Each year, as part of the Freshman Reading Experience, Murray State University selects a novel and all incoming freshman are expected to read it. Discussions and activities relating to the novel are then worked into classes and other events throughout the school year. This year's selection was It's Kind of a Funny Story, by Ned Vizzini, who held a book signing and then spoke at the New Student Convocation last Monday.
I think this is a fantastic way to kick off the school year at Murray State. I love the idea of everyone coming together to read the same novel, and then having that novel serve as a recurring theme throughout the school year. Vizzini was nerdy (in a good way) and entertaining; I only wish we'd been able to ask questions after his presentation.
I posted my review of Vizzini's book here; I've got an autographed copy of the novel to give away. All you have to do to win is leave a comment below by midnight EST on Wednesday, September 2, 2009. I'll announce the winner of the random drawing on Thursday.
