Last Thursday, Aug 29, the CSUSM Library celebrated its 2024-2025 Campus Common Read selections with a special kick-off event and book giveaway in the Kellogg Plaza. The library is continuing its ongoing “banned books” theme, highlighting books regularly targeted for removal from schools and public libraries. Library staff introduced the books to all who stopped by, handing out free book copies, buttons, bookmarks, and more⁠. 

This year’s lineup is an outstanding selection that celebrates diverse cultural heritages and/or historical confrontations with power. 

Baddawi by Leila Abdelrazaq

This beautifully crafted, funny yet tragic graphic memoir provides a vivid look into the childhood of Ahmad, a Palestinian boy whose upbringing is caught between the titular refugee camp and Lebanon’s capital, Beirut. After his family was displaced in the ethnic cleansing of Palestine known as the Nakba—meaning “catastrophe” in Arabic, in which over 750,000 Palestinians were forcibly removed from their land in order to form The State of Israel—Ahmad’s childhood is full of hardship and a tragic sense of longing to return to a land he only knows through family stories. Yet his story is often funny, as Ahmad engages in foolish acts with friends and neighbors. Abdelrazaq reverently tells her father’s story with optimism and grace, making this an inspiring read for those who hope to see a free Palestine in their lifetime. Not to be missed are the many shared insights into Palestinian culture, through art, food, and other customs. 

An Indigenous People’s History of the United States by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz⁠ 

This modern classic need’s little introduction and is an absolute must-grab book this school year. An uncompromising and systematic indictment of the United States’ brutal history of settler colonialism and genocide, Dunbar-Ortiz’s work bears witness to the horrors of US imperialism for those willing to confront and strive to correct the wrongs done to American Indian peoples through the past and into the present. 

The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi⁠ 

This book addresses the emotional impact of cultural assimilation and the struggle to retain one’s identity amidst societal pressures at such a young age. It captures the hurt of being teased for your differences and the job of being able to find the acceptance you deserve while underscoring the importance of embracing one’s true self. For anyone who has ever felt the need to alter a part of themselves to fit in or has struggled with the tension between cultural identity and societal expectations, this short book gives us a meaningful reflection on these themes and is a powerful read that reinforces the value of authenticity. 

V for Vendetta by written by Alan Moore⁠ and illustrated by David Lloyd 

A dystopian graphic novel set in a future Britain, where societal collapse has given rise to a fascist government that rules through fear, surveillance, and oppression. The story follows the enigmatic “V,” a masked vigilante who wages a relentless war against the regime, exploring powerful themes of freedom, resistance, and the cost of rebellion. The illustrations capture the mood, using dark imagery that brings the oppressive world to life. I was first introduced to this story through the 2005 film adaptation, and this year, I’m excited to revisit this thought-provoking work. While the movie offers a gripping interpretation, the graphic novel dives deeper into the political complexities of their society. With its exploration of authoritarianism and the fight for justice, it feels more relevant than ever in today’s world.

The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison⁠ 

This powerful novel delves into the devastating effects of racism and societal beauty standards. Set in post-depression America, it tells the story of Pecola Breedlove, a young black girl who longs for blue eyes, believing that this feature will bring her the acceptance and love that society has denied her. Through Morrison’s writing, Pecola’s experience resonates deeply, whether readers can personally relate or not. The notion of equating the color of our skin or eyes is all too familiar, and even today, many cultures continue to grapple with unrealistic beauty standards making this book as relevant now as it was in 70s. This novel is a haunting exploration of identity, race and the destructive impact of societal ideals. Morrison does not shy away from the harsh realities of Pecola’s world, despite its difficult subject matter, the novel remails impactful and unforgettable.

To find out about more Common Read events for this semester, Click Here