K-State Book Program

The Kansas State Book Network (KSBN) is one of K-State's newest programs to promote an innovative and exciting learning environment. KSBN is a common reading program that is part of K-State First, a first-year program that focuses on getting students quickly acclimated and involved in the K-State community. Students receive a free copy of the chosen book at their orientation and enrollment during the summer. Over the next couple of months the students read the book before starting classes in the fall. The book is incorporated into many first year classes, as well as different events and presentations throughout the semester. The program creates a common experience for students on campus who are encouraged to discuss, analyze, and think critically about the topics in class and situations in the real world.

KSBN premiered in 2010 with the book Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins which has since become a best seller and is now a movie. Students responded very well to the program and over 95% of the students involved in the program read the book. In 2011 Zeitoun by Dave Eggers was chosen.

This year the KSBN selections committee chose The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot. The book is based on the true story of Lacks, a poor Southern tobacco farmer whose cells - known as HeLa to the many scientists who use them - were taken without her knowledge and used to help develop some of the most important advances in medicine, including the polio vaccine, cloning, gene mapping, in vitro fertilization and more. Lacks was never recognized or compensated for the use of her cells.

KSBN is a great way for students to get the most out of the classroom, engage in intellectual conversation with other students, and learn how to think critically about situations. Encourage your student to get involved with KSBN and K-State First to make the most out of their college experience.