The University of Mississippi announced its annual common read book selection on April 14 titled, “Build the Life You Want: The Art and Science of Getting Happier” by Harvard leadership professor Arthur C. Brooks and Oprah Winfrey.
The purpose of the annual common read, given to incoming students at the University of Mississippi, is to guide them as they discover their passions, fuel their curiosities and — in the case of this year’s selection — find happiness, according to an April 14 press release from the university.
The university established its common read initiative during the 2011-2012 school year. The common read is chosen by the UM’s Common Reading Experience Steering Committee. The book is used throughout the curriculum for many first-year classes, with this year’s selection allowing students to learn about the science behind happiness.
Natasha Jeter, assistant vice chancellor for wellness and student success, explained why “Build the Life You Want” is an ideal fit for incoming students.
“‘Build the Life You Want’ is an ideal book for our freshmen and incoming students and will provide foundational tools for them to build the life they want to have and to become the people they want to be,” Jeter said in the same April 14 press release. “It’s a very unique approach because it uses a scientific slant to learning how to construct a life of happiness and fulfillment.”
Stephen Monroe, co-chair of the deciding committee and chair of the department of writing and rhetoric, explained how the material will be incorporated both inside and outside of the classroom.
“In the fall, students will discuss and write about the Common Read in WRIT 100, 101 and EDHE 105. Faculty experts like Guy Krueger and Karen Forgette spend the summer planning engaging lessons,” Monroe said. “Librarians like Melissa Dennis plan co-curricular activities. Reading and writing together — and hearing from the author during Convocation — contribute to UM’s sense of academic community. Reading good books is always a good idea.”
Speaking at freshman convocation is a tradition for the author of each year’s common read, with Dave Isay, author of “Callings: The Purpose and Passions of Work” giving the most recent address.
Ideas for “Build the Life You Want: The Art and Science of Getting Happier” began after Winfrey reached out to Brooks after realizing they have similar ideals. After appearing as a guest on her podcast and show, Brooks and Winfrey decided to write a book together.
“Oprah and I have written this book to unlock for you the amazing secrets to emotional self-management,” according to Brooks’ website. “This isn’t based on some ancient, esoteric, mystical formula. Rather, it comes from the most cutting edge neuroscience and social science, conducted at the greatest universities in the world, related in terms non-scientists can understand and put to use.”
In the future, Brooks plans to spread the science of happiness in any way he can.
In an interview with The Daily Mississippian, Brooks said that talks of a TV show with Winfrey and collaborations with Drew Barrymore are in the works along with the recent filming of a documentary in India.
After spending many years researching the science behind happiness, Brooks said that his main takeaway is love.
“My favorite take away from the whole science of happiness is that happiness is love,” Brooks said. If you’re gonna if you understand and remember one thing, it’s love more.”
Brooks hopes that readers can utilize his research to create a better life for themselves and, in turn, a better world.
“Life is beautiful, but you have to understand the science and you have to change your habits,” Brooks said. “You’ve got to get together with people. That’s what the work is all about.”
Chancellor Glenn Boyce has hopes that students can learn from the common read and apply it to their future endeavors.
“For more than a decade, our Common Reading Experience has enriched our classrooms, sparked lively conversations and strengthened our connections,” Boyce said in a university press release on April 14. “I’m excited to see how this year’s selection by Arthur C. Brooks and Oprah Winfrey will inspire our campus community to reflect on their aspirations and goals for pursuing a life filled with meaning, joy and success.
