Washburn's iRead Lecture is September 21; Public is Invited

     Topeka, Kan. — Washburn University’s iRead program, coordinated by University Libraries, encourages a communitywide reading experience, particularly among first-year students. The iRead selection for the 2026-27 academic year is “The Memory Book” by Lara Avery.

     During the fall 2026 semester, faculty are encouraged to incorporate the book into their courses, and University Libraries will host a series of events centered on the book. The events will culminate with the 2026 iRead Lecture featuring Avery at 7 p.m. Sept. 21 in White Concert Hall on the Washburn University campus.

     “The Memory Book” follows Sammie McCoy, a girl with a plan: graduate at the top of her class and leave her small town as soon as possible. Nothing will stand in her way — not even the rare genetic disorder doctors say will slowly steal her memories and then her health. So, the memory book is born: a journal written to Sammie’s future self. The memory book will ensure Sammie never forgets the most important parts of her life — the people who have broken her heart and those who have mended it. If Sammie is going to die, she is going to die living.

     Avery is the author of three young adult novels for Alloy Entertainment, including “The Memory Book,” “A Million Miles Away” and “Anything But Ordinary.” She received the 2017 Minnesota Book Award for “The Memory Book” and a 2020 AWP Intro Journals honorable mention. She also participated in the Loghaven Artist Residency in 2021 and a residency at the Kimmel Harding Nelson Center for the Arts in 2022. Her latest novel, “The Year of Second Chances,” was published by William Morrow in 2023.

     “‘The Memory Book’ by Lara Avery offers readers the increasingly rare opportunity to know a character in her own words,” said Sean Bird, dean of University Libraries and the Center for Student Success & Retention, Washburn University. “Protagonist Sammie McCoy takes us on a personal journey of discovery into what it really means to be human without asking for our sympathy or provoking us to turn away. We lean in, and that is exactly what iRead has always been about — centering our campus conversations and seeing the world through the eyes of someone else.”

     “The Memory Book” is available for purchase at the Ichabod Shop in the Memorial Union on the Washburn University campus.

For further information, contact:
Lacey Kinder
Content Specialist
Telephone: 785-670-2154
Cell: 785-845-1909
Email: lacey.kinder@washburn.edu