NSU IS PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE ITS COMMON READ FOR 2025!
Second Chances: A Marine, His Dog, and Finding Redemption
"The author of the heartwarming Craig and Fred tells the deeply emotional and inspiring story of the next phase of their lives together: working closely with prison inmates in Maine who raise and train puppies to become service dogs.
Former US Marine Craig Grossi and his dog Fred appeared on the Today show and Rachael Ray, and in schools, bookstores, and military bases across America as they told the uplifting story of how Craig found Fred, a stray, while serving in Afghanistan—and brought him home. During their travels, Craig was invited to speak at Maine State Prison—the penitentiary that inspired Stephen King’s famous Shawshank. While there, he met a group of very special inmates, participants in a program run by the nonprofit America’s Vet Dogs.
Craig discovered that many of the prisoners are veterans—former soldiers serving their country in an entirely different way: by transforming purebred Labrador Retrievers from floppy puppies into indispensable companions for disabled vets. These service dogs literally and figuratively open doors for men and women, offering hope and a renewed sense of freedom.
Yet these disabled vets are not the only lives changed by these dogs. The inmates who train them “are given a purpose, they’re given experience, and most importantly they’re given a sense of self-worth,” Craig explains. “The men at Maine State are given a second chance—something that I believe everyone deserves.” For Craig, the visit had a profound impact. “There was something special going on inside its walls and it was calling out to me. I quickly realized that the program and its men had something to show the world.”
In this emotionally powerful book, he introduces these men and challenges us to look deeper, to see them as human beings deserving of a new shot at life. “We’re quick to give second chances to celebrities, politicians and famous athletes when they screw up,” Craig reminds us, “but when it comes to those who’ve been convicted for their mistakes, we too often dismiss them as forever lost.” Second Chances poignantly shows that no life is irredeemable and that each of us can make a difference if given the opportunity."
About the Author
Raised in the Virginia suburbs of Washington, D.C., Craig Grossi is a Marine Corps veteran, bestselling author of 'Craig & Fred' and 'Second Chances', recipient of the Purple Heart and Georgetown University graduate. In 2010, Craig served as a member of an elite team of US Marines in Sangin, Afghanistan. Sangin was his most dangerous assignment, not the place he thought he would meet an incredible stray dog that he named Fred. The story of 'Craig & Fred' has captured the hearts of readers across the globe. Craig has appeared on the TODAY Show, Rachael Ray and countless other programs across the country. He now travels the country as a speaker sharing Fred's legacy of Stubborn Positivity. When not traveling, he devotes his time to veteran organizations including the USA Warriors Ice Hockey Program and other nonprofits that benefit veterans and dogs. Learn More!A common read helps to create connections among students, faculty, and staff. Having a common topic of discussion can frequently start conversations, expand viewpoints on complex issues, or introduce new ideas. Students learn and universities thrive through discussion, research, and critical thinking.
NSU started its Common Read experience in 2016 to promote a shared experience in learning and literacy for the NSU community and its stakeholders. All first year freshmen participate in Common Read activities and assignments during UNIV 1003 University Strategies, and all interested faculty are encouraged to incorporate the text into their curriculum as appropriate.
The Common Read committee, which includes faculty, librarians, staff, and students, identifies potential books for the next year.
These books are read by committee members and others, and the list is narrowed to three to four finalists. Selection criteria include appeal and relevance to students; cross-disciplinary content; accessibility, reading level, and length, as well as reviews and supplemental materials. The finalist list is shared with the entire campus who can vote and provide feedback through a survey. The final selection is made in December. During the spring semester, the committee works to identify course and campus activities that support the use of the Common Read in the curriculum.