UC Santa Barbara Announces 2026 Reading Choice: ‘Crying in H Mart’

UC Santa Barbara has announced that its 2026 community‑reading program will feature the memoir ‘Crying in H Mart’ by Michelle Zauner.

The decision marks a new chapter in the university’s long‑standing UCSB Reads initiative, which annually pairs students and faculty around a single title.

By selecting a book that intertwines grief, cultural identity, and Korean culinary traditions, the campus signals a commitment to diverse narratives.

The announcement came this week, setting the stage for a series of events and academic integrations that will unfold over the next academic year.

UCSB Reads Initiative

UCSB Reads, the university’s community‑reading initiative, invites participants to read the same book each year for shared discussions.

The 2026 pick, ‘Crying in H Mart,’ was chosen to reflect the campus’s growing emphasis on inclusive literature and cross‑disciplinary dialogue.

The program, which began in 2019, has previously highlighted titles ranging from contemporary fiction to investigative nonfiction.

This year’s selection underscores the initiative’s goal of fostering empathy and critical thought through collective reading experiences.

The Book

‘Crying in H Mart’ is a New York Times bestselling memoir that chronicles Zauner’s journey through the loss of her Korean mother to terminal cancer.

The narrative is composed of a series of personal essays that detail her upbringing as one of few Asian‑Americans in an Oregon town.

Through vivid recollections of Korean grocery chain H Mart and traditional recipes, the book examines how food serves as a conduit for cultural reconnection.

Readers are invited to follow Zauner’s emotional arc as she navigates complex family dynamics and embraces the traditions that define her heritage.

Author

Michelle Zauner, the frontwoman of the indie pop band Japanese Breakfast, brings a unique perspective to the memoir as a biracial Korean American.

Her background in music and writing informs the lyrical quality of the essays, which blend storytelling with reflective commentary.

Zauner’s experience growing up in Oregon and her subsequent reconnection with Korean roots after her mother’s death provide a compelling backdrop for the narrative.

Her dual identity and artistic sensibility make her a resonant voice for both literary and musical communities.

Program Launch

UCSB Reads 2026 will launch in January, with the university distributing free copies of ‘Crying in H Mart’ to students.

These complimentary books will be available through the university library, ensuring broad accessibility for the campus community.

The free distribution aligns with the initiative’s objective of removing financial barriers to literary engagement.

Students will receive the books early in the academic year, allowing ample time for personal reflection before group discussions commence.

Community Events

Following the book distribution, UCSB will host a series of free and social events designed to explore the memoir together throughout the winter and spring quarters.

These gatherings will include book clubs, panel discussions, and cultural workshops that delve into themes of grief, identity, and culinary tradition.

Participants will have opportunities to share their own experiences and connect with peers across disciplines.

The events aim to create a supportive environment where students can process the memoir’s emotional content collaboratively.

Instructor Participation

Instructors across departments are encouraged to incorporate ‘Crying in H Mart’ into their courses, as the university has stated.

Faculty can use the memoir as a teaching tool for topics such as cultural studies, creative writing, and health humanities.

By integrating the book into curricula, educators can facilitate interdisciplinary conversations that reflect the text’s multifaceted themes.

The university’s support for academic use underscores the book’s relevance to a wide range of scholarly inquiries.

Author Appearance

Michelle Zauner herself will speak at a free public event at UCSB in May 2026, offering students a chance to engage directly with the author.

The event will provide an intimate setting for discussion about the memoir’s creation, its reception, and the broader cultural conversations it sparks.

Students will be able to ask questions and gain insight into Zauner’s creative process and personal journey.

The author’s presence is expected to deepen the impact of the reading program and reinforce the university’s commitment to literary outreach.

Book’s Critical Success

‘Crying in H Mart’ was published in 2021 and quickly became a critical and commercial hit.

The memoir spent 60 weeks on the New York Times hardcover nonfiction bestseller list, a testament to its widespread appeal.

It was also named a top book by TIME and The Atlantic, further solidifying its status as a significant cultural work.

These accolades reflect the book’s resonance with readers and critics alike, making it a fitting choice for UCSB’s community‑reading initiative.

Key Takeaways

Key takeaways from UCSB’s announcement include:

• The selection of ‘Crying in H Mart’ reflects a commitment to diverse narratives and inclusive literature.
• Free distribution of the book and a series of community events aim to foster empathy and critical discussion across campus.
• An author appearance in May 2026 will deepen engagement and provide students with direct access to the memoir’s creator.

The initiative demonstrates UCSB’s dedication to inclusive literature and community engagement.

The free distribution and author event further ensure that the book’s impact will reach all corners of the university.

Students, faculty, and the broader campus community can look forward to a year of thoughtful conversation and cultural exploration.