program’s book club, touching upon core themes in the novel including rape culture, silence, mental health, and trauma.

On Wednesday, October 18, 2017, the Common Reading Program will take this conversation to Council Chambers for the In Conversation with Zoe Whittall event, where Zoe Whittall will discuss her novel with Cathy Grisé, an associate professor in the Department of English and Cultural Studies. Many of the novel’s perspectives were inspired by real conversations and letters; this event is an opportunity for interested McMaster community members and allies to listen and learn from the messages of Whittall’s novel. Students, alumni, staff, and faculty are welcome to attend.

As Dr. Catherine Grisé suggests, “The Common Reading Program inspires thoughtful conversations about important topics—from refugees to residential schools to transgender and immigrant identities—and this year it tackles the power of privilege and society’s toleration and abetting of perpetrators of sexual violence. This year’s timely novel brings a fresh perspective on a persistent problem, pulling back the curtain to expose the everyday attitudes and actions that perpetuate the rape culture still prevalent today.”

In addition to Dr. Grisé and Zoe Whittall’s conversation, Sean Van Koughnett, associate vice-president (students and learning) and dean of students, along with Ken Cruikshank, dean of Humanities, will provide an introduction to the conversation and some thoughts about the program’s growth and direction.

New to the Common Reading Program this year is a partnership with Hamilton Public Library and SACHA, Hamilton’s sexual assault centre. The goal of this partnership is to help the McMaster community learn of the supports available beyond the University’s walls. For those who are unable to attend the In Conversation with Zoe Whittall event, the Common Reading Program encourages community members to explore other events these organizations offer. Zoe will be reading from her book and speaking at the Hamilton Public Library on Friday, October 20 (Ancaster); Saturday, October 21 (Central); and at gritLIT: Hamilton’s Readers and Writer’s Festival on Sunday, October 22 (The Staircase Theatre).

To attend In Conversation with Zoe Whittall, register on the event page.

For members of the community who are looking for further resources, Meaghan Ross, McMaster University’s sexual violence response coordinator, can be reached at rossm4@mcmaster.ca or (905) 525-9140 ext. 20909. Members of the McMaster community can also visit the Equity and Inclusion Office (EIO), Women and Gender Equity Network, or the Student Wellness Centre; students can also access the MSU’s Peer Support Line. Further details and resources can be found on the Sexual Violence Response Protocol website.

SACHA is Hamilton Ontario’s sexual assault centre. SACHA’s website offers further details on events, programs, and resources offered, including a 24 hour support line.

Proud Common Reading Program partners include, but are not limited to: Office of Alumni Advancement, Arts & Science Program, School of Graduate Studies, McMaster University Library, Office of the President, Faculty of Humanities, Equity and Inclusion Office and Residence Life Office (Housing and Conference Services) and the Student Success Centre.