READING TO CONNECT
Pirate Reads makes transition to college easier through books
The East Carolina University Pirate Read committee has announced the books that all incoming students are asked to read for the 2018-19 and 2019-20 school years.
They are “The Last Ballad” by Wiley Cash and “The Nature Principle” by Richard Louv.
Wiley Cash’s “The Last Ballad” was inspired by a true story that took place in North Carolina. (Photos by Cliff Hollis)
“There was a great deal of discussion about these two books and in the end, the committee believed the topics and themes of each book were relevant to incoming students,” said Dr. Mary Beth Corbin, co-chair of the Pirate Read committee.
The book students will read for the coming school year is “The Last Ballad,” which was inspired by a true story that took place in North Carolina. The book highlights a woman’s struggle for her rights in a textile mill and how she gained the courage to face oppression and injustice. Cash will give a presentation on campus on Nov. 6 through which students can gain a deeper understanding of the book from the author’s point of view.
Richard Louv’s “The Nature Principle” focuses on the power of both technology and nature.
“The Nature Principle” was selected for the 2019-2020 school year. The book focuses on the power of both technology and nature. The idea that is presented is that instead of picking one or the other, people would become more creative, healthy and smarter by taking technology into nature and using them together for the greater good. Louv will speak on campus on Nov. 5, 2019.
A third title, “Designing Your Life,” was nominated for the Pirate Read but not selected. A separate committee has decided to incorporate the book into some classrooms. According to the book website, authors Bill Burnett and Dale Evans “show us how design thinking can help us create a life that is both meaningful and fulfilling, regardless of who or where we are, what we do or have done for a living, or how young or old we are.” Evans will visit ECU on Oct. 24.
Incoming students are encouraged to read the books and attend the presentations.
This is the 11th year of the Pirate Read program. Books from previous years include “Evicted,” “The Other Wes Moore,” ”It Happened on the Way to War” and “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks.”
Contact the Office of Student Transitions about activities related to the Pirate Read at 252-328-4173.