Faculty, Students, Public Invited to Participate in Go Big Read Program

The 2009 Go Big Read program, initiated by University of Wisconsin-Madison Chancellor Biddy Martin, aims to engage students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members in a shared, academically focused reading experience.

Participants are encouraged to read "In Defense of Food: An Eater's Manifesto" by Michael Pollan and take part in virtual and in-person discussion groups and events throughout the 2009-2010 academic year.

Pollan's book examines the modern American food landscape where the deceptively simple question of what to eat has been muddled by numerous and often conflicting claims of food producers, marketers and nutrition experts.

Pollan will appear at two free public events in Madison — Thursday, September 24, at the Kohl Center, and Saturday, September 26 at the Food for Thought Festival — and several events with a fee. See the events calendar below for details about the kick-off week's events, including daily activities at the Health Sciences Learning Center and Ebling Library.

Additional activities are outlined on the Go Big Read Web site, which includes an academic year-long events calendar and blog. Health sciences-specific events are outlined on the Ebling Library Web site. Additionally, the UW School of Medicine and Public Health's IME Video Library contains a compilation of videos related to this topic.

Pollan's book is for sale at area bookstores, including the University Bookstore in the Health Sciences Learning Center, and can be borrowed from university and public libraries in print, audio and electronic formats.

Upcoming Go Big Read Events

Monday, September 21, 12:15-1:15pm, Health Sciences Learning Center Room 1335

• Discussion: "Backyard Food Options-Lessons Learned in Backyard Gardening and Chicken Raising"

Tuesday, September 22

• Lecture: "Food and Health: How to Choose Well," by UW Health Nutritionist Gail Underbakke, 3-4pm, Health Sciences Learning Center Room 1335
• Historical Exhibit: "It's Good For You! 100 Years of the Art and Science of Eating," opening reception 4-6pm, Ebling Library Historical Reading Room and 3rd Floor Gallery. The exhibit will run through March 31

Wednesday, September 23, 12:15-1:15pm, Health Sciences Learning Center Room 1335

• Lecture: "Farmers' Market Traditions," by veteran farmers' market vendors Mary and Quentin Carpenter, who will share photographs, oral histories, anecdotes, insider's tips, recipes and more concerning this engaging tradition of commerce, confusion, fun and fresh food

Thursday, September 24

• Lecture: "The Longevity Code" by Dr. Zorba Paster, who will discuss his book, "The Longevity Code: Your Personal Prescription for a Longer, Sweeter Life." 12:15-1:15pm, Health Sciences Learning Center Room 1335
• Michael Pollan's free public lecture, "In Defense of Food: The Omnivore's Solution," 7pm, Kohl Center, Madison; no tickets required

Friday, September 25, Noon-1pm, Health Sciences Learning Center Room 1222

• Discussion Group Based on Pollan's Book: "In Defense of Food," by Ebling Library and UW School of Medicine and Public Health facilitators

Saturday, September 26

• Michael Pollan's free keynote speech at the REAP (Research, Education, Action and Policy on Food Group) Food for Thought Festival, 10am, Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Madison. The festival, which runs from 8:30am to 1pm, is free and open to the public. More information