Living Writers

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.
 

2026 Living Writers Book List 

September 3

Moderation Elaine Castillo

Elaine Castillo
Moderation

September 10

The Book of Delights Ross Gay

Ross Gay
The Book of Delights

September 17

Mutual Interest Olivia Wolfgang-Smith

Olivia Wolfgang-Smith
Mutual Interest

 

September 24

Stay True Hua Hsu

Hua Hsu
Stay True

October 1

Good Talk Mira Jacob

Mira Jacob
Good Talk

 

October 15

This is the Only Kingdom Jaquira Diaz

Jaquira Diaz
This is the Only Kingdom

October 22

Animals Strike Curious Poses Elena Passarello

Elena Passarello
Animals Strike Curious Poses

 

November 5

Glorious Exploits Ferdia Lennon

Ferdia Lennon
Glorious Exploits

November 12

Dayswork Chris Bachelder and Jennifer Habel 

Chris Bachelder, Jennifer Habel
Dayswork

November 19

Sex with a Brain Injury Annie Liontas 
Annie Liontas
Sex with a Brain Injury

 

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

Upcoming Events

Sep 3 Living Writers: Elaine Castillo 4:30pm to 6pm
Sep 10 Living Writers: Ross Gay 4:30pm to 6pm
photo credit: Bianca Alexis
Sep 17 Living Writers: Olivia Wolfgang-Smith 4:30pm to 6pm

View all Living Writers events

Support for this program is provided by the Parshley Christ Endowment for Living Writers.