Engaged Reading

Healthy democracy fosters an exchange of ideas across experiences and knowledge. One way to offer a platform for this is to root discussion in shared reading and collaborative understanding. Engaged Reading is offered to promote learning and inquiry across populations at the University, through common texts. Inspired by the expansive reach of the KU Reads/Common Book program, and curated with goals of generous and generative conversation, this series will feature excerpts and texts presented with discussion stewards. Supported by a collaborative initiative of the KU Libraries, the Hall Center for the Humanities, the Spencer Museum of Art, the Institute for Policy and Social Research, and The Commons.

Forest Euphoria: The Abounding Queerness of Nature

Forest Euphoria: The Abounding Queerness of Nature, by Patricia Ononiwu Kaishian | March 30, 2026
Discussion led by Brian Atkinson (Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, KU Biodiversity Institute) and Abe Weil (Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies)

dark grey background with blue stripe and white text, cover of book with crow, mushroom, snake

2025-2026 Texts

Discussion facilitated by Samantha Greeson (KU Libraries) and Katherine Knowles (Hall Center for the Humanities).

Discussion facilitated by Emily Bougher (Honors Student and Seminar Assistant) and Amanda Schlumpberger (Community Engagement Librarian and Researcher).

Discussion facilitated by Shannon Stewart (Theatre & Dance) and Maggie Unverzagt Goddard (Museum Studies)

2024-2025 Texts

Discussion led by Ali Brox (Environmental Studies Program) and Melinda Lewis (School of Social Welfare). Hosted in conjunction with the Global Climate Teach-in.

Discussion led by Imani Wadud, PhD (American Studies) in partnership with the Spencer Research Library and its African American Experience Collections.

Discussion led by Amy June Breesman, Eastern Shawnee (Good Way Farm) and Hazlett Henderson (KU Geography & Atmospheric Science) in partnership with Haskell Indian Nations University and Tommaney Library.

Discussion led by RB Perelmutter (Jewish Studies, Slavic, German, and Eurasian Studies) and Emily Casey (Art History). This session will feature guided critical reading and discussion about individualsʼ relationships to institutions.

Discussion led by Akiko Takeyama (Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies/Center for East Asian Studies) and Megan Kaminski (English/Environmental Studies). It is not necessary to have attended the September 26 event with Ocean Vuong, hosted by The Commons.

Discussion led by Abe Weil (Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies) and Anthony Boynton (English). It is not necessary to have attended the September 10 event with Christina Sharpe, hosted by the Hall Center for the Humanities.