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August 16, 2019

The 2019 John William Pope Summer Reading Challenge

Please join Mr. Bonner and Mr. Gregory on an epic summer reading adventure. This year’s challenge will be a bit different because we have a very special guest speaker coming to campus this September—Psychology Professor and best-selling author Jonathan Haidt. Professor Haidt will speak to students and meet those who have read his book.

So, the challenge for students, alumni and parents this summer is to read the following:

The Coddling of the American Mind: How Good Intentions and Bad Ideas Are Setting Up a Generation for Failure

Because our faculty members will already be reading the above book this summer, the challenge for teachers will be to also read one of Professor Haidt’s other books:

The Righteous Mind: Why Good People Are Divided by Religion and Politics

OR

The Happiness Hypothesis: Finding Modern Truth in Ancient Wisdom

The challenge is simple: you read the book (or books), we buy it (actually, we reimburse you for it with a gift card).

There is a catch, though: you need to read the book first and then join us for an evening of food and conversation about these insightful works. This year we will meet on Sunday, August 25, at Smoky Park Supper Club from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. RSVP to John Gregory.

This challenge is open to all students, faculty, staff, alumni, and parents.