![]() 2008 Reading Project: The Reluctant Fundamentalistby Mohsin Hamid2008's book, The Reluctant Fundamentalist by Mohsin Hamid, marked the first time that a work of fiction was 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. Students explored the book through a series of events including a lecture by author Mohsin Hamid, a performance by Arab-American comedian Dean Obeidallah, and a screening of the acclaimed film Persepolis. |
![]() 2007 Reading Project: Field Notes from a Catastrophe |
![]() 2006 Reading Project: Song For My Fathers |
![]() 2005 Reading Project: Mountains Beyond Mountains* |
![]() 2004 Reading Project: The Color of Waterby James McBrideA lyrical memoir, The Color of Water presents us with two complex voices and an intertwined narrative. James McBride, an accomplished black musician and writer, recounts his childhood and adolescence as one of twelve mixed-race children of poverty growing up in a Brooklyn housing project. The other voice belongs to Rachel Shilsky, the daughter of a failed Polish rabbi who grew up in the South, fled to Harlem, married a black man, founded a church and put twelve children through college. The narratives converge, as Rachel is none other than McBride’s own mother. The Color of Water is an eloquent exploration of the power of race, poverty, religion, and family in America. |
![]() 2003 Reading Project: West of Kabul, East of New York |
![]() 2002 Reading Project: Rising Tide |
Newcomb-Tulane College Programs, New Orleans, LA 70118 504-865-5728 donuts@tulane.edu