A committee of faculty and staff have implemented a new reading program to engage students and promote learning at Mississippi State University this fall.
The Maroon Edition encourages all freshmen to read the same book to promote discussion and intellectual interaction between students, faculty and staff.
The committee chose John Grisham’s novel, “A Painted House,” for this year’s summer and fall reading selection.
Jerry Gilbert, associate president of academic affairs, is on the committee which started The Maroon Edition. Gilbert said there is a lot to be learned from the book, and that is why the committee picked it.
“The book is about Southern culture and gives the students a lot to talk about,” Gilbert said.
April Heiselt, assistant professor of counseling and educational psychology, is also involved with The Maroon Edition program. She said the book really makes a person look at their own prejudices and she thinks the book will teach students a lot.
“The book is catching,” Heiselt said. “It draws you into the story and portrays a lot of important issues.”
Heiselt also said John Grisham is honored and excited that his book has been selected for the program.
The purpose of the program is to get freshman students excited and involved with the university, and The Maroon Edition is proving successful, said Linda Morse, an educational psychology professor and committee member.
Morse said she is excited about the response they have gotten from freshman students.
Freshman Julianna Jones said she supports the program and plans to read the book. She said she thinks every freshman class from now on should be given an inspiring book to read.
“This program should open a lot of doors for our students and get us as freshmen more involved,” Jones said. “This will lead us in group discussions which will help us get to know each other a little better.”
David Bupp, freshman computer science major, said he enjoyed reading “A Painted House” over the summer.
“It was interesting and different from other John Grisham books,” Bupp said.
Laura Goldman, freshman communication major, said she loved the book and the idea of The Maroon Edition.
“It is a neat way to meet other people who have read it,” Goldman said. “It is a common topic of conversation.”
The committee expects many freshmen will choose to participate in the program this year and in the years to come. Gilbert said he hopes the program will give students an appreciation for lifelong learning.
“When you enter college you are just starting on your learning journey, not finishing it,” Gilbert said. “I hope this program will be a step in the right direction to promote that.”
Heiselt said she agrees and she things thinks the program will be very beneficial to the university and its students.
“This is a Mississippi State University family experience,” Heiselt said. “Plus, this program promotes literacy and gives us a common ground.”
There are many events and programs surrounding the reading of “A Painted House.”
Gilbert said there would be essay contests, movie nights, discussion panels and many more activities to come in the next few months.
“There are a lot of exciting things happening surrounding the book,” Heiselt said. “There will be great rewards for the students that read the book.”
For more information about The Maroon Edition and future events, please visit maroonedition.msstate.edu.