New Common Read Theme Focuses on Empathy, Lived Experiences

New Common Read Theme Focuses on Empathy, Lived Experiences

By Cyndi Cunningham

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After three years of focusing on banned books, Cal State San Marcos' Common Read will highlight stories that broaden perspectives and build empathy, according to CSUSM Academic Transitions Librarian Allison Carr.

The theme for 2025-2026, "Stories as Mirrors, Windows, & Sliding Doors," uses fiction and nonfiction books to provide insight into different lived experiences and encourages compassion and understanding. Students can pick up a free copy of a Common Read book during U-Hour from noon to 1 p.m. on the following dates: Sept. 18, Oct. 16, Nov. 13 and Dec. 4, in front of Kellogg Library.

"We loved the 'Banned Books' theme, and we heard from a lot of students that they loved it, too. But after three years, we wanted to move on to a broader theme that reflected the current climate," Carr said. "Given what we've seen in the news lately about a decline in reading, along with what we know about how reading encourages empathy and compassion, it was important that students gain a deeper understanding of people from all backgrounds."

Carr explained that Common Read considers the diversity of authors and genres as well as the interests of topics to undergraduate students when selecting the books.

"While I'm excited about all of our books, this is the first year we've offered a collection of poems, 'Song I Sing' by Bao Phi. His poems, which are about immigration, race and class, feel a lot more accessible because of his slam poetry background," Carr said.

The Library's Student Advisory Board selected "Cemetery Boys" by Aiden Thomas, as one of the books to be included. This story features a trans boy proving himself to his Latinx family, while also featuring elements of a love story and a paranormal investigation.

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The complete list of books selected for this year's campaign includes:

• "Bird Songs Don't Lie," Gordon Lee Johnson
• "Daytripper," Fabio Moon
• "The Remember Balloons," Jessie Oliveros
• "Song I Sing," Bao Phi
• "The Cemetery Boys," Aiden Thomas (Students' Choice)
• "The View from Down Here: Life as a Young Disabled Woman," Lucy Webster

"Stories can break stereotypes, increase awareness of systemic issues and encourage respectful interactions with people from different backgrounds," Carr said. "At a time when empathy and compassion are seen as weaknesses, reading can help us build and sustain a community that's inclusive and addresses the inequities marginalized communities currently face."

Common Read is also offering a zine-making workshopin collaboration with the Context Exhibit Series, "Zine Dreams" from 1-2 p.m. on Oct. 9 at The Makery. At the event, students will create a page in a collective zine that highlights their identities and stories. RSVP is required.

"My hope for this year is that students gain a deeper understanding of people who are different from them, but also a great understanding of themselves," Carr said.

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