APPENDIX I: COMMON READING SELECTIONS 2017-2018: FULL LIST BY INSTITUTION … Books... · 2019-03-13 · 80 | COMMON READING SELECTIONS 2017-2018: FULL LIST BY INSTITUTION NAME College/University,

APPENDIX I | 79

APPENDIX I: COMMON READING SELECTIONS 2017-2018: FULL LIST BY INSTITUTION NAME

College/University, State Book, Author, YearGenre, Subject Categories, Theme

Adams State University (CO) Missoula: Rape and the Justice System in a College TownKrakauer, Jon2015

NonfictionCrime and Punishment/PoliceFeminism/Sex Discrimination/Women

Adelphi University (NY) No Impact Man: The Adventures of a Guilty Liberal Who Attempts to Save the Planet, and the Discoveries He Makes About Himself and Our Way of Life in the ProcessBeavan, Colin2009

MemoirAnimals/Environmentalism/Nature

Alabama State University (AL) Salvage the BonesWard, Jesmyn2010

NovelDisastersFamily Dysfunction/SeparationAfrican American themeHurricane Katrina theme

Alaska Pacific University (AK) Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet: A NovelFord, Jamie2009

NovelDispossession/Emigration/ExileWarAsian American theme

Alaska Pacific University (AK) The Color of Water: A Black Man’s Tribute to His White MotherMcBride, James1995

MemoirCivil Rights/Racism/SlaveryFamily Dysfunction/SeparationAfrican American theme

Albion College (MI) Make Your Home Among StrangersCrucet, Jennine Capó 2015

Novel Coming of AgeImmigration Latin American theme

Allegheny College (PA) The Immortal Life of Henrietta LacksSkloot, Rebecca2010

BiographyMedia/Science/TechnologyMedicine/MortalityAfrican American theme

Alvernia University (PA) Etched in Sand: A True Story of Five Siblings Who Survived an Unspeakable Childhood on Long IslandCalcaterra, Regina2013

Memoir Drugs/PovertyFamily Dysfunction/SeparationProtagonist Under 18

80 | COMMON READING SELECTIONS 2017-2018: FULL LIST BY INSTITUTION NAME


Amarillo College (TX) The Things They CarriedO’Brien, Tim1990

NovelWar Southeast Asian themeVietnam War theme

American University (DC) We Gon’ Be Alright: Notes on Race and ResegregationChang, Jeff2016

NonfictionCivil Rights/Racism/SlaveryAfrican American themeAsian American theme

Appalachian State University (NC)

One Amazing ThingDivakaruni, Chitra2010

Novel DisastersEthnic Identity/Sexual IdentitySouth Asian theme

Arcadia University (PA) Becoming Nicole: The Transformation of an American FamilyNutt, Amy Ellis2015

NonfictionEthnic Identity/Sexual Identity

Arizona State University, New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences (AZ)

HamiltonMiranda, Lin Manuel and Jeremy McCarter2015

MusicalAmerica/AmericansImmigrationAfrican American theme

Armstrong State University (GA) The New York Times2017

Newspaper

Assumption College (MA) Citizen: An American LyricRankine, Claudia2014

PoetryCivil Rights/Racism/SlaveryAfrican American theme

Auburn University (AL) The CircleEggers, Dave2013

NovelApocalyptic/Dystopian/Science Fiction

Auburn University at Montgomery (AL)

DraculaStoker, Bram1897

NovelApocalyptic/Dystopian/Science FictionEuropean theme

Augustana College (IL) Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in CrisisVance, J. D.2016

MemoirDrugs/PovertyFamily Dysfunction/SeparationWhite Appalachian theme

Austin Peay State University (TN)

Whistling Vivaldi: And Other Clues to How Stereotypes Affect UsSteele, Claude2010

Nonfiction Civil Rights/Racism/SlaveryPsychology/Pursuit of Happiness/Self-Help

APPENDIX I | 81


Avila University (MO) The Distance Between UsGrande, Reyna2012

MemoirFamily Dysfunction/SeparationImmigration Latin American themeProtagonist Under 18

Baker University (KS) Deep Economy: The Wealth of Communities and the Durable FutureMcKibben, Bill2007

NonfictionAnimals/Environmentalism/NatureBusiness/Economics/Economy

Bard College at Simon’s Rock (MA)

The Meaning of Michelle: 16 Writers on the Iconic First Lady and How Her Journey Inspires Our OwnChambers, Veronica2017

Nonfiction Feminism/Sex Discrimination/WomenAfrican American theme

Barton College (NC) The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two FatesMoore, Wes2010

Memoir Crime and Punishment/PoliceDrugs/PovertyAfrican American theme

Bates College (ME) Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and RedemptionStevenson, Bryan2014

Nonfiction Civil Rights/Racism/SlaveryCrime and Punishment/Police African American theme

Bay Path College (MA) A Step Toward FallingMcGovern, Cammie2015

NovelDisability/Disease/ Mental HealthFeminism/Sex Discrimination/Women Protagonist Under 18Young Adult

Baylor University (TX) The Road to CharacterBrooks, David2015

Nonfiction Pursuit of Happiness/Psychology/Self-Help

Bellarmine University (KY) The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two FatesMoore, Wes2010


Bellevue College (WA) Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet: A NovelFord, Jamie2009

NovelDispossession/Emigration/ExileWarAsian American theme



Belmont Abbey College (NC) Fahrenheit 451Bradbury, Ray1953

NovelApocalyptic/Dystopian/Science FictionEthnic Cleansing/Genocide/Oppressive RegimesFilm/Television version exists

Benedictine Univeristy (IL) Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless CompassionBoyle, Gregory2009

MemoirCrime and Punishment/PolicePhilosophy/Religion/SpiritualityLatin American theme

Berry College (GA) The Good Food Revolution: Growing Healthy Food, People, and Communities Allen, Will2012

MemoirFoodAfrican American theme

Bismarck State College (ND) Ready Player OneCline, Ernest2011


Bloomfield College (NJ) The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two FatesMoore, Wes2010


Bluffton University (OH) Quiet Strength: The Principles, Practices, and Priorities of a Winning LifeDungy, Tony and Nathan Whitaker2007

MemoirPhilosophy/Religion/SpiritualitySports African American theme

Boise State University (ID) Multiple Essays Miscellaneous

Boston College (MA) A Backpack, a Bear, and Eight Crates of Vodka: A MemoirGolinkin, Lev2014

MemoirDispossession/Emigration/ExileEuropean themeProtagonist Under 18

Boston College - Woods College of Advancing Studies (MA)

The Red Bandanna: A Life. A Choice. A LegacyRinaldi, Tom2016

BiographyDisasters

Bowling Green State University (OH)

Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in CrisisVance, J. D.2016


APPENDIX I | 83


Brandeis University (MA) Citizen: An American LyricRankine, Claudia2014


Bristol Community College (MA)

Born on a Blue Day: Inside the Extraordinary Mind of an Autistic SavantTammet, Daniel2007

MemoirDisability/Disease/ Mental HealthEuropean theme

Brookhaven College, Community (TX)

For Love of Country: What Our Veterans Can Teach Us About Citizenship, Heroism, and SacrificeSchultz, Howard and Rajiv Chandrasekaran2014

Nonfiction Humanitarianism/Social ActivismWar

Brown University (RI) The Tsar of Love and TechnoMarra, Anthony2015

Short StoriesEthnic Cleansing/Genocide/Oppressive RegimesEuropean theme

Bryn Mawr College (PA) The Secret History of Wonder WomanLepore, Jill2014

Nonfiction Family Dysfunction/SeparationFeminism/Sex Discrimination/Women

Bucknell University (PA) Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and RedemptionStevenson, Bryan2014

NonfictionCivil Rights/Racism/SlaveryCrime and Punishment/Police African American theme

Bunker Hill Community College (MA)

The Dew BreakerDanticat, Edwidge2004

Novel Ethnic Cleansing/Genocide/Oppressive Regimes ImmigrationAfrican theme [African Diaspora]

Butler University (IN) Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and RedemptionStevenson, Bryan2014

Nonfiction Civil Rights/Racism/SlaveryCrime and Punishment/PoliceAfrican American theme

Butte College (CA) A Deadly Wandering: A Tale of Tragedy and Redemption in the Age of AttentionRichtel, Matt2014

NonfictionHumanitarianism/ Social Activism Media/Science/Technology



Cabarrus College of Health Sciences (NC)

Josie’s Story: A Mother’s Inspiring Crusade to Make Medical Care SafeKing, Sorrel2009

MemoirMedicine/Mortality

Cabarrus College of Health Sciences (NC)

StrengthsFinder 2.0Rath, Tom2007

Skills AssessmentCareer Advice/Success

Cal Poly Pomona (CA) The Distance Between UsGrande, Reyna2012

MemoirFamily Dysfunction/SeparationImmigrationLatin American themeProtagonist Under 18

California Lutheran University (CA)

Luther and the ReformationSteves, Rick2016

TV ProgramPhilosophy/Religion/SpiritualityEuropean theme

California State University, Channel Islands (CA)

The RefugeesNguyen, Viet Thanh2017

Short Stories Dispossession/Emigration/ExileImmigration Southeast Asian theme

California State University, Chico (CA)

A Deadly Wandering: A Tale of Tragedy and Redemption in the Age of AttentionRichtel, Matt2014

NonfictionHumanitarianism/Social ActivismMedia/Science/Technology

California State University, Los Angeles (CA)

Spare Parts: Four Undocumented Teenagers, One Ugly Robot, and the Battle for the American DreamDavis, Joshua2014

NonfictionImmigrationMedia/Science/TechnologyLatin American themeProtagonist Under 18

California State University, Maritime (CA)

The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down: A Hmong Child, Her American Doctors, and the Collision of Two CulturesFadiman, Anne1997

Nonfiction Ethnic Identity/Sexual IdentityMedicine/MortalityAsian American theme

California State University, Monterey Bay (CA)

The Distance Between UsGrande, Reyna2012

MemoirFamily Dysfunction/SeparationImmigrationLatin American themeProtagonist Under 18

APPENDIX I | 85


California State University, Northridge (CA)

Between the World and MeCoates, Ta-Nehisi2015

Memoir Civil Rights/Racism/SlaveryCrime and Punishment/PoliceAfrican American theme

California State University, Sacramento (CA)

Girl in Translation Kwok, Jean2010

NovelDrugs/PovertyImmigration Asian American theme

California State University, San Marcos (CA)



Carlow University (PA) The Immortal Life of Henrietta LacksSkloot, Rebecca2010

BiographyMedia/Science/Technology Medicine/MortalityAfrican American theme

Carnegie Mellon (PA) The Last LecturePausch, Randy and Jeffrey Zaslow2008

MemoirDisability/Disease/Mental HealthMedicine/Mortality

Carroll College (MT) Born a Crime: Stories from a South African ChildhoodNoah, Trevor2016

Memoir Artists’ Lives/Arts Civil Rights/Racism/SlaveryAfrican theme

Case Western Reserve University (OH)

Lafayette in the Somewhat United StatesVowell, Sarah2015

NonfictionAmerica/Americans

Catawba College (NC) The Quest for Peace and JusticeKing, Martin Luther, Jr.1964

LectureHumanitarianism/ Social ActivismAfrican American theme

Catholic University of America (DC)

In a Sense All Things: A CUA Primer

Miscellaneous

Cazenovia College (NY) The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-TimeHaddon, Mark2003

NovelDisability/Disease/Mental HealthFamily Dysfunction/SeparationProtagonist Under 18

Central College (IA) Memory of Water: A NovelItäranta, Emmi2014

NovelAnimals/Environmentalism/NatureApocalyptic/Dystopian/Science Fiction Protagonist Under 18



Centre College (KY) The Underground RailroadWhitehead, Colson2016

NovelCivil Rights/Racism/SlaveryAfrican American theme

Chaffey College (CA) The Book of Unknown AmericansHenriquez, Cristina2014

Novel Disability/Disease/Mental HealthImmigration Latin American theme

Christian Brothers University (TN)

The Book ThiefZusak, Markus2005

NovelEthnic Cleansing/Genocide/Oppressive RegimesEuropean themeYoung Adult

Clarkson University (NY) Eating AnimalsFoer, Jonathan Safran2009

NonfictionAnimals/Environmentalism/NatureFood

Clemson University (SC) This I Believe: The Personal Philosophies of Remarkable Men and WomenAllison, Jay and Dan Gediman2006

NonfictionPhilosophy/Religion/SpiritualityNPR theme

Coastal Carolina University (SC)

Ready Player OneCline, Ernest2011


College of Charleston (SC) The Big Thirst: The Secret Life and Turbulent Future of WaterFishman, Charles2011

Nonfiction Animals/Environmentalism/Nature

College of Marin (CA) Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space RaceShetterly, Margot Lee2016

NonfictionFeminism/Sex Discrimination/WomenMedia/Science/TechnologyAfrican American themeFilm/Television version exists

College of St. Scholastica (MN) The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two FatesMoore, Wes2010

MemoirCrime and Punishment/PoliceDrugs/PovertyAfrican American theme

College of the Holy Cross (MA) Make Your Home Among StrangersCrucet, Jennine Capó 2015

NovelImmigrationComing of AgeLatin American theme

APPENDIX I | 87


College of the Redwoods (CA) The Immortal Life of Henrietta LacksSkloot, Rebecca2010


College of William and Mary (VA)

Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space RaceShetterly, Margot Lee2016


College of Wooster (OH) Writings on the Wall: Searching for a New Equality Beyond Black and WhiteAbdul-Jabbar, Kareem2016

NonfictionCivil Rights/Racism/SlaveryAfrican American theme

Collin College (TX) Take This ManSkyhorse, Brando2014

MemoirFamily Dysfunction/SeparationDisability/Disease/Mental HealthLatin American themeNative American theme

Colorado College (CO) Citizen: An American LyricRankine, Claudia2014


Colorado Mountain College (CO)

No Barriers: A Blind Man’s Journey to Kayak the Grand CanyonWeihenmayer, Erik2017

Memoir Disability/Disease/Mental HealthSports

Columbia University (NY) The Iliad (Books 1-6)Homer800 BC?

Epic PoemWarEuropean theme

Community College of Allegheny County (PA)

The Immortal Life of Henrietta LacksSkloot, Rebecca2010


Community College of Baltimore County (MD)

Chasing the Scream: The First and Last Days of the War on DrugsHari, Johann2015

Nonfiction Crime and Punishment/PoliceDrugs/Poverty

Concordia College (MN) March: Book ThreeLewis, John, Andrew Aydin, and Nate Powell2016

MemoirCivil Rights/Racism/Slavery African American themeGraphic work



Concordia University Texas (TX)

The CircleEggers, Dave2013


Corning Community College (NY)



Cosumnes River College (CA) RubyBond, Cynthia2014

Novel Civil Rights/Racism/SlaveryAfrican American theme

Cuesta College (CA) The Immortal Life of Henrietta LacksSkloot, Rebecca2010


Cumberland County College (NJ)

The Kitchen HouseGrissom, Kathleen2010

Novel Civil Rights/Racism/SlaveryImmigrationAfrican American theme

CUNY Baruch College (NY) The Book of Unknown AmericansHenriquez, Cristina2014


CUNY Brooklyn College (NY) Born a Crime: Stories from a South African ChildhoodNoah, Trevor2016


CUNY Kingsborough Community College (NY)

Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and RedemptionStevenson, Bryan2014


CUNY Queensborough Community College (NY)

My Beloved WorldSotomayor, Sonia2013

MemoirCareer Advice/SuccessLatin American theme

CUNY York College (NY) The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of ColorblindnessAlexander, Michelle 2009


Cuyahoga Community College (OH)



APPENDIX I | 89


Dartmouth College (NH) A Man of the PeopleAchebe, Chinua1967

NovelPoliticsAfrican theme

Davenport University (MI) Grit To Great: How Perseverance, Passion, and Pluck Take You from Ordinary to ExtraordinaryThaler, Linda Kaplan and Robin Koval2015

Nonfiction Career Advice/SuccessPsychology/Pursuit of Happiness/Self-Help

Davidson College (NC) Good Kings Bad KingsNussbaum, Susan2013

NovelDisability/Disease/Mental HealthFeminism/Sex Discrimination/WomenProtagonist Under 18

Delaware County Community College (PA)



Delaware Valley University (PA)

1984Orwell, George1949

NovelApocalyptic/Dystopian/Science FictionEthnic Cleansing/Genocide/Oppressive RegimesFilm/Television version exists

Des Moines Area Community College (IA)

Brain on Fire: My Month of MadnessCahalan, Susannah2012

MemoirDisability/Disease/Mental Health

Doane University (NH) FrankensteinShelley, Mary1818

NovelApocalyptic/Dystopian/Science FictionMedicine/Mortality

Drake University (IA) Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American CityDesmond, Matthew2016

NonfictionDrugs/Poverty

Duke University (NC) The Prince of Los Cocuyos: A Miami ChildhoodBlanco, Richard2014

MemoirArtists’ Lives/ArtsEthnic Identity/Sexual IdentityLatin American theme



Earlham College (IN) The Third Reconstruction: How A Moral Movement is Overcoming the Politics of Division and FearBarber, William J. with Jonathan Wilson Hartgrove2016

MemoirCivil Rights/Racism/SlaveryHumanitarianism/Social ActivismAfrican American theme

East Carolina University (NC) Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American CityDesmond, Matthew2016


East Stoudsburg University (PA)

The Glass Castle: A MemoirWalls, Jeannette2005

Memoir Drugs/Poverty Family Dysfunction/Separation

Eastern Mennonite University (VA)



Eastern Michigan University, Honors College (MI)

Brown Girl DreamingWoodson, Jacqueline2014

Memoir PoemCivil RightsAfrican American themeYoung Adult

Eckerd College (FL) Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American CityDesmond, Matthew2016


Edgewood College (WI) Acts of Faith: The Story of an American Muslim, the Struggle for the Soul of a GenerationPatel, Eboo2007

Memoir Humanitarianism/Social ActivismPhilosophy/Religion/Spirituality Muslim American theme

Edmonds Community College (WA)



Elizabeth City State University (NC)



Elms College (College of Our Lady of the Elms) (MA)

United: Thoughts on Finding Common Ground and Advancing the Common GoodBooker, Cory2016

Nonfiction PoliticsAfrican American theme

APPENDIX I | 91


Elon University (NC) Make Your Home Among StrangersCrucet, Jennine Capó 2015


Emory University (GA) FrankensteinShelley, Mary1818


Evergreen State College (WA) Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and RedemptionStevenson, Bryan2014


Fairfield University (CT) Multiple Short Readings Miscellaneous

Fairleigh Dickinson University (NJ)

FriendswoodSteinke, René2014

NovelAnimals/Environmentalism/NatureFeminism/Sex Discrimination/Women

Fairmont State University (WV)

ContactSagan, Carl1985


Fashion Institute of Technology (NY)

So You’ve Been Publicly ShamedRonson, Jon2015

Nonfiction Media/Science/Technology

Fashion Institute of Technology, Presidential Scholars Program (NY)

Behold the DreamersMbue, Imbolo2016

Novel Drugs/PovertyImmigration African theme

Fayetteville State University (NC)



Flagler College (FL) Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in CrisisVance, J. D.2016




Florida A & M University (FL) The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two FatesMoore, Wes2010

MemoirCrime and Punishment/PolicePovertyAfrican American theme

Florida College (FL) The Condensed Wealth of NationsSmith, Adam / Eamonn Butler1776/2011

NonfictionBusiness/Economics/Economy

Florida Gulf Coast University (FL)

March: Book OneLewis, John, Andrew Aydin, and Nate Powell2013


Florida International University (FL)

The Promise of a Pencil: How an Ordinary Person Can Create Extraordinary ChangeBraun, Adam2014

Memoir Humanitarianism/Social ActivismSelf-Help/Pursuit of Happiness

Florida State College at Jacksonville (FL)

Thinking in Pictures: My Life with AutismGrandin, Temple1995

Memoir Animals/Environmentalism/NatureDisability/Disease/Mental Health

Fort Lewis College (CO) Crazy Brave: A MemoirHarjo, Joy2012

MemoirArtists’ Lives/ArtsFamily Dysfunction/SeparationNative American themeProtagonist Under 18

Framingham State University (MA)

A Hope in the Unseen: An American Odyssey from the Inner City to the Ivy LeagueSuskind, Ron1998

NonfictionDrugs/PovertyEducationAfrican American themeProtagonist Under 18

Fullerton College (CA) Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and RedemptionStevenson, Bryan2014


Gannon University (PA) Dear Marcus: A Letter to the Man Who Shot MeMcGill, Jerry2009

MemoirCrime and Punishment/PoliceDisability/Disease/Mental HealthAfrican American theme

George Mason University (VA) Make Your Home Among StrangersCrucet, Jennine Capó 2015


APPENDIX I | 93


George Williams College of Aurora University (DC)

Trespassing Across America: One Man’s Epic, Never-Done-Before (and Sort of Illegal) Hike Across the HeartlandIlgunas, Ken2016

MemoirAnimals/Environmentalism/NatureHumanitarianism/Social Activism

Georgetown University (DC) The Illegal: A NovelHill, Lawrence2016

NovelImmigrationSportsAfrican theme

Georgia College & State University (GA)

Outcasts United: An American Town, a Refugee Team, and One Woman’s Quest to Make a DifferenceSt. John, Warren2009

BiographyImmigrationSportsMuslim American theme

Georgia Institute of Technology (GA)

Multiple Assignments Miscellaneous

Georgia State University (GA) Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and RedemptionStevenson, Bryan2014


Gettysburg College (PA) Station ElevenMandel, Emily St. John2015

NovelApocalyptic/Dystopian/Science FictionDisability/Disease/Mental Health

Glendale Community College (CA)

Orhan’s InheritanceOhanesian, Aline2015

Novel Dispossession/Emigration/ExileEthnic Cleansing/Genocide/Oppressive Regimes Islamic World theme

Good Samaritan College of Nursing and Health Science (OH)

Dreamland: The True Tale of America’s Opiate EpidemicQuinones, Sam2015

NonfictionDrugs/PovertyMedicine/Mortality

Goucher College (MD) Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and RedemptionStevenson, Bryan2014




Governors State University (IL) Between the World and MeCoates, Ta-Nehisi2015

MemoirCivil Rights/Racism/SlaveryCrime and Punishment/PoliceAfrican American theme

Grace College (IN) Love Kindness: Discover the Power of a Forgotten Christian VirtueCorey, Barry H.2016

NonfictionPhilosophy/Religion/Spirituality

Grand Valley State University (MI)

All the Single Ladies: Unmarried Women and the Rise of an Independent NationTraister, Rebecca2016

NonfictionFeminism/Sex Discrimination/Women

Green River College (WA) March: Book ThreeLewis, John, Andrew Aydin, and Nate Powell2016

MemoirCivil Rights African American themeGraphic work

Guilford College (NC) The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two FatesMoore, Wes2010


Gustavus Adolphus College (MN)

FrankensteinShelley, Mary1818


Hamline University (MN) Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and RedemptionStevenson, Bryan2014


Hampshire College (MA) Between the World and MeCoates, Ta-Nehisi2015


Harding University (AR) The Hiding PlaceTen Boom, Corrie1971

MemoirEthnic Cleansing/Genocide/Oppressive RegimesPhilosophy/Religion/SpiritualityEuropean theme

APPENDIX I | 95


Hartwick College (NY) Wine to Water: A Bartender’s Quest to Bring Clean Water to the WorldHendley, Doc2012

Nonfiction Animals/Environmentalism/NatureSocial Activism/HumanitarianismAfrican theme

Henderson State University (AR)

So You’ve Been Publicly ShamedRonson, Jon2015


Hesston College (KS) Blue Revolution: Unmaking America’s Water Crisis Barnett, Cynthia2011

NonfictionAnimals/Environmentalism/NatureHumanitarianism/Social Activism

High Point University (NC) How to Fly a Horse: The Secret History of Creation, Invention, and DiscoveryAshton, Kevin2015


Hilbert College (NY) Picking Cotton: Our Memoir of Injustice and RedemptionThompson-Cannino, Jennifer and Ronald Cotton and Erin Torneo2009

MemoirCrime and Punishment/PoliceAfrican American theme

Hillsdale College (MI) Founding Father: Rediscovering George WashingtonBrookhiser, Richard1996

BiographyAmerica/AmericansPsychology/Pursuit of Happiness/Self-Help

Hillsdale College (MI) Nicomachean EthicsAristotleCa. 350 BC


Hiram College (OH) The Handmaid’s TaleAtwood, Margaret 1985

NovelApocalyptic/Dystopian/Science Fiction Feminism/Sex Discrimination/WomenFilm/Television version exists

Hofstra University (NY) The Rise: Creativity, The Gift of Failure and the Search for MasteryLewis, Sarah2014

Nonfiction Psychology/Pursuit of Happiness/Self-Help



Holy Names University (CA) Make Your Home Among StrangersCrucet, Jennine Capó 2015


Hood College (MD) HomegoingGyasi, Yaa2016

NovelCivil Rights/Racism/SlaveryFeminism/Sex Discrimination/WomenAfrican themeAfrican American theme

Housatonic Community College (CT)

Crossing Borders: Personal EssaysTroncoso, Sergio2011

Memoir Ethnic Identity/Sexual IdentityImmigration Latin American theme

Illinois Central College (IL) The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing WorldTutu, Desmond and Dalai Lama2016

NonfictionPhilosophy/Religion/SpiritualityPsychology/Pursuit of Happiness/Self-HelpAfrican themeAsian theme

Illinois College (IL) DawnButler, Octavia1987

NovelApocalyptic/Dystopian/Science FictionAfrican American theme

Illinois Wesleyan University (IL)



Indiana University East (IN) The Girl in the Tangerine ScarfKarf, Mohja2006

Novel Feminism/Sex Dscrimination/WomenImmigration Islamic World themeAfrican American theme

Indiana University, Bloomington, Kelley School of Business (IN)

Door to Door: The Magnificent, Maddening, Mysterious World of TransportationHumes, Edward2016

Nonfiction Business/Economics/Economy Media/Science/Technology

APPENDIX I | 97


Indiana University, Northwest (IN)

Conflict is Not Abuse: Overstating Harm, Community Responsibility, and the Duty of RepairSchulman, Sarah2016

Nonfiction Humanitarianism/Social Activism Psychology/Pursuit of Happiness/Self-HelpIslamic World theme

Indiana University, Southeast (IN)



Ivy Tech Community College, Lawrence Campus (IN)



Jacksonville State University (FL)

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-TimeHaddon, Mark2003


Johns Hopkins University (MD)


Nonfiction ImmigrationMedia/Science/TechnologyLatin American themeProtagonist Under 18

Johnson County Community College (KS)



Johnson State College (VT) How to Be BlackThurston, Baratunde2012

NonfictionEthnic Identity/Sexual IdentityAfrican American theme

Juniata College (PA) The Handmaid’s TaleAtwood, Margaret 1985

NovelApocalyptic/Dystopian/Science Fiction Feminism/Sex Discrimination/WomenFilm/Television version exists

Kalamazoo College (MI) On Immunity: An InoculationBiss, Eula2014

NonfictionMedicine/MortalityPsychology/Pursuit of Happiness/Self-Help

Kansas State University (KS) The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-TimeHaddon, Mark2003




Kansas Wesleyan University (KS)

Rejection Proof: How I Beat Fear and Became Invincible through 100 Days of RejectionJiang, Jia2015

MemoirPsychology/Pursuit of Happiness/Self-HelpAsian American theme

Kent State University (OH) Everyday Ambassador: Make a Difference by Connecting in a Disconnected WorldOtto, Kate2015

NonfictionHumanitarianism/Social ActivismTechnology

Kentucky Wesleyan College (KY)



Knox College (IL) Make Your Home Among StrangersCrucet, Jennine Capó 2015


Lackawanna College (PA) Hot Dogs and Hamburgers: Unlocking Life’s Potential by Inspiring Literacy at Any AgeShindler, Rob2012

MemoirEducation Humanitarianism/Social Activism

Lafayette College (PA) Hope and Other Dangerous PursuitsLalami, Laila2005

NovelImmigrationIslamic World theme

Lansing Community College (MI)

Outliers: The Story of SuccessMalcolm Gladwell2008

Nonfiction Career Advice/Success

Lasell College (MA) The Boston Globe(6 month online subscription)2018

Newspaper

Lebanon Valley College (PA) Callings: The Purpose & Passion of WorkIsay, Dave2016

MemoirAmerica/Americans

Lehigh University (PA) Freedom Summer: The Savage Season of 1964 That Made Mississippi Burn and Made America a DemocracyWatson, Bruce2010


APPENDIX I | 99


Lehigh University (PA) The True American: Murder and Mercy in TexasGiridharadas, Anand2014

Nonfiction Civil Rights/Racism/SlaveryCrime and Punishment/Police Muslim American theme

Lenoir-Rhyne University (NC) The Underground RailroadWhitehead, Colson2016


Lewis University (IL) Do It Anyway: The New Generation of ActivistsMartin, Courtney2010

NonfictionHumanitarianism/Social Activism

Linfield College (OR) Multiple Short Readings Miscellaneous

Lock Haven University (PA) Between the World and MeCoates, Ta-Nehisi2015


Lone Star College Kingwood (TX)

The Invention of WingsKidd, Sue Monk2014

NovelCivil Rights/Racism/SlaveryFeminism/Sex Discrimination/WomenAfrican American theme

Long Island University (NY) Look Me In The Eye: My Life With Apsberger’sRobison, John Elder2007

MemoirDisability/Disease/Mental HealthFamily Dysfunction/Separation

Longwood University (VA) Every DayLevithan, David2012

NovelApocalyptic/Dystopian/Science FictionYoung AdultProtagonist Under 18

Loras College (IA) Blindspot: Hidden Biases of Good PeopleBanaji, Mahzarin R. and Anthony G. Greenwald2013

NonfictionPsychology/Pursuit of Happiness/Self-Help

Los Angeles Valley College (CA) How the Garcia Girls Lost Their AccentsAlvarez, Julia1991

Novel Feminism/Sex Discrimination/WomenImmigration Latin American theme

Louisiana State University, Ogden Honors College (LA)

Strangers in Their Own Land: Anger and Mourning on the American RightHochschild, Arlie Russell2016

NonfictionAmerica/AmericansDispossession/Emigration/Exile



Loyola Marymount University (CA)

SilenceEndo, Shusaku1966

Novel Ethnic Cleansing/Genocide/Oppressive Regimes Philosophy/Religion/SpiritualityAsian themeFilm/Television version exists

Loyola University Chicago (IL) Showdown: Thurgood Marshall and the Supreme Court Nomination That Changed AmericaHaygood, Wil2015

Nonfiction Civil Rights/Racism/SlaveryAfrican American theme

Loyola University Maryland (MD)



Luther College (IA) There Was and There Was Not: A Journey Through Hate and Possibility in Turkey, Armenia, and BeyondToumani, Meline2014

MemoirEthnic Cleansing/Genocide/Oppressive RegimesIslamic World theme

Lynchburg College (VA) All Quiet on the Western FrontRemarque, Erich Marica1929

NovelWarEuropean theme

Manhattanville College (NY) The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two FatesMoore, Wes2010


Mansfield University of Pennsylvania (PA)

Out of Sight: The Long and Disturbing Story of Corporations Outsourcing CatastropheLoomis, Erik2015

NonfictionBusiness/Economics/EconomyDrugs/Poverty

Marietta College (OH) Getting to the Heart of Interfaith: The Eye-Opening, Hope-Filled Friendship of a Pastor, a Rabbi, and an ImanFalcon, Ted, Don Mackenzie, and Jamal Raman2009


APPENDIX I | 101


Marist College (NY) The Distance Between UsGrande, Reyna2012

Memoir Family Dysfunction/SeparationImmigration Latin American themeProtagonist Under 18

Maryville University (MO) Freedom Summer: The Savage Season of 1964 That Made Mississippi Burn and Made America a DemocracyWatson, Bruce2010


Marywood University (PA) A Good Man, Rediscovering My Father, Sargent ShriverShriver, Mark2012

NonfictionHumanitarianism/Social Activism

Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MA)

Weeping Under This Same MoonLaiz, Jana2008

Novel Humanitarianism/Social ActivismImmigration Southeast Asian theme

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MA)

AmericanahAdichie, Chimamanda Ngozi2013

Novel Civil Rights/Racism/Slavery ImmigrationAfrican themeAfrican American theme

Massasoit Community College (MA)

Breath, Eyes, MemoryDanticat, Edwidge1994

NovelFeminism/Sex Dscrimination/WomenImmigrationAfrican theme [African Diaspora]

MassBay Community College (MA)

Civilianized: A Young Veteran’s MemoirAnthony, Michael2016

MemoirDisability/Disease/Mental HealthDrugs/PovertyIraq War theme

Medaille College (NY) The Art of Racing in the Rain Stein, Garth2008

NovelAnimals/Environmentalism/NatureDisability/Disease/Mental Health



Menlo College (CA) The Handmaid’s TaleAtwood, Margaret 1985

Novel Apocalyptic/Dystopian/Science FictionFeminism/Sex Discrimination/Women Film/Television version exists

Meredith College (NC) Casebook on Social Media Miscellaneous

Messiah College (PA) The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two FatesMoore, Wes2010


Metropolitan State University of Denver (CO)

In the Country We Love: My Family DividedGuerrero, Michelle2016

MemoirImmigrationLatin American theme

Miami University (OH) Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in CrisisVance, J. D.2016


Michigan State University (MI) A Long Way HomeBrierley, Saroo2013

MemoirFamily Dysfunction/SeparationMedia/Science/TechnologySouth Asian themeFilm/Television version exists

Michigan Technological University (MI)

Born on a Blue Day: Inside the Extraordinary Mind of an Autistic SavantTammet, Daniel2007

MemoirDisability/Disease/Mental HealthEuropean theme

Middle Tennessee State University (TN)



Midlands Technical College (SC)

March: Book OneLewis, John, Andrew Aydin, and Nate Powell2013

MemoirCivil Rights/Racism/SlaveryGraphic workAfrican American theme

Millersville University (PA) All American BoysReynolds, Jason and Brandon Kiely2015

NovelCivil Rights/Racism/SlaveryCrime and Punishment/PoliceAfrican American theme Young Adult

APPENDIX I | 103


Minnesota State University, Mankato (MN)

Out of Chaos: Reflections of a University President and his Contemporaries on Vietnam-Era Unrest in Mankato and its Relevance TodayNickerson, James F.2006

MemoirEducation

Mississippi State University (MS)

The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two FatesMoore, Wes2010


Mississippi University for Women (MS)

Persepolis: The Story of a ChildhoodSatrapi, Marjane2000

Memoir Dispossession/Emigration/ExileEthnic Cleansing/Genocide/Oppressive Regimes Islamic World themeGraphic work

Missouri State University (MO) The Good Food Revolution: Growing Healthy Food, People, and Communities Allen, Will2012


Mitchell College (CT) Callings: The Purpose & Passion of WorkIsay, Dave2016


Molloy College (NY) The Book of Unknown AmericansHenriquez, Cristina2014


Montana State University (MT) Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and RedemptionStevenson, Bryan2014


Montcalm Community College (MI)

The Glass Castle: A MemoirWalls, Jeannette2005

Memoir Drugs/Poverty Family Dysfunction/Separation

Moraine Valley Community College (IL)

We Believe You: Survivors of Campus Sexual Assault Speak OutClark, Annie E., and Andrea L. Pino2016

MemoirFeminism/Sex Discrimination/Women



Moravian College (PA) Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the EndGawande, Atul2014

Nonfiction Medicine/Mortality

Moreno Valley College (CA) Lives in Limbo: Undocumented and Coming of Age in AmericaGonzales, Roberto G.2015

NonfictionImmigrationLatin American theme

Morningside College (IA) ColouredRajakumar, Mohanalakshmi2011

Short StoriesEthnic Identity/Sexual IdentityImmigrationSouth Asian theme

Mount Aloysius College (PA) March: Book ThreeLewis, John, Andrew Aydin, and Nate Powell2016

MemoirCivil Rights/Racism/Slavery African American theme Graphic work

Mount Holyoke College (MA) Citizen: An American LyricRankine, Claudia2014


Nash Community College (NC) The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two FatesMoore, Wes2010


Nassau Community College (NY)

Shakespeare Saved My Life: Ten Years in Solitary with the BardBates, Laura2013

MemoirCrime and Punishment/PoliceEducation

New York University (Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development) (NY)

Outcasts United: An American Town, a Refugee Team, and One Woman’s Quest to Make a DifferenceSt. John, Warren2009

BiographyImmigrationSportsMuslim American theme

New York University, College of Arts and Sciences (NY)

AmericanahAdichie, Chimamanda Ngozi2013

NovelCivil Rights/Racism/SlaveryImmigrationAfrican theme African American theme

New York University, Tandon School of Engineering (NY)



APPENDIX I | 105


North Carolina A&T State University (NC)

The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of ColorblindnessAlexander, Michelle 2009


North Carolina State University (NC)



North Central College (IL) Becoming a Learner: Realizing the Opportunity of Education Sanders, Matthew L.2012

Nonfiction Career Advice/Success

North Idaho College (ID) Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and RedemptionStevenson, Bryan2014


North Iowa Area Community College (IA)



Northeastern State University (OK)

Callings: The Purpose & Passion of WorkIsay, Dave2016


Northeastern University (MA) Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and RedemptionStevenson, Bryan2014


Northern Arizona University (AZ)

Designing Your Life: How to Build a Well-Lived, Joyful LifeEvans, Dale and Bill Burnett2016

Nonfiction Psychology/Pursuit of Happiness/Self-Help

Northern Illinois University (IL)

Make Your Home Among StrangersCrucet, Jennine Capó 2015


Northern Kentucky University (KY)

The Distance Between UsGrande, Reyna2012

Memoir Family Dysfunction/SeparationImmigration Latin American themeProtagonist Under 18



Northern State University (Honors Program) (SD)

Salt to the SeaSepetys, Ruta2016

Novel Feminism/Sex Discrimination/WomenWar Young Adult

Northwestern University (IL) Our Declaration: A Reading of the Declaration of Independence in Defense of EqualityAllen, Danielle2014

Nonfiction Philosophy/Religion/Spirituality

Northwood University (MI) Irrational Persistence: Seven Secrets That Turned a Bankrupt Startup into a $231,000,000 BusinessZilko, Dave2016

MemoirBusiness/Economics/EconomyCareer Advice/Success

Norwalk Community College (CT)

LotteryWood, Patricia2007

NovelDisability/Disease/Mental Health

Notre Dame of Maryland University (MD)

The NightingaleHannah, Kristen2015

Novel Feminism/Sex Discrimination/Women War

Occidental College (CA) Weapons of Math Destruction: How Big Data Increases Inequality and Threatens DemocracyO’ Neil, Cathy2016

Nonfiction Civil Rights/Racism/SlaveryMedia/Science/Technology

Ohio Northern University (OH) The CircleEggers, Dave2013


Ohio State University (OH) Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and RedemptionStevenson, Bryan2014


Oklahoma City University (OK) A. D.: New Orleans After the DelugeNeufeld, Josh2009

NovelDisasters Hurricane Katrina themeGraphic work

Oregon State University, Cascades (OR)

The Moth Presents All These Wonders: True Stories About Facing the UnknownBurns, Catherine, ed.2017

Memoir

APPENDIX I | 107


Otterbein University (OH) Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and RedemptionStevenson, Bryan2014


Owensboro Community and Technical College (KY)

The CircleEggers, Dave2013


Owensboro Community and Technical College (KY)

The Next Time You See MeJones, Holly Goddard2013

NovelAmerica/AmericansCrime and Punishment/Police

Pacific Lutheran University (WA)



Pellissippi State Community College (TN)

An Illustrated Book of Bad ArgumentsAlmossawi, Ali2014

Nonfiction Pursuit of Happiness/Psychology/Self-HelpYoung Adult

Pennsylvania State University, Altoona (PA)

Tribe: On Homecoming & BelongingJunger, Sebastian2016

Nonfiction Psychology/Pursuit of Happiness/Self-Help War

Pennsylvania State University, Berks (PA)

A Girl Named NinaTamayo, Norma2013

Novel Drugs/Poverty Family Dysfunction/SeparationLatin American themeYoung Adult

Pennsylvania State University, Brandywine (PA)

It’s What I Do: A Photographer’s Life of Love and WarAddario, Lynsey2015

Memoir Feminism/Sex Discrimination/Women War

Pennsylvania State University, New Kensington (PA)

Weaponized Lies: How to Think Critically in the Post-Truth EraLevitin, Daniel2016

Nonfiction Media/Science/TechnologyPolitics

Pennsylvania State University, University Park (PA)

It’s What I Do: A Photographer’s Life of Love and WarAddario, Lynsey2015

Memoir Feminism/Sex Discrimination/Women War



Piedmont Virginia Community College (VA)



Pierce College (CA) Enrique’s Journey: The Story of a Boy’s Dangerous Odyssey to Reunite with His MotherNazario, Sonia2006

Biography Family Dysfunction/SeparationImmigration Latin American themeProtagonist Under 18

Pomona College (CA) Strangers in Their Own Land: Anger and Mourning on the American RightHochschild, Arlie Russell2016

NonfictionAmerica/AmericansDispossession/Emigration/Exile

Princeton University (NJ) What is Populism?Müller, Jan-Werner2016

NonfictionPolitics

Providence College (RI) Spare Parts: Four Undocumented Teenagers, One Ugly Robot, and the Battle for the American DreamDavis, Joshua2014


Purdue University Northwest (IN)

Garbology: Our Dirty Love Affair with TrashHumes, Edward2012

NonfictionAnimals/Environmentalism/Nature

Queens University of Charlotte (NC)

Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never SeenMcDougall, Christopher2009

Nonfiction Medicine/MortalitySports Latin American theme

Quinsigamond Community College (MA)

The Hero’s Body: A MemoirGiraldi, William2016

MemoirEthnic Identity/Sexual Identity

Ramapo College (NJ) So You’ve Been Publicly ShamedRonson, Jon2015


APPENDIX I | 109


Raritan Valley Community College (NJ)

When the Emperor Was DivineOtsuka, Julie2002

Novel Dispossession/Emigration/Exile Imprisonment/InternmentAsian American theme

Reedley College (CA) The Immortal Life of Henrietta LacksSkloot, Rebecca2010


Regis College (MA) A Man Called OveBackman, Fredrik2012

NovelDisability/Disease/Mental HealthEuropean theme

Regis College, Boston (MA) Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless CompassionBoyle, Gregory2009


Rhode Island College (RI) Between the World and MeCoates, Ta-Nehisi2015


Rider University (NJ) Born a Crime: Stories from a South African ChildhoodNoah, Trevor2016


Rocky Mountain College (MT) Don’t Trust Don’t Fear Don’t Beg - The Extraordinary Story of the Arctic 30Stewart, Ben2015

NonfictionAnimals/Environmentalism/NatureHumanitarianism/Social ActivismEuropean theme

Roger Williams University (RI) “Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?” and Other Conversations About RaceTatum, Beverly Daniel1997


Rollins College (FL) Between the World and MeCoates, Ta-Nehisi2015


Rosemont College (PA) Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and RedemptionStevenson, Bryan2014




Rowan University (NJ) The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural HistoryKolbert, Elizabeth2014


Rutgers University, Douglass Residential College (NJ)


Novel Dispossession/Emigration/Exile Imprisonment/InternmentAsian American theme

Rutgers University, School of Arts and Science Honors Program (NJ)

HomegoingGyasi, Yaa2016


Sacred Heart University (CT) Multiple Short Readings Miscellaneous

Saddleback College (CA) Undocumented: A Dominican Boy’s Odyssey From a Homeless Shelter to the Ivy LeaguePeralta, Dan-el Padilla2015

Memoir EducationImmigration Latin American theme

Saint Bonaventure University (NY)

Nobody: Casualties of America’s War on the Vulnerable, from Ferguson to Flint and BeyondHill, Marc Lamont2016

NonfictionCivil Rights/Racism/SlaveryDrugs/PovertyAfrican American theme

Saint Cloud State University (MN)

Citizen: An American LyricRankine, Claudia2014


Saint Edward’s University (TX) Detained and Deported: Stories of Immigrant Families Under FireRegan, Margaret2015

Nonfiction Humanitarianism/Social Activism ImmigrationLatin American theme

Saint Francis University (PA) The Immortal Life of Henrietta LacksSkloot, Rebecca2010


APPENDIX I | 111


Saint John’s University (NY) Why Forgive?Arnold, Johann Christoph2010

NonfictionPhilosophy/Religion/SpiritualityPsychology/Pursuit of Happiness/Self-Help

Saint Louis University (MO) Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and RedemptionStevenson, Bryan2014


Saint Mary’s College of California (CA)

Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless CompassionBoyle, Gregory2009


Saint Michael’s College (VT) Between the World and MeCoates, Ta-Nehisi2015


Saint Peter’s University (NJ) The Art of Work: A Proven Path to Discovering What You Were Meant to DoGoins, Jeff2015


Salem State University (MA) Bad FeministGay, Roxane2014

NonfictionFeminism/Sex Discrimination/WomenAfrican American theme

Salisbury University (MD) SulaMorrison, Toni1973

Novel Ethnic Identity/Sexual Identity Feminism/Sex Discrimination/WomenAfrican American theme

Sam Houston State University (TX)

The Good Food Revolution: Growing Healthy Food, People, and Communities Allen, Will2012


San Jose State University (CA) Hot Dogs and Hamburgers: Unlocking Life’s Potential by Inspiring Literacy at Any AgeShindler, Rob2012

Memoir Education Humanitarianism/Social Activism



Santa Barbara City College (CA)

Into The Beautiful NorthUrrea, Luis Alberto2009

Novel Feminism/Sex Discrimination/Women ImmigrationLatin American theme

Seattle University (WA) Notes from No Man’s Land: American EssaysBiss, Eula2009


Seton Hall University (NJ) Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space RaceShetterly, Margot Lee2016


Shawnee State University (OH) A Hope More Powerful than the Sea: One Refugee’s Incredible Story of Love, Loss, and Survival Fleming, Melissa2017

NonfictionDispossession/Emigration/ExileWarIslamic World theme

Shepherd University (WV) Breaking Night: A Memoir of Forgiveness, Survival, and My Journey from Homeless to HarvardMurray, Liz2010

MemoirDrugs/PovertyFamily Dysfunction/SeparationProtagonist Under 18

Siena College (NY) FrankensteinGrimly, Gris2013

NovelApocalyptic/Dystopian/Science FictionMedicine/MortalityGraphic work

Siena Heights University (MI) We Should All Be FeministsAdichie, Chimamanda Ngozi2014

NonfictionFeminism/Sex Discrimination/WomenAfrican theme

Skidmore College (NY) The Book that Changed America: How Darwin’s Theory of Evolution Ignited a NationFuller, Randall2017

Nonfiction Media/Science/Technology Philosophy/Religion/Spirituality

APPENDIX I | 113


Smith College (MA) The Book of Unknown AmericansHenriquez, Cristina2014


Somerset Community College (KY)



South Dakota State University (Van D. and Barbara B. Fishback Honors College) (SD)

How Does It Feel To Be A Problem? Being Young and Arab in AmericaBayoumi, Moustafa 2008

BiographyCivil Rights/Racism/SlaveryMuslim American theme

Southeastern Louisiana University (LA)

Signs Preceding the End of the WorldHerrera, Yuri2015

Novel Crime and Punishment/Police ImmigrationLatin American theme

Southern Methodist University (TX)

Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American CityDesmond, Matthew2016


Stanford University (CA) HomegoingGyasi, Yaa2016


Stanford University (CA) Salvage the BonesWard, Jesmyn2010

NovelDisastersFamily Dysfunction/SeparationAfrican American themeHurricane Katrina theme

Stanford University (CA) The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural HistoryKolbert, Elizabeth2014


Stevens Institute of Technology (NJ)



Stockton University (NJ) Trust Me, I’m Lying: Confessions of a Media ManipulatorHoliday, Ryan2012

NonfictionMedia/Science/Technology



Stony Brook University (NY) Spare Parts: Four Undocumented Teenagers, One Ugly Robot, and the Battle for the American DreamDavis, Joshua2014


SUNY Brockport (NY) The Work: My Search for a Life That MattersMoore, Wes2015

MemoirHumanitarianism/Social ActivismAfrican American theme

SUNY Cortland (NY) We Should All Be FeministsAdichie, Chimamanda Ngozi2014

NonfictionFeminism/Sex Discrimination/WomenAfrican theme

SUNY Old Westbury (NY) Undocumented: A Dominican Boy’s Odyssey From a Homeless Shelter to the Ivy LeaguePeralta, Dan-el Padilla2015

Memoir EducationImmigration Latin American theme

SUNY Oneonta (NY) Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space RaceShetterly, Margot Lee2016


SUNY Onondaga Community College (NY)

God Grew Tired of Us: A Memoir Bul Dau, John and Michael S. Sweeney2007

MemoirDispossession/Emigration/Exile Ethnic Cleansing/Genocide/Oppressive RegimesAfrican theme

SUNY Oswego (NY) Shrill: Notes from a Loud WomanWest, Lindy2016

MemoirFeminism/Sex Discrimination/WomenHumanitarianism/Social Activism

Susquehanna University (PA) Multiple Readings Miscellaneous

Tennessee Tech University (TN)

This I Believe II: More Personal Philosophies of Remarkable Men and WomenAllison, Jay and Dan Gediman2008

Nonfiction Religion/Philosophy/SpiritualityNPR theme

APPENDIX I | 115


Texas A & M International University (TX)

A Backpack, a Bear, and Eight Crates of Vodka: A MemoirGolinkin, Lev2014

MemoirDispossession/Emigration/ExileEuropean themeProtagonist Under 18

Texas A & M University (TX) Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space RaceShetterly, Margot Lee2016


Texas A & M University, San Antonio (TX)



Texas A & M University, Texarkana (TX)

The Demon-Haunted World: Science as a Candle in the DarkSagan, Carl1995


Texas Christian University (TX)

Laughing Without an Accent: Adventures of a Global CitizenDumas, Firoozeh2008

MemoirImmigrationIslamic World theme

Texas State University (TX) Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and RedemptionStevenson, Bryan2014


Texas Woman’s University (TX)

My Beloved WorldSotomayor, Sonia2013

MemoirCareer Advice/SuccessLatin American theme

The Citadel (SC) A Few Good MenSorkin, Aaron1990

Play Crime and Punishment/PoliceWar Film/Television version exists

The College of New Jersey (NJ) No Apparent Distress: A Doctor’s Coming-of-Age on the Front Lines of American MedicinePearson, Rachel2017

Memoir Drugs/Poverty Medicine/Mortality

The King’s College (NY) Hard TimesDickens, Charles1854

NovelDrugs/PovertyFamily Dysfunction/SeparationEuropean theme



The King’s College (NY) The Lame Shall Enter FirstO’Conner, Flannery1965

Short Story Medicine/Mortality Philosophy/Religion/Spirituality

Thomas College (ME) Until We Are Free: My Fight for Human Rights in IranEbadi, Shirin2016

MemoirEthnic Cleansing/Genocide/Oppressive RegimesIslamic World theme

Tiffin University (OH) This I Believe: Life LessonsGediman, Dan and Mary Jo Gediman2011


Trine University (IN) Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space RaceShetterly, Margot Lee2016


Trinity University (TX) Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American CityDesmond, Matthew2016


Tufts University (MA) The Outrage Industry: Political Opinion Media and the New IncivilityBerry, Jeffrey M. and Sarah Sobieraj2014

NonfictionMedia /Science/TechnologyPolitics

Tulane University (LA) Between the World and MeCoates, Ta-Nehisi2015


University of Alabama, Birmingham (AL)

Ubuntu!: An Inspiring Story About an African Tradition of Teamwork and CollaborationLundin, Stephen and Bob Nelson2010

NovelCareer Advice/SuccessPhilosophy/Religion/SpiritualityAfrican theme

University of Alabama, Honors College (AL)

Orphan TrainKline, Christina Baker2013

NovelFamily Dysfunction/SeparationNative American theme

University of Alaska, Anchorage (AK)

Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet: A NovelFord, Jamie2009

NovelEmigration/ExileWarAsian American theme

APPENDIX I | 117


University of Alaska, Anchorage (AK)

The Color of Water: A Black Man’s Tribute to His White MotherMcBride, James1995

MemoirFamily Dysfunction/SeparationCivil Rights/Racism/SlaveryAfrican American theme

University of Alaska, Southeast (AK)

Station ElevenMandel, Emily St. John2015


University of Arizona (Honors College) (AZ)



University of Arkansas (AR) The Book of Unknown AmericansHenriquez, Cristina2014


University of California, Berkeley (CA)

HamiltonMiranda, Lin Manuel2015

MusicalAmerica/AmericansImmigrationAfrican American theme

University of California, Davis (CA)

Redefining Realness: My Path to Womanhood, Identity, Love & So Much MoreMock, Charles [Janet]2014

MemoirEthnic Identity/Sexual IdentityAfrican American themePacific Islander theme

University of California, Los Angeles (CA)

The Best We Could Do: An Illustrated MemoirBui, Thi2017

MemoirDispossession/Emigration/ExileImmigration Asian American theme Graphic work

University of California, Merced (CA)

Air: The Restless Shaper of the WorldLogan, William Bryant2012

Nonfiction Animals/Environmentalism/Nature

University of California, Santa Barbara (CA)

Into The Beautiful NorthUrrea, Luis Alberto2009

NovelFeminism/Sex Discrimination/Women ImmigrationLatin American theme



University of California, Santa Cruz, Cowell College (CA)

Island of a Thousand MirrorsMunaweera, Nayomi2014

Novel Dispossession/Emigration/ExileWar South Asian theme


March: TrilogyLewis, John, Andrew Aydin, and Nate Powell2016

MemoirCivil Rights/Racism/SlaveryAfrican American theme Graphic work


UnflatteningSousanis, Nick2015

NonfictionPhilosophy/Religion/SpiritualityGraphic work

University of California, Santa Cruz, Crown College (CA)

BloodchildButler, Octavia E.1984

Short StoryApocalyptic/Dystopian/Science FictionFeminism/Sex Discrimination/Women


Mono no AwareLiu, Ken2012

Short StoryApocalyptic/Dystopian/Science FictionMedicine/Mortality


The Girl Who Was Plugged InTiptree, James, Jr. [Alice Bradley Sheldon]1974

Short StoryApocalyptic/Dystopian/Science FictionFeminism/Sex Discrimination/Women

University of California, Santa Cruz, Kresge College (CA)

Multiple Short Readings Miscellaneous

University of California, Santa Cruz, Merrill College (CA)

The New York Times2017

Newspaper

University of California, Santa Cruz, Oakes College (CA)

The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of ColorblindnessAlexander, Michelle 2009


University of California, Santa Cruz, Porter College (CA)

The Idea of a MultiversityKerr, Clark1963

EssayEducation

University of California, Santa Cruz, Porter College (CA)

Why is Art so Boring?Noe, Alva2016

EssayArtists’ Lives/Arts

APPENDIX I | 119


University of California, Santa Cruz, Rachel Carson College (CA)

Grapes of WrathSteinbeck, John1939

Novel Dispossession/Emigration/ExileDrugs/Poverty

University of California, Santa Cruz, Rachel Carson College (CA)

Under the Sea Wind: A Naturalist’s Picture of Ocean Life Carson, Rachel1941


University of California, Santa Cruz, Stevenson College (CA)

Existentialism Is a HumanismSartre, Jean Paul1946

EssayPhilosophy/Religion/Spirituality

University of Central Florida (FL)

High Price: A Neuroscientist’s Journey of Self-Discovery That Challenges Everything You Know About Drugs and SocietyHart, Carl2013

Memoir Drugs/Poverty Medicine/MortalityAfrican American theme

University of Central Missouri (MO)

Children of the New WorldWeinstein, Alexander2016

Short StoriesApocalyptic/Dystopian/Science FictionMedia/Science/Technology

University of Cincinnati (OH) Look Me In The Eye: My Life With Apsberger’sRobison, John Elder2007

MemoirDisability/Disease/Mental HealthFamily Dysfunction/Separation

University of Connecticut (CT) The RefugeesNguyen, Viet Thanh2017


University of Connecticut, Stamford (CT)

The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar WaoDíaz, Junot2007

Novel Ethnic Cleansing/Genocide/Oppressive Regimes Ethnic Identity/Sexual IdentityLatin American theme

University of Delaware (DE) The Underground RailroadWhitehead, Colson2016


University of Denver (CO) Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in CrisisVance, J. D.2016




University of Evansville, Honors Program (IN)



University of Florida (FL) Hidden America: From Coal Miners to Cowboys, an Extraordinary Exploration of the Unseen People W ho Make This Country WorkLaskas, Jeanne Marie2012

NonfictionAmerica/Americans

University of Houston (TX) Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space RaceShetterly, Margot Lee2016


University of Houston, Clear Lake (TX)



University of Houston, Downtown (TX)

My Grandfather Would Have Shot Me: A Black Woman Discovers Her Family’s Nazi PastTeege, Jennifer, and Nikola Sellmair2015

MemoirCivil Rights/Racism/SlaveryEthnic Cleansing/Genocide/Oppressive RegimesAfrican theme [African Diaspora]European theme

University of Idaho (ID) Mistakes Were Made (But Not By Me): Why We Justify Foolish Beliefs, Bad Decisions, and Hurtful ActsTavris, Carol and Elliot Aronson2007


University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign (IL)

Ms. Marvel #1: No NormalWilson, G. Willow2014

NovelApocalyptic/Dystopian/Science Fiction Islamic World themeGraphic work

APPENDIX I | 121


University of Iowa (IA) The Butterfly Mosque: A Young American Woman’s Journey to Love and IslamWilson, G. Willow2010

MemoirPhilosophy/Religion/SpiritualityIslamic World theme

University of Kansas (KS) Citizen: An American LyricRankine, Claudia2014


University of La Verne (CA) The RefugeesNguyen, Viet Thanh2017


University of Louisiana, Monroe (LA)

This I Believe: The Personal Philosophies of Remarkable Men and WomenAllison, Jay and Dan Gediman2006


University of Louisville (KY) Hidden America: From Coal Miners to Cowboys, an Extraordinary Exploration of the Unseen People Who Make This Country WorkLaskas, Jeanne Marie2012

Nonfiction America/Americans

University of Maine, Honors College (ME)

The Reluctant Fundamentalist Hamid, Mohsin2007

NovelImmigrationMuslim American themeFilm/Television version exists

University of Mary Washington (VA)



University of Maryland, Baltimore County (MD)

Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women WorldwideKristof, Nicholas and Sheryl WuDunn2008

Nonfiction Feminism/Sex Discrimination/Women Humanitarianism/Social ActivismAfrican themeAsian theme



University of Maryland, College Park (MD)

March: Book ThreeLewis, John, Andrew Aydin, and Nate Powell2016


University of Maryland, Eastern Shore (MD)


Novel Dispossession/Emigration/ExileImprisonment/Internment Asian American theme

University of Massachusetts, Amherst (MA)



University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth (MA)

Selections from Thisibelieve.org Miscellaneous

University of Michigan (Engineering) (MI)



University of Michigan, Flint (MI)

We Need New NamesBulawayo, NoViolet2013

NovelEthnic Cleansing/Genocide/Oppressive RegimesImmigrationAfrican theme

University of Minnesota, College of Education and Human Development (MN)



University of Mississippi (MS) Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and RedemptionStevenson, Bryan2014


University of Missouri, Honors College (MO)

The Round HouseErdrich, Louise2012

Novel Civil Rights/Racism/Slavery Crime and Punishment/PoliceNative American theme

University of Montana, Missoula (MT)

Lentil Underground: Renegade Farmers and the Future of Food in AmericaCarlisle, Liz2015

Nonfiction Animals/Environmentalism/Nature Food

http://Thisibelieve.org

APPENDIX I | 123


University of Mount Olive (NC) Tough as They ComeMills, Travis2016

Memoir Disability/Disease/Mental Health WarAfghanistan War theme

University of Nebraska Omaha (NE)



University of New Mexico (NM)



University of New Orleans (LA) Callings: The Purpose & Passion of WorkIsay, Dave2016


University of North Carolina, Asheville (NC)

Make Your Home Among StrangersCrucet, Jennine Capó 2015

Novel Coming of Age ImmigrationLatin American theme

University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill (NC)

How Does It Feel To Be A Problem? Being Young and Arab in AmericaBayoumi, Moustafa 2008

BiographyCivil Rights/Racism/SlaveryMuslim American theme

University of North Carolina, Charlotte (NC)

The Book of Unknown AmericansHenriquez, Cristina2014


University of North Carolina, Greensboro (NC)

Behind the Beautiful Forevers: Life, Death, and Hope in a Mumbai UndercityBoo, Katherine2012

NonfictionDrugs/PovertySouth Asian theme

University of Oregon (OR) The Round HouseErdrich, Louise2012

Novel Civil Rights/Racism/Slavery Crime and Punishment/PoliceNative American theme



University of Pennsylvania (PA)

The Innovators: How a Group of Hackers, Geniuses, and Geeks Created the Digital RevolutionIsaacson, Walter2014


University of Portland (OR) The Immortal Life of Henrietta LacksSkloot, Rebecca2010


University of Rhode Island (RI) The New Science of Learning: How to Learn in Harmony With Your BrainDoyle, Terry and Todd Zakrajsek2013

Nonfiction Media/Science/Technology Psychology/Pursuit of Happiness/Self-Help

University of Richmond (VA) The Faithful Scribe: A Story of Islam, Pakistan, Family and War Mufti, Shahan2013

NonfictionInternational HistoryIslamic World theme

University of San Diego (CA) Between the World and MeCoates, Ta-Nehisi2015


University of Scranton (PA) The Jesuit Guide to (Almost) EverythingMartin, James2010


University of South Alabama (AL)



University of South Carolina (SC)



University of South Carolina, Aiken (SC)

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time IndianAlexie, Sherman2007

Novel Disability/Disease/Mental HealthDrugs/Poverty Native American themeYoung Adult

APPENDIX I | 125


University of South Carolina, Beaufort (SC)



University of South Carolina, Upstate (SC)

The Fire This Time: A New Generation Speaks about Race Ward, Jesmyn, ed.2016

NonfictionCivil Rights/Racism/SlaveryEthnic Identity/Sexual IdentityAfrican American theme

University of South Florida, Sarasota Manatee (FL)

A Long Way HomeBrierley, Saroo2013

MemoirFamily Dysfunction/SeparationMedia/Science/TechnologySouth Asian themeFilm/Television version exists

University of Southern Mississippi (MS)

Undocumented: A Dominican Boy’s Odyssey From a Homeless Shelter to the Ivy LeaguePeralta, Dan-el Padilla2015

Memoir Education ImmigrationLatin American theme

University of Tennessee, Chattanooga (TN)



University of Tennessee, Knoxville (TN)

Station ElevenMandel, Emily St. John2015


University of Texas, Austin (TX)

Multiple Choices Miscellaneous

University of Texas, Tyler (TX) Garbology: Our Dirty Love Affair with TrashHumes, Edward2012


University of the South (TN) Between the World and MeCoates, Ta-Nehisi2015


University of Toledo (OH) Callings: The Purpose & Passion of WorkIsay, Dave2016




University of Utah, Honors College (UT)

Exit WestHamid, Mohsin2017

NovelDispossession/Emigration/ExileImmigrationIslamic World theme

University of Vermont (VT) A Deadly Wandering: A Tale of Tragedy and Redemption in the Age of AttentionRichtel, Matt2014

Nonfiction Humanitarianism/Social Activism Media/Science/Technology

University of Virginia, Curry School of Education (VA)

“Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria?” and Other Conversations About RaceTatum, Beverly Daniel1997


University of Virginia (School of Engineering & Applied Science) (VA)

Lab GirlJahren, Hope2016

Memoir Feminism/Sex Discrimination/Women Media/Science/Technology

University of Wisconsin, Madison (WI)



University of Wisconsin, Madison, Chadbourne Residential College (WI)

Funny in Farsi: A Memoir of Growing up Iranian in AmericaDumas, Firoozeh2003

MemoirImmigrationMuslim American theme

University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee (WI)

Real Patriots Ask QuestionsSagan, Carl and Ann Druyan1996

EssayPhilosophy/Religion/Spirituality

University of Wisconsin, Whitewater (University Honors Program) (WI)

The Impossible Will Take a Little While: Perseverance and Hope in Troubled TimesLoeb, Paul2004


Utah State University (UT) When Breath Becomes AirKalanithi, Paul2016

MemoirMedicine/Mortality

Utah Valley University (UT) Doctor FaustusMarlowe, Christopher1592

PlayPhilosophy/Religion/Spirituality

APPENDIX I | 127


Utah Valley University (UT) The Boys in the Boat: Nine Americans and Their Epic Quest for Gold at the 1936 Berlin OlympicsBrown, Daniel James2013

NonfictionSports

Vanderbilt University (TN) Strong InsideMaraniss, Andrew2014

Nonfiction Civil Rights/Racism/SlaverySportsAfrican American theme

Ventura College (CA) Make Your Home Among StrangersCrucet, Jennine Capó 2015


Villanova University (PA) Acts of Faith: The Story of an American Muslim, the Struggle for the Soul of a GenerationPatel, Eboo2007

Memoir Humanitarianism/Social ActivismPhilosophy/Religion/Spirituality Muslim American theme

Virginia Commonwealth University (VA)

Dreamland: The True Tale of America’s Opiate EpidemicQuinones, Sam2015

NonfictionDrugs/PovertyMedicine/Mortality

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (VA)



Virginia Wesleyan College (VA) Above Us Only SkyYoung-Stone, Michele2015

NovelEthnic Cleansing/Genocide/Oppressive RegimesFamily Dysfunction/SeparationEuropean themeProtagonist Under 18

Wagner College (NY) Between the World and MeCoates, Ta-Nehisi2015


Wake Forest University (NC) Multiple Selections Miscellaneous

Wallace State Community College (AL)

Cycle of Hope: A Journey from Paralysis to PossibilityDowning, Tricia2010

MemoirDisability/Disease/Mental HealthSports



Wartburg College (IA) Martin Luther: A Very Short IntroductionHendrix, Scott H.2010

NonfictionPhilosophy/Religion/SpiritualityInternational HistoryEuropean theme

Washburn University (KS) The River of Doubt: Theodore Roosevelt’s Darkest JourneyMillard, Candice2005

BiographyAmerica/Americans

Washington and Lee University (VA)

Our Declaration: A Reading of the Declaration of Independence in Defense of EqualityAllen, Danielle2014


Washington College (MD) Trace: Memory, History, Race, and the American LandscapeSavoy, Lauret2015

NonfictionCivil Rights/Racism/Slavery

Washington State University (WA)



Washington State University Vancouver (WA)



Washington University in St. Louis (MO)

FrankensteinShelley, Mary1818


Wesleyan University (CT) Citizen: An American LyricRankine, Claudia2014


West Kentucky Community and Technical College (KY)

The Age of MiraclesWalker, Karen Thompson2012

NovelApocalyptic/Dystopian/Science FictionFamily Dysfunction/SeparationProtagonist Under 18

West Los Angeles College (CA) The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of ColorblindnessAlexander, Michelle 2009

Nonfiction Civil Rights/Racism/Slavery Crime and Punishment/PoliceAfrican American theme

APPENDIX I | 129


West Texas A&M University (TX)



West Virginia University (WV) Hidden Figures: The American Dream and the Untold Story of the Black Women Mathematicians Who Helped Win the Space RaceShetterly, Margot Lee2016


Westchester Community College (NY)

Behind the Kitchen DoorJayaraman, Saru2013

Nonfiction Food Humanitarianism/Social Activism

Western Carolina University (NC)



Western Michigan University (MI)

Lit Up: One Reporter, Three Schools, Twenty-Four Books that Can Change LivesDenby, David2016

Nonfiction Drugs/PovertyEducation

Western New England University (MA)

Life’s Golden Ticket: A Story About Second ChancesBurchard, Brendon2007

NovelPsychology/Pursuit of Happiness/Self-Help

Western Washington University (WA)

Tulalip, From My Heart: An Autobiographical Account of a Reservation CommunityDover, Harriette Shelton2013

MemoirEthnic Identity/Sexual IdentityHumanitarianism/Social ActivismNative American theme

Westfield State University (MA)

Visual Intelligence: Sharpen Your Perception, Change Your LifeHerman, Amy E.2016

Nonfiction Career Advice/SuccessPsychology/Pursuit of Happiness/Self-Help

130 | COMMON READING SELECTIONS 2017-2018: TITLES BY SUBJECT CATEGORY


Westminster College (PA) People of the BookBrooks, Geraldine2008

Novel Ethnic Cleansing/Genocide/Oppressive Regimes Philosophy/Religion/SpiritualityJewish World themeEuropean theme

Westmont College (CA) Into The Beautiful NorthUrrea, Luis Alberto2009

Novel Feminism/Sex Discrimination/WomenImmigration Latin American theme

Westmont College (CA) Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless CompassionBoyle, Gregory2009


Whitman College (WA) Make Your Home Among StrangersCrucet, Jennine Capó 2015


William Peace University (NC) Living and Dying in Brick City: Stories from the Front Lines of an Inner-City E.R.Davis, Sampson2013

Memoir Drugs/PovertyMedicine/Mortality African American theme

Williams College (MA) Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and RedemptionStevenson, Bryan2014


Winona State University (MN) The Immortal Life of Henrietta LacksSkloot, Rebecca2010


Winthrop University (SC) Spare Parts: Four Undocumented Teenagers, One Ugly Robot, and the Battle for the American DreamDavis, Joshua2014


Wright State University (OH) Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and RedemptionStevenson, Bryan2014


APPENDIX I | 131


Xavier University of Louisiana (LA)



York County Community College (ME)

Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in AmericaEhrenreich, Barbara2001

NonfictionAmerica/AmericansDrugs/Poverty

Young Harris College (GA) Lobby HeroLonergan, Kenneth2001

PlayCrime and Punishment/Police

Documents

APPENDIX I: COMMON READING SELECTIONS 2017-2018: FULL LIST BY INSTITUTION … Books... · 2019-03-13 · 80 | COMMON READING SELECTIONS 2017-2018: FULL LIST BY INSTITUTION NAME College/University,