Designed to foster empathy, curiosity, and belonging, MIT Reads brings together the campus community – and readers everywhere – through common reading experiences, author talks, and group discussions. To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the program, President Sally Kornbluth has chosen the Fall 2026 selection, Exhalation by Ted Chiang.

One of The New York Times’ best books of 2019, Exhalation is a collection of nine science fiction stories that grapple with humanity’s oldest questions while exploring such issues as bioethics, time travel, and the uses of AI. The choice of Exhalation reflects MIT Reads’ evolution, now focusing on fiction and memoir as forms that are uniquely suited to building social connections and a sense of our shared humanity.

“With the stories in his 2019 Exhalation collection, Ted Chiang offered an uncanny preview of many issues we’re grappling with now concerning technology, particularly the relationship between humans and artificial intelligence,” says President Kornbluth. “He raises deep questions about the future that humans and machines will share and offers provocative ideas and possibilities. I’m delighted that MIT Reads will give us the opportunity to explore his work together.”

Since launching in 2016, MIT Reads has embraced the power of reading and storytelling to cultivate social connection within the MIT community. Virtual and hybrid programming have now extended the reach of the program, inviting audiences everywhere to engage in the conversation. We hope you’ll consider joining us in person or online for the fall 2026 signature event. 

Save the Date: Author Event
Ted Chiang in conversation with President Sally Kornbluth
Thursday, December 3

Visit libraries.mit.edu/mit-reads for more information and to register.