Books & Culture

Looking for a New Book?

From fiction to non-fiction, check out this sampling of recent books published by UC San Diego faculty, staff and alumni.

Four book titles against a gold background.

Learn to Communicate Across Divides

This year’s Common Read selection, “Talking Across the Divide - How to Communicate with People You Disagree with and Maybe Even Change the World” by Justin Lee, offers a framework for communicating with people who have differing opinions from your own.

Interested in Finding Your Next (Elevated) Beach Read?

A collection of recent books by UC San Diego faculty and alumni.

A short pile of books next to a partially open book.

Associate Professor of Literature Brandon Som Among 100th Class of Guggenheim Fellows

Associate Professor of Literature Som is among 198 distinguished scholars chosen among nearly 3,500 applicants to receive a Guggenheim Fellowship. The grant is based on both prior career achievement—which for Som includes a 2024 Pulitzer Prize in poetry—as well as exceptional promise.

Mass Education Was Designed to Quash Critical Thinking

In her book "Raised to Obey: The Rise and Spread of Mass Education," political scientist Agustina Paglayan argues that schools around the world are failing to cultivate critical thinking skills in students — and that these institutions are actually designed to promote conformity.

A solitary chair sits illuminated in lonely classroom in front of old-style chalkboard

Exploring Identity, Belonging and Resilience with UC San Diego’s Common Read

UC San Diego welcomed author, university professor and cultural critic Roxane Gay to Epstein Family Amphitheater on Nov. 4, 2024, for an engaging conversation on identity, belonging and resilience.