Bucks County Community College’s own Professor Charlie Groth has just recently published her first book, “Another Haul: Narrative Stewardship and Cultural Sustainability at the Lewis Family Fishery.”
Writing a book has always been one of Groth’s dreams since she was young. So much so that she began researching the topic of fishing while figuring out how community, culture, and the environment intersect.
The book’s topic was not only chosen because of Groth’s interests, but also the fact that it allowed her to be near her home. This made being a student, worker, and mother all a possibility as she gathered the research she needed. When she began her research, Groth was still a student at the University of Pennsylvania.
Conducting the research she needed for the book was difficult at first. The university Groth taught at at the time mainly focused on business, technology, and health related subjects, leaving her with little time or resources to gather the information she needed to complete the book.
Fortunately, Groth was able to find a college – Bucks – that was able to support her while she collected her research.
“The atmosphere is very supportive. You can research and write for an audience you can imagine and spend the time you need to do scholarship well,” she said.
To kill two birds with one stone, Groth brought her research in for her students to evaluate as part of a class lesson. It was also a chance to expose them to that kind of field research. Students offered her feedback on what should be included in the finished product. The students were very patient and helpful, Groth said.
Groth also wanted to make the book enjoyable to read, as opposed to an academic work, which Groth said can be dense and hard to get through.
“You want to write something that you can share with people, she said.”
The book took about 10 years to write, but was finally finished not too long ago. She also had 22 years of research to work with.
“I have about 10 times the field research that many studies like this have,” she said.
With the book’s completion, she achieved her childhood goal and is now getting a chance to share her ideas with other educators to help them with their environmental work.
“Achievement brings happiness, and Bucks made it possible,” she said.
Groth will be hosting several events to promote her work, including, on March 31, a book signing at the Newtown Bookshop from 2-3 p.m. On March 22 there will be a book launch party at the Lambertville Public Library from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.. The Language and Literature Department is also planning a reading this semester.
Groth offered a message to students: “What you learn at Bucks is the real world. The writing and research are how scholars really do it and those skills can be applied to other professions and your professional life.”