Adler University Library has selected the book, “Weathering: The Extraordinary Stress of Ordinary Life in an Unjust Society” by Arline T. Geronimus, Sc.D., as the 2025-26 Common Book title — and they are planning a slate of events to engage students, faculty, and staff in dialogue throughout the academic year.
A professor of public health at the University of Michigan, Dr. Geronimus has spent more than 30 years researching the relationship between systemic injustice and health outcomes. Her work forms the basis of Weathering, where she argues that how society treats people has a profound impact on health, aging, and longevity. She coined the term “weathering” to describe the physiological toll of chronic exposure to racism, classism, and other forms of structural oppression.
“As a university committed to transforming health systems and advancing community well-being, Weathering offers a critical foundation for cross-campus conversations,” said Ariel Orlov, Senior Director of Library and Learning Services. “This selection invites us to examine the structural and social drivers of health—and to consider how collaborative, scalable solutions can help drive lasting change.”
Print copies of the book are now available for faculty in Chicago and Vancouver, and to students in the Fall. Members of Adler’s online community may request a Kindle version. All faculty may ask for a copy of the book through the Library request form.
An online event with Dr. Geronimus is scheduled for Sept. 26, with additional programming to be announced in the months ahead.