Mark Salzman signs his book for a student

Mark Salzman signs his book for a student
Originally uploaded by Pesky Library

Every year, the entire school reads a common book. A highlight of this process is a visit from the author who speaks to the entire campus and in smaller groups. For those who wish to have their books autographed we host a special luncheon in the library following the convocation speech. This year's common book, Lost in Place : Growing up Absurd in Suburbia, amused us all. Salzman in person is every bit as amusing as his writing: he exposes the extraordinary happenings in commonplace situations. While he regaled us with tales of difficulty and woe, his final message was to be able to find the humor in life and to be able to forgive both others and ourselves. He offered the insight that forgiveness can cure a lot of human suffering.