Since 1980, Living Writers has been a for-credit, on-campus course for 50+ undergraduates. Since 2010, it has also been a self-paced, not-for-credit program for alumni, parents, and friends of Colgate. A passion for reading is the only prerequisite.
Not sure how Living Writers works? Scroll through our Living Writers FAQs. If you’re trying to decide which book(s) to read along with us this fall, and join us at 7 p.m. ET on Monday, Aug. 25 for a Zoom kickoff. There, you'll hear from other Living Writers participants, find out which titles they've been devouring, and why.
2025 Living Writers Book List
I appreciate that my college is creating this opportunity for me to engage intellectually with prominent writers, along with a Colgate professor and other students of all ages.
Goldie Blumenstyk ’79, senior writer, Chronicle of Higher Education
Questions?
Contact livingwriters@colgate.edu
Book Copies
Living Writers books can be purchased from the Colgate Bookstore. Copies are also available at the Colgate University and Hamilton village libraries.
Check back soon for
- A synopsis of each book as well as the reason we chose it
- Invitations to book discussions with Colgate faculty
- Virtual author readings
- Podcasts, reviews, author biographies, background reading, and more
Support for this program is provided by the Parshley Christ Endowment for Living Writers.