A panel discussion and public reading held September 13 as part of Trent Reads 2013 gave Trent students a unique opportunity to connect with and learn from Dr. Vincent Lam, acclaimed Canadian author of Bloodletting & Miraculous Cures.

"Vincent Lam's visit was a great way to end this year's Trent Reads program,” said Dr. Michael Eamon, principal of Lady Eaton College, who moderated the panel discussion. “By having the author present, students could make a tangible, personal connection between Lam and his words.  Students are, of course, used to reading the printed word; but actually meeting the author, listening to his voice and asking questions is a rarefied experience that will leave a lasting impression on those who were present."

Nearly 200 Trent students, faculty, staff, alumni and members of the Peterborough community were in attendance at the event, which featured the panel discussion with Dr. Eamon, and two Trent students Brittany Williams (Gzowski College) and Olivia Eaton (Lady Eaton College). The students were selected by college heads and chosen for their interest and understanding of Dr. Lam’s Giller Prize-winning book Bloodletting & Miraculous Cures, chosen by the Trent community as the Trent Reads selection for 2013.

"Everyone in attendance was enthralled by Vincent Lam's insightful opinion on a wide range of topics.  From the importance of end of life care to knowing when to finish chapter revisions, his thoughtful answers to student questions, like his work, straddled the divide between the arts and the sciences," Dr. Eamon said.

Trent Reads, an initiative launched by the University in 2008, is designed to bring the Trent community together by creating a common ground for discussion. Each spring, one book is selected by Trent students, faculty and staff for all new students to read before coming to Trent. During Introductory Seminar Week (ISW), Trent’s newest students attend seminars with faculty across departments to discuss the book and gain their first university classroom experience.