Welcome to the University of California at Berkeley. The annual Summer Reading List was designed to introduce new Cal students to the intellectual life of the university.

These are not some sort of "official reading lists" nor are the books necessarily required for courses you will be taking. Rather, these are the personal choices of Berkeley faculty and staff members recommended for you. Most books are available at the University Library, local libraries, and bookstores. We hope you will find the time to read some of them.

The 2013 theme is "What Would Seniors Read?"


Previous lists:

2012 Revolutions

2011 Social Media

2010 Education Matters

2009 Best Books About Science

2008 Bio-Graphy: Writing a Life

2007 Survival

2006 Books for Future Presidents

2005 Great Discoveries, Voyages, and Adventures!

2004 Now That's Funny

2003 War & Peace

2002 Banned Books

2001 Favorite Book when I was 18

2000  Great books written by Berkeley faculty

1999 Selected by faculty involved in residence hall activities

1997  Selected by Freshman & Sophomore Seminar students

1995  Selected by faculty and staff who teach freshman seminars

1991  Selected by American Cultures' Fellows and staff

1990  Selected by Berkeley librarians

1989  Selected by the chairs of various departments

1988  Selected by faculty who teach introductory courses

1985  Selected by Distinguished Teaching Award recipients


If you have a suggestion for a future theme email or .


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Last updated 05/3/2011.
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