Duke University’s Class of 2012 already has its first homework assignment -– to read this summer Dave Eggers’ “What is the What,” a novel about a group of Sudanese refugees who struggled to survive during Sudan’s Civil War. It tells the story of Valentino Achak Deng, one of the Lost Boys of Sudan, who was separated from his family and ultimately relocated as a young adult to the United States.

“‘What is the What’ is an extremely captivating read,” said Ryan Lombardi, associate dean of students and co-chair of the summer reading selection committee. “Although it is a novel, it portrays a very real account of the plight of Sudanese refugees.”

Now in its seventh year, Duke’s summer reading assignment is designed to orient students to the life of a college community by stimulating debate and introspection, said Lee Willard, associate dean in the Office of Undergraduate Education and a member of the committee that considered more than 80 nominations. 

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