During the spring of 2020 staff, faculty and students read "The Dreamt Land: Chasing Water and Dust Across California" by Mark Arax. The club met virtually on a weekly basis where they discussed topics such as, water rights, conveyance, hydrology, groundwater quality and more.

In its third year, the club was made up of 18 members from different areas of campus, and included staff, faculty and students. The book club started with the Water Cohort’s annual campus-wide common read initiative. The initiative included hundreds of students reading a water related book in classrooms as part of their curriculum. In 2017, the initiative was expanded to include a book club to give the campus community an opportunity to participate and discuss the book with others on campus.

“I greatly appreciate the leadership and generosity provided by the California Water Institute in selecting books targeting water issues and topics of keen relevance to the Central Valley. Additionally, the opportunity to have focused discussions driven by the book readings with input from faculty/staff/allied partners representing so many disciplines and departments speaks to the diversity and principles of community that Fresno State strives to foster each day,” said Susan Pheasant, director of the Institute for Food and Agriculture.

This unique academic year did not include a common read initiative, which gave the club the flexibility to choose a book that might not otherwise have been selected. Gill Harootunian, executive director of University Initiatives said, "Mark Arax shows the good, the bad and the ugly of water in his cinematic book."

"The book gave us a fascinating and engaging view into the history of water in California," said Charles Hillyer, director of the Center for Irrigation Technology.

"As a student, the water book club was an opportunity outside of the classroom to learn about water in a relaxed and fun environment. Having other people from different departments on campus join each week allowed me to view 'The Dreamt Land' and water issues in California from another perspective," said Cailie Smith, a second year Fresno State student.

“I was very interested when I saw the book for this year's Water Book Club. I've long enjoyed Mark Arax's writing,” said Lisa Boyles, public information officer in University Communications. “In getting together with everyone I learned about Fresno State's water cohort, a cross-university cohort of faculty to bring their water expertise in science, engineering, education, geography, business, public health and journalism. I enjoyed the time spent discussing these important issues with the new colleagues that I met through this book club,” Boyles said.

The Water Book Club concluded their experience by meeting the book author, Mark Arax, during a virtual author visit.

“It is a pleasure to continue elevating the water IQ of the Fresno State community and the community at large with events and project like the Water Book Club,” said California Water Institute Laura Ramos, programs manager.

If you are interested in joining the Water Book Club, please contact Laura Ramos lramos@csufresno.edu.