Dr. Vivek Murthy went on a college tour with his podcast for two weeks in December 2023. He even stopped by UT Austin and spoke with actor Matthew McConaughey.
As he embarked on this journey, Dr. Murthy said...
“Our relationships are foundational to our health and well-being, but nearly one in two adults experience measurable levels of loneliness. People across the country often tell me that they want to find tangible ways to better connect with the people in their lives, which is why I am issuing a national 5-for-5 Connection Challenge...The three types of actions for the challenge – expressing gratitude, offering support, and asking for help – can help deepen the relationships we have with others and strengthen our bonds."
This program is an iteration of the Reading TUgether Common Read program that existed previously at Trinity.
Historically, the program was a First-Year Common Read that engaged incoming first-year students and first-year faculty. The first common read program was in 2008 with author Greg Mortenson.
Past selections of materials included:
Long Shot by Craig Hodges (last selection, 2021)
On Immunity: An Inoculation by Eula Biss
Evicted by Matthew Desmond
Salt Sugar Fat by Michael Moss
Anatomy of Injustice: A Murder Case Gone Wrong by Raymond Bonner
The Circle by Dave Eggers
The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down by Anne Fadiman
The Emperor of All Maladies by Siddhartha Mukherjee
Empire of the Summer Moon by S.C. Gywnne