For the seventh year, Niagara University is sponsoring Niagara Reads, our freshman summer reading program.  The Niagara Reads committee has selected The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien for our 2008 program.

The Things They Carried is a compelling and very readable book, written in a series of stories.  Itemanates from the author’s experience as a soldier in the Vietnam War.  O’Brien spares few details in describing the horrors of war and how they affect soldiers as well as civilians.  At the same time, he humanizes his soldiers with intricate and telling details about their lives and their personalities.  He explores the myriad emotions elicited by war, from loneliness to fear to rage.  He intertwines stories about soldiers’ lives after the war, offering a window into how deeply war can affect people for years to come.

Again this year, first-year students will receive a copy of the book at CARE sessions, as a gift form the university.  They’ll be asked to read it during the summer, and they’ll discuss it for one class period in their NUS 102 classes.  Some NUS 102 instructors welcome a partner to help with their book discussion.  Whether you’re faculty, administrator or staff member, contact me if you’d like to be involved.  Participation from all areas of the university shows students that we value being part of a vibrant intellectual community.  Copies of The Things They Carried for NUS 102 instructors will be available in my office in June.  The library also has copies.

Freshman summer reading program are strengthened when students have opportunities to discuss the book in their courses.  Faculty members, especially those who teach first-year students, are encouraged to include The Things They Carried in their 2008-2009 classes if appropriate.  Descriptions of how instructors integrated previous Niagara Reads book in their classes are available on this web site.

The Niagara Reads committee is planning several events for freshmen related to The Things They Carried.  We’re also sponsoring a contest with three $150 prizes.  Students can enter poetry, essays, and visual/multimedia art that reflect themes in The Things They Carried.

Sharon Green
Chair, Niagara Reads
Ext. 8071