Dal Reads

2022/23 title: The Skin We're In by Desmond Cole
2022/23 Program & Events
Title selection for Dal Reads 2022/23
The Skin We're In, Desmond Cole
This book is available as an ebook and an audiobook through the Dalhousie Libraries. For more information on how to access the ebook, please consult the ebook LibGuide.
About the book:
In this bracing, revelatory work of award-winning journalism, celebrated writer and activist Desmond Cole punctures the naive assumptions of Canadians who believe we live in a post-racial nation.
Chronicling just one year in the struggle against racism in this country, The Skin We're In reveals in stark detail the injustices faced by Black Canadians on a daily basis: the devastating effects of racist policing, the hopelessness produced by an education system that fails Black children, the heartbreak of those separated from their families by discriminatory immigration laws, and more. Cole draws on his own experiences as a Black man in Canada, and locates the deep cultural, historical, and political roots of each event. What emerges is a personal, painful, and comprehensive picture of entrenched, systemic inequality.
About Dal Reads
Dal Reads is designed to encourage people in the Dalhousie community to share their love of books. Launched in 2009, the program brings the Dalhousie community together to read the same book and take part in programming related to the book.
Programming may include author readings, book club-type discussions, film viewings, and other events and opportunities to celebrate a shared love of reading. In addition, faculty members may choose to include the Dal Reads book in their course curriculum.
Dal Reads aims to provide a common intellectual experience, and encourage discussion as the development of new and innovative programming.
Selection Criteria
A Dal Reads book:
- must be able to generate discussion and exchange of ideas;
- must be appealing to a broad range of readers of varying ages, literacy levels, and life experience;
- must be in print and available for purchase in paperback, ebook, and audiobook; and
- must be strongly written with elements that will generate excitement among readers.
Goals
Dal Reads aims to:
- provide students with a common intellectual experience that will serve as an introduction to both Dalhousie University and post-secondary academic life in general.
- encourage reading for pleasure.
- provide an opportunity for connection with students, faculty, staff, undergrads, grads, regardless of area of study.
- provide a unique social activity.
- draw on the social elements of reading.
- provide an opportunity for the Dalhousie Libraries to promote the collection in a new way.
- connect with the curriculum and other university activities and interests.
Dal Reads Titles 2009–2023
2009–2011 | The Book of Negroes, Lawrence Hill |
2012-2013 | Twenty-Six, Leo McKay Jr. (partnership with One Book Nova Scotia) |
2013-2014 | Fauna, Alissa York (partnership with One Book Nova Scotia) |
2014-2015 | Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore, Robin Sloan |
2015-2016 | A Year of Living Generously, Lawrence Scanlan |
2016-2017 | The Hermit of Africville, Jon Tattrie |
2017-2018 | We Were Not the Savages, Daniel Paul |
2018-2019 | Brown Girl in the Ring, Nalo Hopkinson |
2019-2020 | Song of Rita Joe: Autobiography of a Mi'kmaw Poet, Rita Joe |
2020-2021 | The Marrow Thieves, Cherie Dimaline |
2021-2022 | Butter Honey Pig Bread, Francesca Ekwuyasi |
2022-2023 | The Skin We're In, Desmond Cole |