The Books Colleges Are Choosing for Common Reads in 2026

Common Reads at colleges across the country this summer will offer an interesting mix of fiction and nonfiction. Among the notable titles are:

Some universities keep Common Reads within the grade level itself. Among the players selected for fall 2025 and spring 2026 are:

It is important to think about these choices in light of our current political moment. Higher education has been under siege by this administration from the beginning, and many schools have responded aggressively to the demands, eliminating departments, courses, and programs that fall under the category of diversity, equity, and inclusion (“DEI”). Any choice is political, and while many institutions are grappling with choosing titles that represent America’s diversity, others have chosen to play it safe or eliminated such programs altogether.