Summer Book Read History

Concordia’s Summer Book Read dates back to 1999. Each year a committee comprised of faculty, staff, and students selects one book that the entire campus community is encouraged to read. All new students are expected to read the book, as it is discussed during Orientation and in some first-year classes. Whenever possible, the author of the selected book also presents during Orientation or at some point during the academic year.

The Summer Book Read’s goals are to stimulate an intellectual discussion among faculty and students, introduce new students to academic life through a common reading and academic discussion, and learn about issues that shape our world today and in the future. The topic of the book is explored in various ways throughout the academic year.

Previous Summer Reads

2012        "Tears of the Desert" by Halima Bashir   
2011        "Zoli" by Colum McCann
2010          "Acts of Faith" by Eboo Patel
2009        "The Woman Warrior" & "China Men" by Maxine Hong Kingston
2008        "Field Notes from a Catastrophe" by Elizabeth Kohlbert
2007        "SOLD" by Patricia McCormick
2006        "Mountains Beyond Mountains" by Tracy Kidder
2005        "Love in the Driest Season" by Neely Tucker
2004        "Rabbit-Proof Fence" by Doris Pilkington
2003        "Mother to Mother" by Sindiwe Magona
2002        "A Beautiful Mind" by Sylvia Nasar
2001        "The Color of Water" by James McBride
2000        "The Call of Service" by Robert Coles
1999        "Tuesdays with Morrie" by Mitch Albom

Information For:

current students
faculty and staff		 parents
alumni		 high school students
admitted students