Shepherd University’s Common Reading program is looking for its 2016-17 book, and is asking students, faculty, staff, and the community to weigh in on which of five semifinalists should be selected. The five books were chosen by the Common Reading selection committee after careful review of more than 30 nominations. They are:

“Between the World and Me” by Ta-Nehisi Coates, a book that explores what its like to be black in the United States.

“The Book of Unknown Americans” by Christina Henriquez, a story of Latin American immigrants in the United States.

“Listening is an Act of Love” by Dave Isay, a collection of the most memorable stories from the oral history project StoryCorps.

“Becoming Nicole: The Transformation of an American Family” by Amy Ellis Nutt, the story of transgender activist Nicole Maines.

“Just Mercy” by Bryan Stevenson, an exploration of racism in the legal justice system.

All five books under consideration for next year are available at the Scarborough Library, Shepherd Bookstore, and Four Seasons Books in Shepherdstown, which is offering a 15 percent discount for anyone mentioning the program.

Voting is open to all students, faculty, staff, and community members. The book with the most votes will be announced April 1 and will serve as the common reading choice for the 2016-17 school year. To vote, visit www.shepherd.edu/commonreading.