See if you can tell which lines are from all-campus announcements and which are from the apocalyptic novels we read this semester:

Our students are getting sick now in large numbers.

Late yesterday afternoon, a Hamilton student went to the Health Center with flu-like symptoms consistent with the virus.

The student has been isolated in a private room on campus.

Nights dark beyond darkness and the days more gray each one than what had gone before. Like the onset of some cold glaucoma dimming away the world.

Arrangements have been made to have meals delivered to his room.

His professors have been contacted.

If the situation worsens faculty may have to make other decisions.

One test has come back positive for the virus.

The students are all being treated as though they have the virus.

If from infancy you treat children as gods they are liable in adulthood to act as devils.

The virus is now widespread throughout the county.

A new terror born in death, a new superstition entering the unassailable fortress of forever.

We encourage students and advisors to meet when they are recovered to discuss the student’s plans.

Of a thing which could not be put back. Not to be made right again.

Please take care of yourself and stay healthy.

My friend Kamila Shamsie recently returned to Hamilton College and read from her latest novel, Burnt Shadows. The book is getting great reviews everywhere and was short-listed for the Orange Prize. A friend and I endured the international shipping charges in order to get the red sun cover from the UK because, uh, some bookworms are picky.

Once again, I take on the role of Visiting Professor of English at Hamilton College. This year, my courses focus on apocalyptic themes in literature. I’m afraid the reading list isn’t very cheerful.