A shared reading experience of “How to Know a Person” by David Brooks.
October 1 – November 5, 2026
Why are we doing this now?
We live in a moment marred by deep and growing division, loneliness, and an erosion of the social trust that once defined our communities. One may wonder how we drifted so far apart, and what we can do to find our way back.
Healing our social fabric won’t happen overnight, but weavers are working across the country to improve their communities every day. It starts small, and grows into a movement that is undeniable. Let’s sit down, open the same book, and start a shared conversation.
What if one book could help us become better neighbors, colleagues, leaders, and weavers?
Welcome to the BIG READ!
Why this book?
In How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen, David Brooks addresses a modern epidemic: widespread loneliness, political polarization, and a culture that has lost the art of deep human connection. The book serves as a practical, empathetic guide to developing the skill of making others feel seen, heard, and truly understood.
Why Weave selected this book to read together
Reading How to Know a Person together creates more than shared knowledge, it creates shared understanding. At a time when many Americans feel isolated and divided, Weave’s BIG READ invites people across the country to slow down, become more curious about one another, and strengthen the relationships that make communities thrive.
– Frederick J. Riley, Executive Director of Weave: the Social Fabric Project
Experiencing the BIG READ
During October you’ll:
📖 Read alongside thousands of participants.
💬 Join weekly conversations.
🤝 Connect with fellow weavers on Weaving Us.
✨ Share stories and reflections.
🎉 Celebrate together with David Brooks on November 5.
Why should you participate?
After the BIG READ you’ll have:
✓ Stronger relationships
✓ Greater curiosity
✓ Practical ideas
✓ New connections
✓ Shared purpose
Who should join us?
This BIG READ is for:
- Educators
- Faith Leaders
- Volunteer Leaders
- Artists
- Nonprofit Professionals
- Civic Leaders
- Mediators
- Grassroots Organizers
- Community Builders
- Anyone who wants stronger relationships
Reading Schedule
Join Weaving Us to connect, learn, and share with other participants
This will be the space where BIG READ participants will connect, learn, and share. It’s free to join and participate in the BIG READ activities.
- Join Weaving Us for free to participate in BIG READ events.
- Share reflections
- Participate in Community Circles
- Celebrate wins
- Learn from others
- Continue conversations between events
National BIG READ Partners
Would your organization like to join our growing list of BIG READ National Partners? Reach out to partnerwithweave@aspeninstitute.org expressing your interest and we will feature your organization here!
Celebration event with David Brooks
November 5 | 6:30pm ET
What to expect:
- Candid conversation between David Brooks and Frederick J. Riley
- Hear participant stories
- Learn next steps to deepen learning
FAQs
No. There are lessons and skills you can learn with each chapter.
Yes, you can join anytime.
We will read 2-3 chapters per week, and we will host 1-2 60-minute virtual events each week. Read at your own pace and participate as time allows.
Yes. You can even consider joining us as a National BIG READ Partner. Reach out to partnerwithweave@aspeninstitute.org.
All events will be hosted by Weaving Us. Join our free online community today: https://weaving.us/landing.
You do not need a Weaving Us account to read with others; however, you will need to be a member of Weaving Us to participate in the BIG READ events.
We would love for you to invite others, including friends, family, colleagues, and more. Simply share this registration link: [insert link]
The first 50 people to register will receive a free signed copy of “How to Know A Person.” You can also consider borrowing the book from your local library or purchasing the book.
National BIG READ Partners
