A summer reading selection is designed to create a common touchpoint for incoming students. A copy of the selected book will be sent to all first-year students at the beginning of July. In addition, we are proud to confirm that author Ann Patchett will kick off Summer Reading discussions during New Student Orientation.

The book is used as a part of the orientation welcome week activities, which will include small group discussions and a visit from the author. In addition to being readable, enjoyable and engaging, the Summer Reading selections must:

• Enrich the intellectual life of students.
• Promote a shared/common experience among first-year students.
• Prompt stimulating debate and lively discussion outside of the classroom.
• Foster interaction between and among peers.

The Summer Reading Program is designed to give incoming students a shared intellectual experience with other members of their class. The Duke Summer Reading selection committee is comprised of faculty, staff, and students.

Summer Reading Selection for the Class of 2017 is:

Read more about the selection.

Class of 2016:
State of Wonder, by Ann Patchett

Class of 2015:
Eating Animals, by Jonathan Safran Foer

Class of 2014:
Everything Matters, by Ron Currie, Jr.

Class of 2013:
The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao, by Junot Diaz

Class of 2012:
What is the What, by David Eggers

Class of 2011:
Best of Enemies, by Osha Gray Davidson

Class of 2010:
My Sister's Keeper, by Judy Picoult

Class of 2009:
Kite Runner, by Khaled Hosseini

Class of 2008:
Mountains Beyond Mountains, by Tracy Kidder

Class of 2007:
Savage Inequalities, by Jonathan Kozol

Class of 2006:
The Palace Thief, by Ethan Canin