MSSU Themed Semesters Research Guide

The Whale Rider (1978) by Witi Ihimaera, the first Māori writer to publish both a novel and a book of short stories, is beloved the world over by adults and younger readers alike. The New Zealand Book Council profile of Ihimaera describes The Whale Rider as “A magical, mythical work about a young girl whose relationship with a whale ensures the salvation of her village, [and] it is, says Ihimaera, the work of his ‘that the Māori community accepts best.’” Enjoy the book, learn about the Māori culture of New Zealand, and meet new people in the process by joining the Oceania-themed book club hosted by the Missouri Southern English honor society Sigma Tau Delta. Pick up a copy of The Whale Rider by Witi Ihimaera in Webster Hall 337 (while supplies last). The book club will meet on Wednesdays: Sept. 25 at Joplin Avenue Coffee (first third to half of book), Oct. 23 at the Joplin Public Library (second half of book), and Nov. 20 at Phelps Theater in the Billingsly Student Center on the MSSU campus (endings, adaptations, and afterlives). The book club is open to the public, and snacks will be provided.