Auburn University Common Book Program - Feature Story Page
This fall, Auburn's Common Book Program brings the pages of this year’s selection, Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, to life through a dynamic series of events that invite students, faculty, staff and the broader community to explore storytelling, creativity and connection.
Coinciding with the start of the fall semester, the Provost’s Office has announced a lineup of events that bring the themes of the novel to life—exploring friendship, ambition and the art of video game design through conversations with influential voices like internationally recognized voice actor and game designer Matthew Mercer and acclaimed editor Jenny Jackson, among others.
More than 5,000 copies of the optional read were distributed to incoming students and families during Camp War Eagle, setting the stage for a semester of conversation and reflection rooted in Auburn’s values of community, innovation and academic excellence.
“This book should appeal to any person—of any age—who is trying to figure out who they are in the workplace, in the romantic sphere or even where they can find a spot for themselves in our messy universe.”
— Piper Cumbo, assistant professor in AU Libraries and member of the Common Book Selection Committee
Zevin’s novel follows Sam Masur and Sadie Green, two college friends who reconnect and collaborate to create emotionally resonant video games. Their journey spans decades, weaving through themes of love, loss, identity and resilience. Delving into the complexity of human relationships and the transformative power of creative collaboration, many of the book’s themes resonate with Auburn students and evoke core values found in the Auburn Creed, including the importance of working together and supporting one another through challenges and growth.
Since its release in July 2022, Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow has garnered widespread acclaim and cultural recognition. A New York Times bestseller, the novel quickly earned accolades from media outlets including Kirkus Reviews and Publishers Weekly, and NPR for its portrayal of video game design as a form of art. Since its release, the story continues to have a lasting impact on readers thanks to its nuanced exploration of how games can tell stories, build communities and reflect personal and societal struggles.
Jenny Jackson
Prior to its publication, Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow was optioned by Paramount Pictures in a competitive deal in February 2021. The film is now in development with Academy Award-winning director Siân Heder while Zevin serves as an executive producer. To bring the book’s themes to life, the Provost’s Office is hosting a series of fall events featuring acclaimed guests whose work intersects with the novel’s core ideas.
The series begins with a discussion with author Jenny Jackson, publisher at Alfred A. Knopf, a division of Penguin Random House, and editor of Zevin’s novel. Scheduled for September 15 at 7 p.m. in the Melton Student Center Ballroom, From Draft to Print: Editing Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow offers a behind-the-scenes look at the book’s editorial process. Attendees will hear stories from Jackson’s career and gain insight into writing, publishing and creative collaboration. The event is free and open to students, faculty, staff and community members. Attendees are asked to register in advance.
Matthew Mercer
Following Jackson, Auburn will welcome Matthew Mercer—renowned voice actor, game designer and Dungeon Master of the globally acclaimed Critical Role series on September 27 at 7 p.m. at the Gogue Performing Arts Center. Community in Gaming: An Evening with Matthew Mercer brings Mercer to Auburn’s campus for a thought-provoking conversation about how gaming fosters storytelling, relationships and communities. Blending pop culture with academic inquiry, the event is a unique opportunity to explore the cultural impact of gaming and its ties to the themes in Zevin’s novel. The event is free, and tickets are required. Ticket reservations open to Auburn students, faculty and staff on August 21 (AU login required) and to the broader community on September 8.
Since its launch in 2010, Auburn’s Common Book program has provided first-year students with an optional shared academic experience designed to spark dialogue and build community. In 2024, the program was reimagined to expand its reach across campus and deepen engagement with the broader Auburn community. Today, it partners with local organizations and businesses—including the Auburn Public Library and independent bookstores like Auburn Oil Co. Booksellers, Well Red and Well Red: Second Story—to foster meaningful connections through literature and conversation.
“Through literature and conversation, our Common Book program continues to build bridges between disciplines, generations and communities one story at a time,” Jeff LaMondia, Common Book committee chair and professor of transportation engineering, said. “We encourage members of the campus and local communities to engage in these events to help foster greater learning through this program.”
In addition to Jones and Mercer, additional fall events that bring the book’s themes to life are listed on the Common Book website. All events are free. For questions, please contact LaMondia at jlamondia@auburn.edu.
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