UNF Reads hosted a lecture Tuesday featuring the author of “Outcasts United,” this year’s required reading for incoming UNF freshman.

The event, sponsored by UNF Academic Affairs, began with the lecture by Warren St. John, author of “Outcasts United,” in which he went over the similarities between the new experiences of the refugees discussed in his book and those of incoming freshman,

A book signing and a question and answer session for students followed the lecture.

Martina Perry, UNF’s coordinator for undergraduate initiative, said “Outcasts United,” was chosen because it shows UNF students that helping does not necessarily mean solving all of the world’s problems.

Instead, she said it means doing something on a small scale in the community that can impact others.

Perry said the UNF community has embraced the book, in particular within the UNF Honors Club, which works closely with organizations that focus on the needs of refugees.

UNF honors students have assembled and coached soccer teams comprised of refugees, an act that parallels that of the main character in “Outcasts United,” Perry said.

However, for a few UNF students deciding on whether or not to read the book UNF Reads! chose in the summer is based largely on their preference for reading.

Nancy Garguill, a UNF marketing logistics senior, said she never reads the book because she isn’t a fan of reading.

However, David Moree, a UNF philosophy senior, said he takes time to read the assigned books because he enjoys doing so.

This year, students, faculty and staff can submit nominations for the next UNF Reads book, and the individual with the winning nomination will receive a $50 gift card to the UNF Bookstore.

Email Noor Ashouri at reporter10@unfspinnaker.com.