2026-27 Common Read: I Never Thought of It That Way
East Tennessee State University's Common Read Committee has selected Mónica Guzmán’s bestselling book, I Never Thought of It That Way, as the 2026-27 Common Read.
In this timely and thought-provoking book, Guzmán explores how curiosity can help bridge political and social differences and divides. Drawing on her experiences with family members who hold opposing views, Guzmán argues that asking thoughtful questions and genuinely listening to others can foster understanding, strengthen relationships, and reduce polarization.
ETSU launched the Festival of Ideas in 2019 as a platform to bring thought leaders from across disciplines to campus, encouraging meaningful dialogue and intellectual exchange among students, faculty and the wider community.
Previous Selections
The ETSU Common Read began in 2024 as a catalyst for connection, conversation, and community learning. Each academic year, the university will introduce a new campus read for the campus community to read and discuss.
Past selections include:
2023-24
The War for Kindness: Building Empathy in a Fractured World
Jamil Zaki
2024-25
All the Light We Cannot See
Anthony Doerr
2025-26
The Anthropocene Reviewed
John Green
