<p>Do we really need to read that book? Seems pointless to me, I mean its not like they can give you a grade for it.</p>
<p>I’m just as confused. I dont even have to take any composition classes so I think I’m a no in the “are you gonna read” group.</p>
<p>its not a bad book.</p>
<p>actually at preview they were saying some professors, no matter what class, like to quiz you a little on the book. But that might just be something to scare us into reading it.</p>
<p>Last year’s Freshman book was incredibly boring after the first chapter, and there wasn’t a single time where I was asked to convey any knowledge of the content, or even if I had read it or not.</p>
<p>No, they can’t grade you on it. However, a lot of First-Year Florida (and some other primarily-freshmen) classes will quiz you on the book. </p>
<p>And there’s some mandatory event a couple of days before classes start that’ll have you discuss it. We didn’t do it last year due to a tropical storm, so I don’t know exactly what it’s about, but I do know that you have to attend. Depending on how your college deals with things, they might put a hold on your record or require you to write an essay on it.</p>
<p>I’d say to suck it up and read the book. It’s college. You’re going to have to read a lot of things you don’t really want to read - this is good practice.</p>
<p>Would you think the engineering college will put a hold for it?</p>
<p>As illusionsx said, there’s no way professors can quiz you on the book unless you’re in a First Year Florida class, since practically no “real” class would have all freshmen (and I doubt that any professor would care about the book at all). And it seems like not many people are reading the book, so it’s not like you’ll be the only one without much to say about it during the discussion.</p>
<p>We got so lucky last year. None of us read the entire thing, but tropical storm fay came in and our navigating the swamp was canceled 
what’s the book about this year? c/o 2012’s was about saving the earth’s water supply XD</p>
<p>If I could make a suggestion as a dad and a student from a long time ago. Don’t measure every assignement based on whether you HAVE to do it or whether you will get caught if you don’t. A true measure of maturity is when you do things that you are asked to do without concern over whether you get caught, but because it may benefit you long-term or because you were asked to do it. If you go through school always looking for the easy way out, I promise you, it will come back to haunt you one day. </p>
<p>I would say, just read the book…</p>
<p>I know, sounds like an old guy, but trust me, it’s the truth</p>
<p>Like everyone else said, none of your professors can test you on it (unless you’re taking first year florida). Apparently there is this mandatory freshman assembly type thing where they break you up into small groups where you “discuss” the book, but I have no idea if that’s true because last year our freshman assembly thing was cancelled because of some tropical storm. Haha, that was a relief for me because I hadn’t read it.</p>
<p>P.s. I’m from the “4oh7” as well haha.</p>
<p>finished reading it today because reading is fundamental
the second half is really depressing. wouldn’t recommend this book for already crappy days.</p>
<p>I just got an email that says reading the book is not required, just encouraged.</p>
<p>Good :)</p>
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<p>Uh, source please? Because the FAQ still hasn’t changed:</p>
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<p>This was in an email I got titled: To Engineering Students: August 21 UF Convocation and Navigating the Swamp.</p>
<p>I read the book (I’m a mom) and really enjoyed it. I’m somewhat familiar with the situation, but it really opened up my eyes. I was on vacation in central Mexico this summer and was approached by a grocery bagger in the store who asked me if I could be his “contact” in the North if he could make his way across the border. I discouraged him from coming and was able to emphasize to definitely NOT cross through the desert. I wouldn’t have even thought about it before reading this book. Nor would I have given him my contact information, either.</p>
<p>Ha, that’s nice to know if it’s true. I didn’t get that email. Guess I won’t fret so much about rushing to finish the book then.</p>