2008 Reading Project

The Reluctant Fundamentalist

by Mohsin Hamid

Since its inception in 2002, The Tulane Reading Project has created a shared intellectual experience for the entering first-year class through the reading and discussion of a selected book. With a variety of events scheduled throughout the fall semester, the Reading Project creates a campus-wide dialogue on a timely subject. 

This year's book, The Reluctant Fundamentalist by Mohsin Hamid, marks the first time that a work of fiction has been chosen for the Tulane Reading Project. Hamid's engaging prose and page-turning plot leave the reader pondering themes of national identity and prejudice, American hubris, and the immigrant experience in the post-9/11 world. His protagonist, a young Princeton-educated Pakistani, challenges the "us versus them" mentality that has become so prevalent in American culture. 

During the Fall Welcome Week, students will attend a keynote lecture by a Tulane faculty member, then meet in small group discussion sessions moderated by faculty. In mid-September, author Mohsin Hamid will visit Tulane to give a lecture and meet informally with students. And in October, we will host a topical comedy performance by Arab-American comedian Dean Obeidallah. Other events, including a film screening and an essay contest, will be scheduled in October and November. Check the events page for up-to-date information on Reading Project events.

Copies of The Reluctant Fundamentalist have already been distributed to first-year students who attended a June orientation session. Students who were unable to visit campus in June should receive a copy by mail no later than the first week of August. All first-year students should be sure to read the book before arriving on campus in the fall.