Summer Reading Book Looks at Climate Change Through the Lens of 60 Women

Jason Elliott with book All We can Save
Jason Elliott holds up the book he recommended as summer reading for incoming first-year students.

“A mosaic that honors the complexity of the climate crisis like few, if any, books on the topic have done yet ... a feast of ideas and perspectives, setting a big table for the climate movement, declaring all are welcome.”

That is how Rolling Stone magazine describes “All We Can Save,” the book selected for this year’s summer reading program as part of the Duke Common Experience.

Each year since the 2001-2002 academic year, incoming first-year students are expected to read and be prepared to discuss a book. The program was expanded last year to encourage the entire undergraduate community, as well as staff and faculty, to participate.

Each October, there is an open nomination process for book titles. This year, there were more than 50 suggested books from staff, faculty, students and alumni. The 11-member search committee whittled it down to 11 and then to six, says Ben Adams, senior associate dean of students for QuadEx.

“All We Can Save” was one of several nominated by Jason Elliott, assistant director of engagement and communications in the Office of Sustainable Duke.

“We thought that this year was a perfect opportunity to select a book on climate and sustainability given Duke’s climate commitment. A significant number of our students are very engaged in climate and sustainability efforts and we know it’s top of mind for a wide range of students, departments and organizations,” says Adams. “This is a great opportunity for the campus community to have a shared experience with the subject."

Climate sustainability is one of President Vincent Price’s top priorities.

Elliott said he’s excited about this book because it brings to the table so many different perspectives and voices about climate change that are told in ways that go beyond science. “All We Can Save” is written through essays, poetry and art by 60 women from around the world who are at the forefront of the climate movement.

“The whole point of the program is for students to have a common touchstone experience,” says Adams. “Climate and sustainability are central to who Duke is and who we hope to be and there's a wave of momentum across our campus for this work. Our office wants to help our new students be a part of the energy and conversation as early as possible, and we think this book is the best way to engage as many voices and experiences as possible.”

As in previous years, Duke will mail first-years a copy of the book as a welcome gift. Those coming from other countries will receive a link.

Previous year’s books include “The Measure” by Nikki Erlick (2023), “Point of Reckoning” by Ted Segal (2022), “Such a Fun Age,” by Kiley Reid (2021) and “Know My Name” by Chanel Miller (2020).

Elliott, who carries the book with him, reading it between meetings and when he can grab a spare minute, believes the short chapters will make it an easy read regardless of whether you are a STEM student or studying art history.

“Climate sustainability touches all of us and impacts all of us whether we know it or not,” says Adams.

Elliott is already looking for ways to incorporate the book into the fall semester.

“It's not just like, you read it during the summer and talk about it at orientation, then you're done. We have to keep thinking about how this might go into classes or other conversations across campus,” he says.