UMass Amherst’s Common Read program challenged this fall’s incoming students to write essays focused on themes presented in Orange is the New Black. The Common Read Committee received numerous well-written pieces and our committee of judges narrowed down the essays to three that stood out among the rest. The authors of these essays did an exemplary job articulating ways in which Orange is the New Black relates to the themes of social justice, the power of personal narratives, and finding one’s place in a new community. The Committee invites you to read all three essays below and post questions and commentary in the comments. Thank you for your contributions!
College is the New High School by Dhanya Kumar
An Insight into Community by Lauren Briggs
Maroon is the New Orange by John Cusick