The Big Read 2022-23

An Introduction from the Vice Chancellor

This year, we have chosen ‘I Belong Here’ by Anita Sethi for Sheffield Hallam’s Big Read. We invite all our students and staff to read this book.

This is a book about discovery and belonging. ‘I Belong Here’ charts Anita Sethi’s evocative journey of reclamation from being a victim of a racist hate crime, to exploring her sense of belonging through walking the Pennines. Her literal and figurative journey as she walks through the upland landscape of northern England and her experiences of racism gives us all an opportunity to consider and question our own perspectives and role.

Sheffield is the greenest city in England. The Peak District – the start of Anita Sethi’s journey – is on our doorstep. We should all feel able to access our natural landscape to make the most of what spending time outdoors and undertaking physical activity can bring us: space for reflection, reconciliation, and wellbeing and the opportunities of discovery and connection.

Our University and home city are a place for everyone. All are welcome. We want everyone to feel that they belong, whatever their personal journey. We are a diverse community, committed to social justice and with no tolerance for racism and other forms of discrimination.

There are lessons for us all in ‘I Belong Here’ and I hope you will find that the book gives you opportunities to reflect on your own sense of belonging and to take your own steps and positive action to help grow a thriving and tolerant community at Hallam.

Professor Sir Chris Husbands
Vice-Chancellor