One Scripps, One Book event in Austin, Texas last October. Photo courtesy of Sabine Romero ’95.By Sabine Romero ’95
Just a year ago, Scripps alums came together online for the inaugural One Scripps, One Book (OSOB) virtual book club event in celebration of Ellen Browning Scripps’ birthday. Barbara Bruner ’76 and Juanita Nash-Dahlen ’72 led this global event and facilitated a deep dive into The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride.
In celebration of Scripps’ centennial, Juanita and Barbara will again convene the Scripps family online on Saturday, September 19, at 10 a.m. PT to share the nonfiction blockbuster Braiding Sweetgrass by professor and botanist Robin Wall Kimmerer. The event will feature facilitated discussion, videos, small group sessions, and ideas for next year’s activities.
This novel’s environmental message is timelier than ever as the globe encounters changes and conditions that trigger both philosophical and community debate.
“The themes of resilience, inspiration, and courage explored in Sweetgrass mirror our OSOB mission statement,” says Juanita. “While there were parallels in many of the other books considered this year—we can all relate to this tradition of female wisdom literature in its many shapes, colors and cultures—Sweetgrass stands out with its examination of the relationship between humanity and nature, and its potential to engage alums across Scripps generations.”
The selection process this year focused on books by women authors. The committee first considered over thirty books, ranging from timeless classics to recent publications.
After much debate, the group selected Braiding Sweetgrass. Other strong contenders included Horse by Geraldine Brooks, Educated by Tara Westover, and Frozen River by Ariel Lawson. Sweetgrass emerged not only for its topics and timeliness, but also its echo of La Semeuse, with its theme of sowing the good seed of thought, of action, of life.
“Committee members noted that younger alums in particular are deeply concerned about climate change, sustainability, and the need for a deeper connection to nature,” adds Barbara. “Sweetgrass addresses all of this and more.”
Register for the event here.
Click here for past coverage of Scripps book clubs. For information on how to be part of next year’s theme and text selection, please contact the Office of Alumnae Engagement at [email protected].