May 30, 2019
Help the K-State Book Network explore 'Darius the Great Is Not Okay' during 2019-2020
Have you already read the 2019 common reading selection "Darius the Great Is Not Okay"? Do you have expertise that you would like to share with the K-State and Manhattan community?
The KSBN PR/Events Committee is now assembling a roster of faculty, staff and students who would like to present as part of the public lecture series as well as contribute to the resource guide for "Darius the Great Is Not Okay."
"Darius the Great Is Not Okay: A Public Lecture Series" and the resource guide will draw upon the collective knowledge of the campus community to help everyone understand the issues raised in Adib Khorram's book.
Possible topics include, but are not limited to: identity, education, family, international travel, design, food, sports, stories, and mental health and well-being.
Khorram's award-winning novel tells the story of a high school sophomore Darius Kellner, a Persian American teen who balances diagnosed depression with a love for "Star Trek" and tea. A visit to his mother's family in Iran offers Darius new ways to understand himself, his family and what he calls home.
The 2019 selection emerged as the favorite following campuswide conversations and review by the KSBN selection committee, comprised of 60 students, staff, administrators and faculty from colleges and units across the university's campuses. The committee reviewed more than 35 books on the themes of advocacy and resiliency for well-being before selecting Khorram's novel.
"We're looking forward to another great year of campus and communitywide programming," said Karin Westman, chair of the KSBN PR/Events Committee and department head of English.
Potential contributors should visit the online survey to provide their name, the title of the contribution, and a 50-word description of its content.
For priority consideration, please submit information by June 20.
For more information about Khorram's book and about the K-State Book Network, visit the KSBN website.
To request an examination copy of the 2019 selection to use for a class or program, contact KSBN.