The 2010 UAB Discussion Book is Outcasts United: A Refugee Team, an American Team by Birmingham-raised, bestselling author, Warren St. John. 

Inspired by a series of front-page articles he researched and wrote for the New York Times, St. John moved to Georgia to follow the chronicle of Luma Mufleh, a woman from Jordan, and the Fugees, the soccer team she founded and coached as part of a youth program for the expanding refugee population in Clarkston, Ga. 

This is a human story about the hope, pain, opportunity and challenges that immigrants have experienced in America since its founding. This is a contemporary story about a Southern community and refugees from around the globe trying to come to terms with a new way of living. This is a story about real people.

St. John will speak to new students on Monday, Aug. 16, the day before fall term begins. If you can be a Discussion Group facilitator Monday, Aug. 16, from 3 to 4:30 p.m., send your name, e-mail address and campus mailing address to Juanita Sizemore at jsizemor@uab.edu by March 15. Selection as a facilitator will be confirmed by e-mail.  

For five years, discussion groups have provided a friendly introduction to UAB for new students and a stimulating, enjoyable experience for UAB faculty and staff. Nominations for the 2011 book will be accepted through March 31.