USU Invites Community to Participate in Common Literature Experience

 Utah State University extends an invitation to the Cache Valley community to participate in the 2011 Common Literature Experience. This year’s selection is “Zeitoun” by Dave Eggers. “A tale suffering and redemption,” said Neil Steinberg of the “Chigaco Sun-Times.” The book tells the true story of a New Orleans man who decides not to evacuate during Hurricane Katrina and instead watches over his business and helping where he can.

“The university and local community will find much to discuss from the book,” said Noelle Call, director of USU’s Office of Retention and Student Success. “There are strong themes about identity and perspective, how we see ourselves and others, how our impressions of another can affect his or her identity and how our identity can change over time.”

For eight consecutive years, the USU common literature book selections have given readers the opportunity to expand their knowledge of cultures and philosophies that might differ from their own.

The community is also invited to attend the Connections Convocation which is held in conjunction with the Common Literature Experience. Pulitzer Prize winner Chris Rose of the “New Orleans Times-Picayune” will reflect on “Zeitoun” and post-Katrina New Orleans at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 27. Rose was part of the “Times-Picayune” team that won the 2006 Public Service Pulitzer for their Hurricane Katrina coverage.

“Zeitoun” is available at the USU Bookstore. More information is online (www.usu.edu/connections/literatureexperience).