Open Books Open Minds presents fourteenth annual conference

Olivia Barone

Editor in Chief

Rhode Island College’s Common Book program, Open Books Open Minds (OBOM), provided this year’s readers with a fantastical twist on science fiction. This chosen book, “Light From Uncommon Stars” by Ryka Aoki, will be celebrated on Wednesday, 16 April 2025, at OBOM’s annual conference on campus. 

The OBOM committee has made an effort to break down boundaries using an annual chosen book each year since 2006. Before every academic year, books are picked by the committee and turned over to a vote from the student body. Then, by offering free copies of the chosen book, students are encouraged to read and are often exposed to new ideas, a win-win for RIC students and staff. This week’s conference will wrap up the year-long conversation on Aoki’s book with academic and creative presentations by RIC students. 

Graphic by Janice Okoomian

Aoki’s “Light From Uncommon Stars” tells the story of Katrina Nguyen, a transgender teen runaway and a talented violinist. Katrina’s talent is overheard by Shizuka Satomi, the world’s best violinist who has a dark secret: she has signed a contract with the devil, forcing her to damnation unless she can provide him the souls of seven young violin prodigies. Meanwhile, intergalactic refugee Lan Tran is running a donut shop and raising her family when she meets the notorious Shizuka. Entranced, Lan joins Shizuka on her harrowing quest for her seventh soul amidst her own efforts to protect her family. 

Drawing on LGBTQ+ and migrant issues, “Light From Uncommon Stars” offered RIC students ample opportunity to encounter new territory, just like Lan as she explores what planet earth has to offer. Many students, inspired by Aoki’s ambitious and unique story telling, are now readying their presentations for the upcoming conference. 

The fourteenth annual OBOM conference is scheduled as follows: 

9:30 a.m.: Check-in at Alger Hall 110

10:00 a.m.: Welcome 

10:15 a.m.: Presentation session 1 at Alger Hall 110

12:00 p.m.: Presentation session 2 at the Forman Theater

1:00 p.m.: Lunch at Alger Hall 110

2:00 p.m.: Presentation session 3 at Alger Hall 110 

3:15 p.m.: Presentation session 4 at Alger Hall 110

The presenting students have worked hard to provide thoughtful contributions to Aoki’s novel, and are excited to share what they’ve found. To RSVP, scan the QR code in the pictured flyer and support some of RIC’s outstanding minds.