The KU Common Book for 2015-16 is A

This year’s selection for Kansas University’s Common Book, Ernest Hemingway’s “A Farewell to Arms,” was chosen for its connection to the region and campus events, said Howard Graham, associate director for academic programs in KU’s Office of First-Year Experience.

“A Farewell to Arms” takes place in Italy during World War I. The semiautobiographical novel tells the story of an American ambulance driver working on the Italian front and his relationship with an English nurse.

Graham said in addition to the merits of the writing, the book complements the KU WWI Centennial Commemoration, which started last year and continues through 2018.

“The book ties into this wider initiative,” he said.

The KU Common Book for 2015-16 is A

The presence of the National WWI Museum and Memorial in Kansas City, Mo., and Hemingway’s personal ties to the area connect the book to this region, Graham said. Hemingway wrote parts of “A Farewell to Arms” while visiting Kansas City and also worked briefly as a reporter for The Kansas City Star.

Graham acknowledged that “A Farewell to Arms” has been criticized for the prominence of alcohol and its portrayal of women, but said those topics serve as opportunities for discussion.

“We want to have conversations about those criticisms,” he said. “To be productive and to help the campus grow.”

Book discussions will begin across campus once first-year students arrive in August.

A variety of common book programming will continue throughout the academic year, beginning with a “marathon reading” of “A Farewell to Arms” from 8 to 9 p.m. Aug. 28 at Nunemaker Hall and a lecture by recently retired KU English Professor James Carothers, noted Hemingway scholar, from 5 to 7 p.m. Sept. 9 at Woodruff Auditorium in the Kansas Union.

This is the fourth year for the KU Common Book program, coordinated by the Office of First-Year Experience.

After advertising for nominations, a committee of faculty, staff and students selects each year’s Common Book. Copies are given to instructors who want to use it in their classes, and all freshmen, transfer and international students get copies to read over the summer.

Graham said the program has three goals: to build community, create a shared experience and encourage intellectual engagement.

“It’s about bringing people together and getting them to talk,” he said. “And helping create programming where people can learn and grow.”‘