The W’s 2024-25 Community Read underway
Mississippi University for Women is once again partnering with the community for the annual Community Read Program, which kicked off in May.
This year, the Community Read Committee has selected “First Gen: A Memoir” by Alejandra Campoverdi.
“The Community Read Committee saw so many opportunities for programming that would be meaningful to our entire community. The book touches on what it means to be ‘first’ or ‘only’ in your family to try something new, like college, while navigating the challenges involved in that change for individuals and communities,” said Amanda Clay Powers, professor and dean of Library Services.
The novel is described as, “Part memoir, part manifesto, ‘First Gen’ is a story of generational inheritance, aspiration and the true meaning of belonging—a gripping journey to ‘reclaim the parts of ourselves we sacrificed in order to survive.’”
Each year, the Community Read seeks to bring The W and the Columbus community together for a shared learning experience. A book is selected and events are hosted throughout the year, beginning in the fall.
“The Community Read is a shared reading experience for all of us, sponsored by The W, the City of Columbus, The Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science, Columbus-Lowndes Public Library and Friendly City Books. The Read draws on our rich heritage and offers an opportunity to develop connections and friendships. We hope that the read will broaden our understanding of our world, our community and our neighbors,” Powers said.
Friendly City Books owner Emily Liner is excited about the partnership between The W and her store.
“We are excited to partner with Mississippi University for Women again this year on the Community Read. Alejandra Campoverdi’s memoir ‘First Gen’ will strongly resonate with students and community members who have been the first in their families to go to college,” Liner said.
She added that she hopes the book will appeal to a wide audience within the community as a whole, bringing people from all areas together for a common purpose.
“Women’s health is another major theme of the book, as the author is a passionate advocate for breast cancer awareness and early detection. There’s no better place than The W, with its strong nursing program, to host community-wide conversations on advances in women’s health care that may very well save lives right here in Columbus and Lowndes County. I’m also hopeful we’ll have students and community members who identify as Hispanic or Latin American be a part of the Community Read,” Liner added.
Copies of the book are available at Friendly City Books as well.
The Community Read Book Club will kick off in September at The W’s Fant Memorial Library. It will meet on the last Wednesday of each month to discuss the book. Additional programming will be announced at a later date.
“We hope ‘First Gen’ will appeal to folks across our community, but even if you haven’t read it, please come to the events. They will be accessible, even if you haven’t had a chance to read the book, and they might even tempt you to pick it up!” Powers said.
For more information about “First Gen,” and to secure a copy of the book, please visit https://www.muw.edu/read/.