Frequently Asked Questions


2008 Common Literature Experience
A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier by Ishmael Beah

How was the this book selected?

A Long Way Gone

A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier was selected for the 2008 literature experience by a committee of USU faculty, staff, administrators and representatives from the Logan library. The committee reviewed books suggested by the campus and community at large as well as books used by summer reading programs at universities across the country. The group initially narrowed the long list of books to about twenty, then further narrowed the list to five. The university community, particularly students, were invited to read and provide feedback about the five books. The book was selected after much discussion and debate.

The committee felt the book was a strong choice because of its wide appeal to readers and its potential for being integrated into the academic curriculum in a number of ways. The autobiography is written in the voice of the young man, Ishmael, conscripted to be a boy soldier in Sierra Leone at the age of twelve. The book follows Ismaelęs journey from a boy soldier with an AK-47 in his hand to speaking before the United Nations on the terrible tragedy of child soldiers. This book will involve the reader in a world that is unimaginable, yet unforgettable. We are hoping students will want to know more about Sierra Leone, how these atrocities occurred and what role should other countries play in stopping this horror. In addition it is hoped that students will want to know more about Africa and its people.

Sebastian Junger, author of A Death in Belmont and A Perfect Storm A Long Way Gone is one of the most important war stories of our generation. The arming of children is among the greatest evils of the modern world, and yet we know so little about it because the children themselves are swallowed up by the very wars they are forced to wage. Ishmael Beah has not only emerged intact from this chaos, he has become one of its most eloquent chroniclers. We ignore his message at our peril.

What criteria were used in selecting the title?

The committee looked for a book that had engaging themes for entering college students. They wanted a book that would be so captivating that the students would want to read the book with or without formal structure and guidance. The bookęs subject matter will engage students and community members alike. The book contains themes that will resonate with students today and hopefully generate an interest in a world far from their own. The author presents experiences and issues that we need to know about. He also presents the revelation that under the right circumstances, people of any age can find themselves doing the most unthinkable things. Along with that revelation is the amazing fact that Ishmael emerged with his sanity and humanity intact.

The committee hopes to select a variety of titles over the years for the Literature Experience. Previous selections include:

  • 2003: May Out West - poems by May Swenson
  • 2004: Hope in the Unseen: An American Odyssey from the Inner City to the Ivy League - a biography by Ron Susskind
  • 2005: When the Emperor was Divine - a novel by Julie Otsuka
  • 2006: Warriors don't Cry - a memoir by Melba Patillo Beals
  • 2007: Complications: A Surgeon's Notes on an Imperfect Science - by Atul Gawande

What else is going on, relating to the book?

The university invites the Cache Valley community, parents of incoming students, and alumni to join in reading this book, so that the literature experience becomes a community-wide experience. On the last day of Connections, a convocation will be held in the Kent Concert Hall on the Utah State University campus to cap off this joint reading. The speaker will be someone related to the book. and a few lucky students will have the opportunity to have lunch with the speaker when he/she comes to campus. See the Connections website for more information ( http://www.usu.edu/connections/literatureexperience/lunch.cfm ).In addition, Utah State University, will be hosting a number of events related to Africa and the issues raised by the book. Check the Connections website for an updated list.

Is the book required for the course?

Yes, the book is required for the course, but you do not need to be enrolled in Connections in order to read the book. In fact, parents, alumni, and community members are enthusiastically encouraged to join us in reading the book and are invited to attend the Convocation presentation on Saturday, the last day of Connections, in the Kent Concert Hall on the Utah State University campus.

Is there an assignment connected to the book?

Yes, there is a journal assignment required by the Connections course. Students should consult the Connections website for more specific requirements.

What if I have a book that I think is a better choice?

Suggestions for future titles are welcome. Please provide them to the selection committee for future consideration. Each fall, the committee will issue a community-wide call for suggestions for the next book. In the meantime, you can e-mail your suggestions to Noelle Call at noelle.call@usu.edu.

Where can the book be purchased?

Merrill-Cazier Library has several copies of the book available for a one-week checkout period. The book may be purchased from the USU bookstore, local and online retailers.

For additional questions about the summer literature experience, contact Noelle Call at noelle.call@usu.edu.