Open Minds Book Club
The Open Minds Book Club invites thoughtful participation from GVSU students, faculty and staff, Hauenstein Center members, and community members. Jakob Bigard, program manager of the Common Ground Initiative, and Brian Bowdle, associate professor of psychology, will host discussions once a semester on books that seek to understand and serve the needs of our democratic society.
What are we reading this semester?
Upcoming Books
Stay tuned for the announcement of our next title and book club meeting!
In-person in the University Club in the Atrium of the Richard M. DeVos Center
Event Information
The Open Minds Book Club invites thoughtful participation from GVSU students, faculty and staff, Hauenstein Center members, and community members. Jakob Bigard, program manager of the Common Ground Initiative, and Brian Bowdle, associate professor of psychology, will host discussions once a semester on books that seek to understand and serve the needs of our democratic society.
Past Titles
Thursday, April 14, 2022 — Suspicious Minds by Robert Brotherton
Wednesday, January 27, 2022 — No One is Talking About This by Patricia Lockwood
Wednesday, September 8, 2021 — Mistrust: Why Losing Faith in Institutions Provides the Tools to Transform Them by Ethan Zuckerman
Thursday, June 24, 2021 — Self Portrait in Black and White by Thomas Chatterton Williams
Friday, March 12, 2021 — Speak Freely: Why Universities Must Defend Free Speech by Keith E. Whittington
Goals of the Open Minds Book Club
Initiating the kinds of conversations necessary for fostering an informed citizenry and wise leadership
Bridging cultural, ideological, and generational divides through civil discourse
Growing a shared sense of belonging in our West Michigan community