On behalf of the Century Common Book Project committee, I am pleased to announce that we have selected Elizabeth Kolbert's Field Notes from a Catastrophe for the 2008-09 common book.

Beautifully written and compelling, this book investigates the complex issue of global warming in ways a general audience can understand. 

Publishers Weekly writes of Field Notes from a Catastrophe: "On the burgeoning shelf of cautionary but occasionally alarmist books warning about the consequences of dramatic climate change, Kolbert's calmly persuasive reporting stands out for its sobering clarity."

Because the new Science/Library building will be opening in Fall 2008, we thought the choice of this book is especially timely.  We are also pleased that this book lends itself to use in the sciences, mathematics and other programs and disciplines.

The first chapter of this book is available from the New York Times here.  Or you can listen to an audio clip of the book from Simon and Schuster here.
 
Look for more information about next year's common book in the coming weeks. 

Thanks to everyone who nominated books this year.

From the Common Book Project committee,

Cullen Bailey Burns, Chair
Andrew Gammons
Cullen Burns
Erin Carter
Jane Young
Kathy Matel
Katie Pierre
Luann Wood
Marianne Wygant
Kevin McGovern, student
Nancy Livingston
Stephanie Dojka-Loupe
Steve Odmark
Sue Klecker
Tracey Wyman