Future freshmen officially have their first Penn State assignment.

The Penn State Reads program selected its common book for the incoming freshmen class: “The Circle” by Dave Eggers. The dystopian novel explores the impact of technology on modern life.

Heading in to the programs fourth year, the common book is used to provide incoming students with a shared learning experience to engage in when they come to campus. The book is often referenced in first-year seminars.

“The Circle” was chosen over seven other books, including: “The Good Food Revolution” by Will Allen,  “Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking” by Susan Cain, “The Invisible Man” by Ralph Ellison,  “Far From the Tree” by Andrew Solomon,  “Paul Robeson: A Life of Activism and Art” by Lindsey Swindall,  “Warmth of Other Suns” by Isabel Wilkerson, and  “Covering” by Kenji Yoshino.

“One goal of Penn State Reads is to help incoming students connect to the university through the book,” Jackie Edmondson, associate dean for Undergraduate Education, said. “This book has broad relevance, and it is an opportunity for students to connect to many colleges, centers and programs at Penn State, including Communications, IST, Smeal College of Business and The Rock Ethics Institute, among others.”

Incoming students will be able to get their free copy at the student bookstore during orientation.