Mark Zuckerberg couldn't have picked a timelier title as next on the list on A Year of Books, his Facebook book club. His choice? On Immunity by Eula Biss.
According to a Facebook post Zuckerberg made to announce the selection, vaccination is an important topic. It is clearly backed by science, proving it not only works but is an integral component of keeping everyone in the community healthy.
"This book explores the reasons why some people question vaccines, and then logically explains why the doubts are unfounded and vaccines are in fact effective and safe," he further explained, adding the title was recommended by friends in the public health sector and scientists.
Zuckerberg also pointed out that On Immunity is a generally short book. It can be read in just a few hours, making it a convenient choice for those who don't have the time to stew with a book or simply don't have the attention span for longer works.
Zuckerberg started the book club when the year began, suggesting a new book to be read every two weeks for followers to read. Those participating are encouraged to not just give the books he picks out a read but to discuss them as well on the book club's Facebook page in an effort to facilitate learning about new technologies, histories, beliefs and cultures. It's a bit difficult, however, to follow the discussion as it just appears as a series of comments on Facebook without much organization but the book club deserves praise for connecting an online audience with thinkers and authors.
He's still got ways to go before beating Oprah's book club in popularity but Zuckerberg is doing very well leveraging the 31 million followers he has on Facebook. On Immunity is the fourth book he's chosen. He started A Year of Books with Moisés Naím's The End of Power, followed by Stephen Pinker's The Better Angels of Our Nature and Sudhi Venkatesh's Gang Leader for a Day: A Rogue Sociologist Takes to the Streets.
Vaccination is a hot topic right now as measles continues to sweep the United States. The outbreak began in Disneyland and health officials highlighted the growing number of unvaccinated individuals as one of the reasons the disease has spread so extensively as it had. Officially, measles was eradicated in the country in 2000.
