CLA Common Read
The College of Liberal Arts (CLA) has selected a Common Read that encourages students, faculty, and staff to engage in shared conversations about issues that transcend disciplinary boundaries. Through classroom discussions, campus events, and co-curricular programming, the Common Read fosters intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and community across the College.
(2025), by
The College of Liberal Arts Common Read for the 2026–2027 academic year is (2025) by bestselling author . Through a compelling blend of history, personal narrative, and investigative reporting, Green examines one of humanity's oldest infectious diseases to reveal how its continued persistence is shaped not only by biology, but by the social, political, economic, and ethical choices that define societies around the world.
At the heart of the book is the story of Henry, a young tuberculosis patient in Sierra Leone, whose experience serves as a powerful reminder that global challenges are ultimately human stories. By connecting one individual's journey to the history of tuberculosis and its enduring impact, Green invites readers to explore questions of equity, justice, public policy, scientific innovation, and our shared responsibility to one another.
As the 2026–2027 CLA Common Read, Everything Is Tuberculosis reflects the College of Liberal Arts' commitment to interdisciplinary learning and preparing students to address complex challenges with empathy, critical thinking, and informed analysis. The book encourages students and faculty to engage across disciplines, examine issues from multiple perspectives, and consider how history, culture, communication, institutions, and human decision-making shape our world. It provides a meaningful foundation for classroom discussions, campus events, and collaborative learning throughout the academic year while reinforcing the College's mission to prepare graduates who are analytical thinkers, effective communicators, and engaged citizens equipped to make thoughtful contributions in their communities and beyond.
Copies of Everything is Tuberculosis are available in limited quantities in the College of Liberal Arts Dean’s Office by emailing cla@csulb.edu.
If you have questions, ideas, or concerns, please contact us at CLA-CommonRead@csulb.edu or Dr. Raven Pfister at raven.pfister@csulb.edu.
Common Read FAQs
A common read is a shared reading experience that brings members of the campus community together to read and discuss a noteworthy book and its themes.
Most U.S. American adults realize that reading is good for them, yet 81% admit they don’t read as much as they’d like to (Harris Poll, 2019). Research indicates that just a few minutes of reading per day can contribute to decreased stress, higher self-esteem, and more happiness and satisfaction with life (The Book Trust, 2013). A shared reading experience encourages participants to hold themselves accountable to one another, fostering a sense of community among a diverse population. A common read is an opportunity to meet new people, make new friends, and broaden our perspectives by engaging in thoughtful discussion of a book we’re all reading.
ÀóÖ¦ÊÓƵ’s common read experience is sponsored by the College of Liberal Arts (CLA) and many CLA courses will incorporate elements of the chosen text, however, all members of the ÀóÖ¦ÊÓƵ campus community (faculty, students, and staff) are welcome to take part in the common read experience and sponsored activities/events.
Common read participants can start reading any time after the text is announced! The bulk of CLA-sponsored activities and events will be held in Spring 2025 (see events calendar). Faculty who choose to incorporate the common read in their courses in Spring 2025 will designate course specific activities and deadlines, etc.
The act of reading can be done just about anywhere! As for common read activities and events, they will be held on or near campus and some will be available online. Check the events calendar for updates.
Get the book (in whatever format is most convenient). Read it (or listen to it). Participate in sponsored activities and events to connect with others based on the shared experience of having read the same text.
If you have questions, ideas, or concerns, please contact us at CLA-CommonRead@csulb.edu.
