The 14th annual "One Book, One Region" reading collective opens Tuesday in the Branford House on the Avery Point campus of the University of Connecticut.

This year's selection is attorney/MacArthur Grant recipient Bryan Stevenson and his book "Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption." The work's inspiration arose from the author's commitment in the defense of Walter McMillian, a young man unjustly sentenced to die for a murder he didn't commit. Stevenson now serves as the executive director of the Equal Justice Initiative, a nonprofit organization providing representation to indigent defendants and prisoners denied fair treatment in the legal system.

Over the course of several months, various library, school and civic reading groups will discuss "Just Mercy" at a variety of events. Tuesday's kickoff includes an appearance by Living Literature, a Rhode Island group of artists and educators who teach through live performances of great books.

Copies of "Just Mercy" will be available for sale, and refreshments will be served.

One Book, One Region, 6 p.m. Tuesday, Branford House, University of Connecticut at Avery Point, Groton; free; onebookoneregion.org.