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New Students and Family Programs

Common Read

Page address: http://www.mnsu.edu/newstudent/communities/commonread.html

Minnesota State Mankato Common Read Fall 2013

 

Book cover art for Strength in What Remains by Tracy Kidder

Strength in What Remains by Tracy Kidder

The Pulitzer Prize–winning author of the modern classics Mountains Beyond Mountains and The Soul of a New Machine returns with the extraordinary true story of a young man and his will to survive. In this remarkable book, New York Times bestselling author Tracy Kidder once again delivers the masterful story of a hero for these modern times.

Deo grew up in the mountains of Burundi, and survived a civil war and genocide before seeking a new life in America. In New York City he lived homeless in Central Park before finding his way to Columbia University. But Deo’s story really begins with his will to turn his life into something truly remarkable; he returns to his native country to help people there, as well as people in the United States.

An extraordinary writer, Kidder has the remarkable ability to show us what it means to be fully human, and to tell the unadorned story of a life based on hope. Riveting and inspiring, this may be his most magnificent work to date. Strength in What Remains is a testament to the power of will and friendship, and of the endurance of the soul.

 

 

Building community

Our hope and intention is that any and everyone who is interested will join us in this campus and community common read.

The goal of the common read is to create community and conversation with our students, our families, and our community. All students, faculty, staff, families, and community members are welcome to join us in reading the book, participating in discussions, and attending events. We hope that some of the many Book Clubs in the area will choose the book; we hope that families will use it as a conversation piece as your son or daughter is preparing to leave home this summer; and we hope that our events and activities will lead to learning from each others' perspectives.

 On campus

All students, faculty, staff, families, alumni, and community members are welcome to read the book over the summer prior to the start of the fall 2013 semester.  The book may be used in conjunction with some courses, and there will be a variety of evening events throughout the year, including:

  • Tracy Kidder public presentation—Wednesday, September 11, 2013 at 7:30 pm (central time) in the Centennial Student Union Ballroom on the Minnesota State Mankato campus.
    • This event will also stream live online; details will be posted here as the event approaches.
  • Community discussion groups—will be planned for October. Community organizations and businesses are encouraged to read the book together, then contact our office to schedule a guided discussion group moderated by MSU students. You provide the people and the place and we'll provide the moderator!
  • Refugee/Immigrant panel discussion—will be planned for November.
    • Refugees and immigrants from various countries, now living in Minnesota, will talk about their own experiences.

 Keep checking back as we events and additional details. Events are free and open to the public.

Please keep in mind that most events are designed to be enlightening for even those who haven't yet read the book.

Online

Join us on Facebook! www.facebook.com/MSUCommonRead

Engage in online discussions, get event updates, and be the first to know what the book for next year is! You can even win prizes for contibuting to our online conversations!

 Get email updates!

Contact kate.hansen@mnsu.edu with your name and email address to receive occasional email updates.

 

Strength in What Remains resources

 

Where to find the book

Strength in What Remains is available in hardcover, paperback, e-Book, and in audio format at many online and local booksellers. Check with your local library as well!

In Mankato:

  • Minnesota State Mankato Memorial Library
  • Barnes and Noble Bookstore on campus
  • North Mankato Taylor Library (audio format also available)
  • Blue Earth County Library
  • Barnes and Noble Bookstore in River Hills Mall

 

Good reads from previous years

  • 2012  The Unforgiving Minute by Craig Mullaney
  • 2011 This I Believe: The Personal Philosophies of Remarkable Men and Women, edited by Dan Gediman and Jay Allison
  • 2010 Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson

 

Get involved

If you have an idea for a future common read book, want to help plan an event, or have other ideas, contact Kate Hansen in the Office of New Student and Family Programs; 507-389-5498.

 

 Program funding sponsors and partners

  • Academic Affairs
  • Student Affairs
  • Honors
  • New Student and Family Programs
  • Strategic Partnerships
  • Memorial Library
  • Good Thunder Reading Series
  • Printing Services
  • Alumni Relations