Pulitzer Prize Winning Author Visit

Article by Beth Twohig ’91, English Department Chair Photos by Alex Weil, World Languages and Cultures Faculty Member

Magnificat welcomed author Anthony Doerr to speak with the AP Literature & Composition classes on May 3. While it is exciting any time we are able to interact with an author of a book in our curriculum, this visit was even more extraordinary because Mr. Doerr is a Pulitzer Prize winning author. We were extremely fortunate to host this critically acclaimed author and give students the opportunity to discuss his book with him.

I first read Mr. Doerr’s novel All the Light We Cannot See in 2014, the year it was published, and I knew instantly that I was reading something outstanding. As an English teacher, I have read many great works of literature, but it is rare to read a newly published work and feel an instant desire to get it into our classes. I shared my reaction with AP teacher Laura Grecol, and she also felt that this story would be an excellent addition to our curriculum. AP teacher Mike Wilson, Ph.D., and other members of the English Department read the book, and it was a unanimous decision to bring this book into the AP classes. The storyline is very powerful and aligns with the Mission and values of Magnificat. In addition, Mr. Doerr’s writing style is complex, compelling, and displays a beautiful mastery of language that engages, challenges, and inspires our seniors in this already rigorous course. We added All the Light We Cannot See to the curriculum in the 2015-2016 school year, and it has been a highlight for students and teachers every year since then. One of the English Department’s biggest supporters of our adding this book was Sr. Helen Jean Novy, H.M. First, because she is a brilliant assessor of quality literature but even more so because of her unique connection to Mr. Doerr. Sr. Helen Jean is a friend of his mother, Dr. Marilyn Doerr, and it did not take long for her to ask her friend about the possibilities of Mr. Doerr connecting in some way with Magnificat. His busy schedule and the fact that he lives in Idaho did not make this easy to arrange. Until this year, when Sr. Helen Jean let me know that she had confirmed with Dr. Doerr that her son would be able to come to Magnificat. The excitement felt by Sr. Helen Jean and me was palpable as we discussed the logistics of this event and the unbelievable opportunity this would be for our AP students.

Mr. Doerr planned to speak with the students about All the Light We Cannot See, and his most recent novel Cloud Cuckoo Land. The AP curriculum is already very packed, and we were concerned about being able to have students take on both books given their lengths. However, they rose to the challenge. Mrs. Grecol and Dr. Wilson did an excellent job of preparing students to speak about the content and structure of these novels. The AP students who have spent four years not just reading books but learning to understand writing styles and articulate their thoughts were ready to meet a beloved author of one of their favorite books.

Sr. Helen Jean introduced Mr. Doerr to the AP students, who were seated at tables in the LGI. The students were excited to be in the presence of such an accomplished writer. Mr. Doerr sat down at one of the tables and began talking to them. He did not start by speaking about himself or his books, but instead he was asking them questions about the AP Exam they were taking the next day. He offered encouragement and instantly created such a beautiful sense of community among those present. What followed was a natural flow of questions from our students and meaningful answers. The students spoke of style and his writing process and asked questions about specific moments from his book that reflected their deep attachment to the characters and their motivations. Mr. Doerr spoke about his experiences writing both books as well as the editing, revision, and publication process. He shared his feelings about winning such a prestigious award, but also the very relatable connection of his having teenage children.

The hour of time passed too quickly, but before he left, Mr. Doerr was gracious enough to sign copies of the books that students had brought with them and pose for pictures. This is a day that the students, their teachers, Sr. Helen Jean, and I will never forget. I am very grateful for Sr. Helen Jean’s efforts to make this happen and Mr. Doerr’s willingness to join us and offer so many insightful words and inspiring ideas.