Common Read
Common Read: An opportunity for Tritons to be inspired, to spark curiosity, and to bring us together. Let's celebrate the strength and diversity of our Triton community.
TWOW 2025 marks the second annual Common Read at UC San Diego. The UC San Diego Common Read program identifies a book for new, first-year and transfer students to engage in a shared experience as the newest members of our Triton community.
Talking Across the Divide
UC San Diego is excited to announce the book selected for our second annual Common Read – Talking Across the Divide: How to Communicate with People You Disagree with and Maybe Even Change the World by Justin Lee.
This book is an entry point and important guide in learning how to empathize and communicate with people who have widely differing opinions from your own.
Access the Book
NEW STUDENTS
- The link above will open Google Play on your web browser, where a pop-up will automatically appear.
- Click “Add to Library” to redeem book
- Once added, click “Read Now” or access at a later time through the account used to redeem
- The E-Book can be accessed across any device with web access. The Google Play app will allow end user to download and read offline.
How to Redeem Your E-Book (PDF)
ALL STUDENTS, FACULTY AND STAFF
Borrow the e-book from the Library
The UC San Diego Library has a limited number of e-books and hard copy books available to check out.
- E-Book - All students, staff and faculty with a library account can use their SSO to check out the e-book for a limited time.
- Hard Copy Lending Library - Borrow a hard copy book from the Lending Library to read and return so others in the Triton Community can participate in Common Read.
- The books will be located across from the Meet Spot as you enter Geisel Library.
- Limited books are also available at the following Community Resource Centers: APIMEDA, Black Resource Center, Cross Cultural Center, Intertribal Resource Center, LGBT Resource Center, and Women's Center.
Contact commonread@ucsd.edu for any questions or if you require an accessible audiobook.
A Conversation with the Common Read Author
Thursday, October 9 | Gates 4 p.m. | Show 5 p.m.
Mandeville Auditorium
Free for students, faculty, and staff (SSO login required).
Moderated by Dr. Amanda Solomon Amorao, TMC Dimensions of Culture Director, Associate Teaching Professor
For more than 25 years, Justin Lee has been known for navigating divisive issues with thoughtfulness and nuance. Today, Justin is focused on teaching people to apply the principles of strategic dialogue to the political, social, and personal causes they care most about.
Goals
Connect Scholarship and Community
Foster a Sense of Belonging – Create opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to connect through the themes of the book.
Encourage Academic Rigor and Thoughtful Dialogue – Provide students with an entry point to our academic mission through engagement with faculty, cross-disciplinary scholarship, and conversations that explore diverse perspectives, lived experiences, and the connection between ideas and impact.
Curate Meaningful Events – Organize engaging programs such as author talks, panel discussions, and interactive experiences.
Empower Student Voices – Provide spaces for students to share their stories and connect the book to their own experiences.
Common Read Book Selection Process
- Review national trends in campus common read programs, current events and popular culture.
- Invite suggestions from the university community.
- Discuss and debate the suggestions to narrow options.
- Develop and distribute a poll to faculty, department chairs, librarians, student leaders and staff to identify three works.
- Review author biographies, previous published works, public social media posts, news and critiques.
- Make recommendations to Senior Leadership for a final decision.
Past Common Read Selections
2024 – American Like Me: Reflections on Life Between Cultures
Redeem e-book (while supplies last)
UC San Diego is excited to announce the book selected for our inaugural Common Read: American Like Me: Reflections on Life Between Cultures, edited by America Ferrera.
This inspiring collection of essays offers insights from individuals who have navigated life at the intersection of multiple cultures and identities. The stories within reflect some of the diverse backgrounds and experiences that shape our campus community, reminding us that while our paths may differ, we all share the journey of finding belonging.
As we read, listen to, or watch American Like Me, we’re invited to reflect on how our multiple identities enrich our campus. This book encourages us to embrace our unique experiences while recognizing our shared desire to belong to a community where everyone feels seen and valued. Join us in exploring these themes through discussions and events that celebrate the strength and diversity of our Triton community.
Contact
Contact commonread@ucsd.edu for any questions or if you require an accessible audiobook.
