Common Literature selection explores acceptance

“Outcasts United,” a book about a small American town accepting new people into their culture, has been chosen as the Utah State University 2010 Common Literature Experience. The entire USU campus, the local community and new Aggies are encouraged to participate by reading “Outcasts United” and attending a convocation speech in August. The book, written by Warren St. John, follows the real-life story of international refugees to a southern town who organize soccer teams, coached by Lum Mufleh. The story isn’t just about soccer, but it’s also about accepting new people and cultures and getting over differences. Noelle Call, director of New Student Orientation, said new students coming to USU will be put out of their comfort zones and will be learning how to integrate into a new community. These new students can benefit from the messages from “Outcasts United,” she said. “When students come to USU and enter the new community, things are different from high school experiences,” she said. When looking for the Common Literature Experience, Call said she looks for a book that expands a students’ global perspective, and “Outcasts United” does just this. Mufleh will give a convocation speech about her experiences at the Kent Concert Hall on USU’s campus Saturday, August 28, at 9:30 a.m. More information on the book and the Common Literature Experience can be found at www.usu.edu/connections.

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