Here’s a reading assignment for everyone: The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, our Campus Community Book Project for 2011-12.

The assignment is voluntary, but, if you read Sherman Alexie's book, you are likely to get more out of the dozens of companion events: exhibitions, lectures, panel discussions and films, and a visit by the author.

Read more about the book selection.

In years past, most book project activities took place in the fall quarter, leading up to the author’s talk in December.

This year, book project activities are spread throughout the entire academic year, and the author’s talk is scheduled for April, coinciding with UC Davis’ annual Powwow and Native American Culture Days.

The first event on the book project calendar is Thursday (Oct. 6), a panel discussion on the topic “Contested Spaces — Race, Place and Memory in Native America,” with Chad Anderson, fellow, Department of History; Hsuan Hsu, professor, Department of English; and Christina Snyder, American Council of Learned Societies Fellow, Indiana University. The free program is scheduled from 12:10 to 1:30 p.m. in 126 Voorhies Hall.

Elsewhere on campus, Shields Library is hosting a Campus Community Book Project exhibit and the C.N. Gorman Museum is hosting an exhibition titled Double Vision: New Works by Hulleah J. Tsinhnahjinnie.

Look for the complete book project schedule on the project's website.

The book

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian is available at UC Davis Stores (formerly UC Davis Bookstores) for $9.99.

Author's talk

Alexie's talk is scheduled for 8 p.m. Wednesday, April 11, in Jackson Hall at the Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets are available online, or by visiting or calling the Mondavi Center box office, (530) 754-2787 or (866) 754-2787. Box office hours: noon-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday, and one hour before ticketed events.