Charles Wilson Lecture Sept. 29 Will Offer Words to “Chew” On

For release: September 22, 2008
For press information, contact Gabrielle Maxey, 901/678-2843

The University of Memphis’ “Memphis Reads” program selected Eric Schlosser’s Fast Food Nation as the common reading for 2008 freshmen. The book is required reading in the University’s freshman orientation course, ACAD 1100. As part of the program, author Charles Wilson will speak on campus Monday, Sept. 29, from 12:40 until 2:05 p.m. in the Fogelman College of Business & Economics Auditorium, Room 118.

Wilson is co-author of Chew on This, an adaptation of Fast Food Nation for a younger audience. Although the lecture is directed toward ACAD 1100 students, it is open to the public.

Fast Food Nation began as a two-part article for Rolling Stone, then turned into a groundbreaking book that helped change the way Americans think about how they eat. Wilson worked with Schlosser on the book in 2000, serving as a fact checker. A friend of Wilson’s, a children’s book publisher, suggested adapting Fast Food Nation’s message for younger readers.

Now in its third year, the “Memphis Reads” program is designed to inspire community spirit and a sense of identity with the University. Through discussions, lectures, and film series, the program introduces first-year students to college work and encourages interaction among students and between students and faculty.