Join fellow Hokies for a virtual book club series!  Four books published by faculty from the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences will be featured across the series, highlighting a variety of disciplines.  Authors and subject matter experts will join readers online to discuss their research and lead a Q&A conversation about the books.

First in the lineup will be a discussion of “Acquired Tastes: Stories about the Origins of Modern Food" with award-winning author Dr. Anna Zeide. Zeide, one of the book's contributors, is an associate professor in the History Department and founding director of the Food Studies Program at Virginia Tech. She will lead a Zoom presentation and Q&A discussion on Nov. 2 at 7 p.m.

Packaged. Processed. Advertised. The modern obsession with convenience food isn’t actually that new. The book details the ever-changing food industry’s role in modernizing society and changing the way we eat, one bite at a time.

Dating from 1870 to 1930, the book tells the story of how food came from and helped create societies based on racial hierarchies, colonization, and global integration. From canned food to processed bread, bananas to beer and fake meat, the book shares stories of the power of food, and explores the themes and moments in the industry that shape the way we think of food today. 

The cost of the event is $25, which includes the cost of the book, $5 of which is a donation to the Food Studies program at Virginia Tech. All books will be mailed to the address included in the registration, and mailed within seven business days of the registration date. Register by Oct. 1 to receive a book by Oct. 15. All registrations received after Oct. 1 cannot be guaranteed arrival in time for the book discussion. Every reasonable attempt will be made to ensure the book arrives on time. Click here to register for the event. 

There is an opportunity to make an additional gift at checkout for those who would like to contribute. All gifts will benefit the Food Studies Program.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Katie Lafon at 540-231-8910 or at klafon@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.