Published: April 28, 2021

A campus reading program called Buffs One Read will launch this fall to build community around the shared experience of reading one book. The program is sponsored by University Libraries and is an expansion of previous One Read programs.

This year's selection is American Like Me: Reflections on Life Between Cultures, edited by actress and activist America Ferrera.

American Like Me is a collection of essays that grapple with the nuance and complexity of American identity,” said Amanda Rybin Koob, literature and humanities librarian. “It was chosen by a cross-campus group of librarians, advisors and other student-facing staff who sought input from teaching faculty and students.”

The book was selected because it exemplifies this years’ theme of cultural identity and includes essays by more than thirty contributors describing their experiences as Americans as well as their experiences living between or within multiple cultures.

“Now more than ever, we are grateful for opportunities like the Buffs One Read program to bring us together as a campus community,” said Kathy Schultz, dean of the School of Education. “This book offers a promise of cross-cultural experiences and stories, and I look forward to learning more about the stories that our students, faculty and staff share as a part of Buffs One Read. I hope that many members of our community will join us to read this important book."

The annual campus One Read is often used to engage in challenging conversations around diversity and inclusion and to advance understanding and action on issues of social justice. “Having the entire community share in the experience of reading the same book at the same time provides the opportunity for common awareness and awakening around new ideas,” said Lori Bergen, Founding Dean of the College of Media, Communication and Information. “The chance to discuss and learn together can help bring positive change to a community working to be more welcoming and inclusive.”

"As we learn more about it, faculty across the campus are enthusiastic about Buffs One Read. Going forward, we will look for ways for the faculty to actively participate in this promising CU Boulder-community endeavor," said Bob Ferry, chair of the Boulder Faculty Assembly.

Multiple copies of this year’s Buff One Read selection will be available to community members through the University Libraries. In the fall, CU Boulder will announce more ways to engage with the Buffs One Read, including discussion groups and other events.