CLA Common Read
James (2024), by Percival Everett
About the book, from Penguin Random House:
A brilliant, action-packed reimagining of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, both harrowing and ferociously funny, told from the enslaved Jim’s point of view.
From the “literary icon” (Oprah Daily), Pulitzer Prize Finalist, and one of the most decorated writers of our lifetime
When the enslaved Jim overhears that he is about to be sold to a man in New Orleans, separated from his wife and daughter forever, he decides to hide on nearby Jackson Island until he can formulate a plan. Meanwhile, Huck Finn has faked his own death to escape his violent father, recently returned to town. As all readers of American literature know, thus begins the dangerous and transcendent journey by raft down the Mississippi River toward the elusive and too-often-unreliable promise of the Free States and beyond.
While many narrative set pieces of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn remain in place (floods and storms, stumbling across both unexpected death and unexpected treasure in the myriad stopping points along the river’s banks, encountering the scam artists posing as the Duke and Dauphin…), Jim’s agency, intelligence and compassion are shown in a radically new light.
Brimming with the electrifying humor and lacerating observations that have made Everett a “literary icon” (Oprah Daily), and one of the most decorated writers of our lifetime, James is destined to be a major publishing event and a cornerstone of twenty-first century American literature.
Read about our previous Common Read.
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.
CSULB’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 CSULB 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.
