Nominate a book for the next KU Reads selection

Thank you to the tremendous group of Jayhawks and community members who came together, in person and online, for “An Evening with John Green,” an inspiring start to this year’s slate of activities surrounding the KU Reads common book program. In addition to a glowing review of the city of Lawrence, Green gave a crowd-pleasing, five-star rating to mythical bird mascots, and also to common read programs. 

“Thank you all so much for reading The Anthropocene Reviewed, for giving this little book a completely different life than the one I imagined for it. I mean I never imagined that it would be read in an academic context by so many smart young people. It is such a gift to me. ... I hope that you continue to have conversations about the book. I hope that in 30 years you’ve completely forgotten the book but remember the conversations.” - John Green 

While programming and activities for “The Anthropocene Reviewed” are just beginning, we’re already planning next year’s KU Reads experience. Do you have a favorite book you’d like to see featured? The KU community is invited to submit nominations for the 2026-27 common book via the online nomination form through September 14.  

To learn more about the KU Reads selection process visit the KU Reads website or email commonbook@ku.edu. 

If you were unable to attend or watch “An Evening with John Green” live, view the recording of John Green’s talk (available through Oct. 2) or view some of the photos from the event here. 

Join this year’s conversation via a full calendar of KU Reads events to come: 

KU Reads: Lawrence Reviewed 
A digital humanities project inspired by “The Anthropocene Reviewed,” Lawrence Reviewed invites students and community members to critically engage with their own local slice of the Anthropocene by contributing their own reviews, modeled by Green’s work. Grab a copy of the Common Book, enjoy snacks, and learn more about other ways to join the conversation at these pop-up events. 

Sept. 10, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. | Rate the Jayhawk at Kansas Student Union 

Sept. 17, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. | Rate KU Libraries at Anschutz Library 

Oct. 22, 2-4 p.m. | Rate “Big Tooter” Steam Whistle at Watson Library 

KU Common Work of Art 
View the KU Common Work of Art: “Haunted by the Ghosts of Our Own Making”  

August 2025-May 2026 | Spencer Museum of Art 

Each year the Spencer Museum selects a work of art to provide a visual pairing with the KU Common Book. Hollis Sigler’s painting parts the curtain to reveal the long-term consequences of the insecticide commonly known as DDT. Both Sigler’s painting and Green’s book incorporate autobiographical references while pondering the larger question of what it means to be human in the modern era. 

Brown Bag Book Club in The Kettle 

Wednesdays at The Kettle (Watson 325) | 12-1:30 p.m. 

Love reading, talking about books, or just hanging out with fellow book lovers? Come join our weekly book club! We’ll dive into KU’s Common Book The Anthropocene Reviewed and also make space for whatever else you’re reading. Expect relaxed conversations, fun book-related crafts and games, and a welcoming space for anyone who enjoys stories in any form. 

Have thoughts on an Evening with John Green? Share them with us here.

The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university’s programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and procedures and is the Title IX Coordinator for all KU and KUMC campuses: Associate Vice Chancellor for the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX, civilrights@ku.edu, Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY. Reports can be submitted by contacting the Title IX Coordinator as provided herein or online and complaints can be submitted with the Title IX Coordinator or online.

© The University of Kansas. 2025.