The W announces 2026-27 Community Read
Mississippi University for Women’s Community Read committee has announced Percival Everett’s Pulitzer Prize- and National Book Award-winning novel “James,” as the 2026-27 community read selection.
“I can’t think of a better title to discuss the same year of the 250th anniversary of America’s founding,” said Hillary Richardson, dean of Library Services at Fant Memorial Library. “This book is about freedom, defining yourself and building a way forward out of harrowing circumstances – all values that are deeply a part of our American story.”
The Community Read is a collaboration between campus and community partners to celebrate reading and build bridges through discussing themes that connect students, faculty, staff and community neighbors. This year’s collaborators include The Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science, the Columbus-Lowndes Public Library, the City of Columbus and Friendly City Books.
“James” is told from the point of view of Jim, the famous character from Mark Twain’s “Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.” From the publisher’s guide, Jim “is an intelligent man who, despite living in bondage in the slave state of Missouri, is willing to outwit anyone in his path to provide for his wife and daughter. By day, he passes as a slave content with his status—an easy target for young Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer’s pranks—but by night, he is an autodidact determined to use his learning to improve his family’s condition. However, when Jim discovers that he will soon be sold downriver to New Orleans, he must choose between making a perilous escape or losing his family forever.”
As Jim tries to reunite with his wife and daughter, the novel explores themes of literacy, freedom and family. “James” has been internationally recognized for its humor, philosophical musings and historical fiction.
Events to engage in discussion of these themes will include Friendly City Book’s PossumTown Book Festival, August 29 at Columbus Arts Council, and two book talk events on Sept. 30 and Oct. 28, in The W’s Fant Memorial Library. Those wishing to participate may borrow books from Fant Memorial Library or Columbus-Lowndes Public Library, or purchase books from Friendly City Books. There will also be opportunities to receive free copies at these events.
“Each year we choose a book with themes relevant to our community, and there’s truly something for everyone in this book,” said Rachael Damms, collections librarian and assistant professor at Fant Memorial Library and chair of the Community Read Committee. “We are returning to fiction for the first time in several years and I can’t wait to see how our community engages with such a rich novel.”
All events are free and open to the public. Updates to the schedule, including an essay contest opportunity and spring events, will be available at muw.edu/read.