NGU hosts Don Quijote marathon reading
Abigail Dickerson, Staff Writer
On Tuesday, April 12, 2022, North Greenville University hosted a marathon reading of “Don Quijote” in commemoration of the death of the author as well as in celebration of Spanish literature in International Book Day.
According to Cbc.com, “The annual reading takes place over United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s World Book Day, the April 23 event established to promote literature and commemorate both Miguel de Cervantes and William Shakespeare, who both died on the date in 1616.”
North Greenville University’s Spanish Education Coordinator, Ben Coates said, “‘Don Quijote’ is read throughout the Spanish-speaking world on April 23 to celebrate International Book Day, so we are going to read the same book that is read worldwide.”
This reading took place over the course of nine hours on the Tigerville campus while students joined in to each read a section of the story in a different language. Fifteen students and five staff signed up to read in languages which included Spanish, English, German and American Sign Language.
Coates said, “I think the timing of this event is very appropriate. It seems that the pandemic is finally coming to an end. It has impacted us in so many ways, and it is good that we take time to disconnect from all of the stress that the pandemic has caused and look to the future.”
The story of “Don Quijote” follows a man in La Mancha, Spain who reads many books on knights and chivalry and decides that he wants to give it a shot. The rest of the book follows his journeys in this pursuit of becoming a knight and the challenges he faces along the way.
“On Jan. 16, 1605, Miguel de Cervantes’ “El ingenioso hidalgo Don Quixote de la Mancha,” better known as “Don Quixote”, was published. The book is considered by many to be the first modern novel as well as one of the greatest novels of all time,” according to History.com.
“Like Don Quijote, it is time to dream big dreams again! Also, I like that we are able to connect with an event that will be happening around the globe as many countries will take the time to read “Don Quijote” and reflect on its importance,” said Coates.
“It is important to teach college students about different genres of literature. Many students come in having never read some of these classics and it is important that we share them,” said freshman Dawson Lanham.
Both Coates and Lanham spoke about the importance of integrating cultural literature into the young minds of students. They emphasized the impact that these stories can have on those who simply take the time to read them.
“It is the perfect book for college students who, like Don Quijote, have dreams of what they want their life to be. We all dream of having a positive impact on our world. In a Christian context, that means we need to trust God and allow Him to use us in mighty ways, even if it means attacking a windmill or two,” said Coates.
*Featured Image: Graphic courtesy of Abigail Dickerson
