One Book, One Community program aims to unite community through literature
Bryan Stevenson speaks to a crowd of incoming freshmen at their convocation ceremony on Aug. 31, 2015, at Breslin Student Events Center. He is the author of "Just Mercy," the book assigned to the incoming freshmen as part of the One Book One Community program. The book addresses Stevenson's work as a young lawyer fighting against abuses in the justice system and wrongful condemnation in the south. Catherine Ferland/The State News
Beginning in 2002, featuring Ray Bradbury’s “Fahrenheit 451” as its first choice, the One Book, One Community program has aimed to unite the East Lansing and MSU communities around literature.
This year’s book was lawyer Bryan Stevenson’s memoir “Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption,” discussing his experiences with death row and his struggle to bring solace to the wrongly condemned.
On August 30, Stevenson spoke at Hannah Community Center about the novel and its themes. The appearance conflicted with floor meetings, so freshmen who were unable to attend can view the presentation on Livestream.
On Monday, at freshman convocation, Stevenson appeared as the featured guest and addressed the incoming students, giving encouragement and inspiration while stressing the importance of developing a personal identity.
“There’s power in identity,” Stevenson said to the freshmen . “You can create an identity that allows you to say things to the people around you, to say things to the world around you, that will change the world.”
Following his speech, Stevenson received a standing ovation from the freshmen class.
“(The book) was incredibly moving and eye opening,” criminal psychology freshman Taylor Hopper said. “I’ve done a report on capital punishment. I definitely support his cause.”
While Stevenson and his ideas seem to resonate with the community, not all students feel compelled to participate.
“I didn’t read the book out of my own laziness,” journalism freshman Courtney Penigar said. “I read a few chapters and I really enjoyed it, and I’m disappointed in myself for not finishing because now I’m really inspired.”
According to the One Book, One Community website the chosen book is “required reading for all freshmen,” but there aren’t any consequences for skipping the reading altogether.
“I didn’t read the book because I thought, since it’s college, we don’t have to do anything,” undecided freshman Steven Perri said.
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Other freshman do see the value in reading the book, although participation isn’t exactly required.
“The book was very interesting and topical with all the police brutality and racial issues going on,” mathematics freshman Kayla Macela said. “I think (One Book, One Community) is a great idea, but it’s not super effective with the students, I don’t think they’re very enthusiastic about it.”
Despite issues with student participation, One Book, One Community continues allowing MSU students to confront topics often unconsidered or controversial.
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