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 2026 marks the third 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. Current members of the UC San Diego community are also invited to read the book and attend campuswide events.
Against Breaking
The Common Read Committee at UC San Diego is pleased to announce the 2026 UC San Diego Common Read: “Against Breaking: On the Power of Poetry,” by Ada Limón, the 24th Poet Laureate of the United States, 2024 Time magazine Woman of the Year, and a 2023 MacArthur fellow.
“Against Breaking: On the Power of Poetry” is a slim and impactful book that demonstrates poetry as a powerful force for healing, a call to action, and a vibrant celebration of humanity’s many voices. Limón delivers a powerful message that poetry has the ability to restore, connect, and remind us of our shared existence.
Several campuswide events and activities are being planned for the 2026-27 academic year to celebrate the Common Read Year of Poetry at UC San Diego, including a campus visit from the author.
Save the Date: An Evening with Ada Limón
An Evening with the Author - Ada Limón | Thursday, October 22 | 6 p.m. | Epstein Family Amphitheater
Call for Programs
Faculty, staff, and registered student organizations are invited to host an event or activity to be included on the Common Read Year of Poetry events calendar.
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
2025 – 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.
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.