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  1. Home

Common Reading Program

 

Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones

By James Clear

Atomic Habits book cover

Students beginning a new chapter in their lives will be inspired by our 2022-2023 Common Reading text. Clear, an expert in habit formation who looks at ideas from biology, psychology, and neuroscience, teaches readers how mastering tiny behaviors can lead to “remarkable results.” To get better results, he shows the reader how to change their systems of behavior. “You do not rise to the level of your goals,” said Clear, “You fall to the level of your systems.” 

Readers can learn from the stories of “Olympic gold medalists, award-winning artists, business leaders, life-saving physicians and star comedians who have used the science of small habits to vault to the top of their fields.” First year students may be working towards goals such as building strong study habits, improving their health, or career success. Whatever changes first year students are looking to make in their lives, this book can help them think differently about the journey they are about to take. 

Atomic Habits is free and available to all students thanks to a gift disbursement from Barnes & Noble. Students receive a neon green coupon in their NSO folder that is to be taken to the campus bookstore where they can use it to pick up their book. They are encouraged to read the book during the summer months before their first year in college.

The Penn State Berks 2022-2023 Common Reading Program is sponsored by Barnes & Noble Education.

The purpose of the Common Reading is:

  • to provide all first-year students with an enjoyable and positive reading experience
  • to reinforce the message that reading is an integral part of the college experience
  • to foster a sense of community among our first-year students.


The First-Year Seminar (FYS) course will include academic expectations based on the content of the Common Reading selection.

Common Reading Program

  • Overview of the Common Reading Program
  • Common Reading Program FAQ

See Also

  • Nominate a Book for the 2023-2024 Academic Year
  • 2021 Common Reading Week Events
  • 2021 Common Reading Book Drive
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