College and university adoption and use of books as common reads has increased over the last several years. The growing popularity has also brought to light significant variations in how colleges and universities select and use common read texts. In some higher educational institutions, one tome is selected for all freshmen to read and discuss primarily during the initial orientation program; such programs are often referred to as "freshman read" or "first-year read." Other institutions adopt a "common read," "campus read," or "one book" program, which involves selecting a book for the entire campus to read and discuss throughout the academic year. Regardless of how common reads are selected, implemented, or what they are called, there are a variety of goals that are consistent among common read practices. This article focuses on a discussion of several variables to consider that increase the chances of a successful common read program.