The First Year Reading Experience (FYRE) program connects new students to the university community through a shared reading experience, welcoming them to a culture that values the thoughtful discussion of ideas.
The 2025 FYRE program is optional for incoming first-year students (and transfers if space allows.) Students will receive their selected book free of charge and meet with a first year mentor/success coach and other students who have also selected that book. There will be four one-hour meetings throughout the course of the fall semester and students will have the option to meet during the spring semester if interested. This is a wonderful opportunity to discuss the themes and ideas presented in the book over free coffee/snacks while getting to know your fellow students.
This year we offer a choice between several powerful books, many of which have been FYRE selections in past years:
- The Pretty One by Keah Brown
- Spare Parts by Joshua Davis
- The Book of Unknown Americans by Christina Henríquez
- Ties That Bind by Dave Isay
- Orange is the New Black by Piper Kerman
- 1001 Voices on Climate Change by Devi Lockwood
- Look Me in the Eye by John Elder Robison
- The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
Space is limited for each book group. Sign-ups will open on Tuesday June 24 at NOON at this link [LINK].
Questions can be sent to fyre@salemstate.edu.