The Office of Student Success Programs and the Common Reading Committee announced the 2013 Kent State Common Reading book selection to be “Who Owns the Ice House?” by Clinton Taulbert and Gary Schoeniger.

The goal of the program is to welcome and connect incoming students to the Kent State academic community. All new students will discuss the book with faculty, staff and alumni on Aug. 23 during Destination Kent State Welcome Weekend, according to Kent State’s website.

“Although the book is not tied to a class, the discussion will help them to get acclimated to the academic life of the university,” said Meghan Cisar, assistant director in the Office of Student Success Programs. “We felt that this book has great themes that are relatable to incoming students. Regardless of major or interest, students will enjoy reading it.”

“Who Owns the Ice House?” is a true story about life in the Mississippi Delta during segregation. Uncle Cleve, one of the book’s characters, stood out to the committee as a character who defied convention, triumphing over adversity as an entrepreneur. Students will learn eight life lessons from the novel that Uncle Cleve shares with readers.

The book will be available for purchase from the University Bookstore.

Contact Emily Komorowski at [email protected].