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Cion by Zakes Mda is the OU Common Reader for 2008-2010. The idea is that every first year will have read the same book and therefore share a “Common intellectual experience.” It takes place in Athens, OH, and begins on Halloween. It’s a good read.

You’ll meet Cion in at least one of your classes in your first year. You may be asked to do some research on some of its themes. For that, we’ve created the Cion Blog that covers many of the resources we can recommend.

Also listed on the blog are the many related readings, talks, and exhibits. Prof. Mda will read once a term. It’s a special treat to hear him read Toloki’s words in Mda’s South African accent.

Relatedly, questions about spooky things that happen at OU come up every year, but especially near Halloween.  It turns out there isn’t much “real info” about the hauntings, ghosts, and legends that Athens is so famous for.  Believe me, we’ve looked.  We have gathered up a list of articles and websites, though, that cover the topic.  Beware, though, as these articles are often just re-tellings of the same old tales.  As librarians, we do a lot of preaching about examining your sources and checking your facts, and the facts are, there aren’t many facts.  An oft-repeated tale is just a lie told over and over and over.

While you’re looking, you might read over the links about Halloween in Athens and the Ridges (often gratuitously associated with hauntings).