Here's Where to Find More Information About
On the Same Page

On the Same Page is a community-oriented reading project that encourages all citizens in Greater Cincinnati to read A Lesson Before Dying. Set in rural Louisiana in 1948, it's the story of a poorly educated black man sentenced to death by an all-white jury and judged for a murder he did not commit.

Written by Ernest J. Gaines, the novel was a National Book Critics Award Winner in 1993 and was also nominated for the Pulitzer Prize.

"It poignantly speaks to all of us as we seek to find a common language to overcome the racial bitterness and mistrust in Cincinnati," said Anthony Perzigian and Mitchel Livingston in a memo to the university community announcing UC's participation in the On the Same Page reading project. Perzigian is the senior vice president and provost for Baccalaureate and Graduation Education. Livingston is vice president for Student Affairs and Services and served on the community panel selecting the novel.

On the Same Page Cincinnati was spearheaded through The Cincinnati Enquirer, Cincinnati Magazine, WCET48, The Public Library of Cincinnati & Hamilton County, Kenton County Public Library, Boone County Public Library, the Cincinnati's Mayor's Office, Joseph-Beth Booksellers and Cincinnati Public Schools. For more information, see the web at www.cincinnati.com/bookclub. Also check out the site at www.justcommunity.uc.edu/lesson.

The novel is available at UC Bookstores for $12.95, in addition to local bookstores.

At UC, faculty, staff and students who organize book groups, classes or any other activities related to A Lesson Before Dying are urged to contact Marianne Kunnen-Jones, Editor, Currents, at (513) 556-1826 or by e-mail to marianne.kunnen-jones@uc.edu. Whether your activities are happening on campus or off, please contact Kunnen-Jones so that Currents can continue to report on your endeavors.

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