Capital READ Author Event

The Social Biome : How Everyday Communication Connects and Shapes Us by Andy Merolla and Jeffrey Hall is the Missouri River Regional Library’s 21st annual Capital READ.

Published in 2025, The Social Biome takes “a deep dive into the importance of daily communication and how we can harness its power to create a better life. Drawing from their extensive research, Andy J. Merolla and Jeffrey A. Hall establish a new way to think about our relational life: as existing within “social biomes”—complex ecosystems of moments of interaction with others."

“Each interaction we have, no matter how unimportant or mundane it might seem, is a building block of our identities and beliefs. Consequently, the choices we make about how we interact and who we interact with—and whether we interact at all—matter more than we might know. Merolla and Hall offer a sympathetic, practical guide to our vital yet complicated social lives and propose realistic ways to embrace and enhance connection and hope.”

Madeline Matson, the Capital READ organizer, said “The Social Biome speaks to all of us in our need for communication, whether meaningful conversations with friends and family or just day-to-day interactions, all of which help us to develop a sense of wellbeing. Dr. Hall explains how to achieve a healthy social biome in this time of division and loneliness. It’s a hopeful and essential book.” 

Andy Merolla is a professor in the Department of Communication at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Jeffrey A. Hall is the Department Chair and Professor of Communication Studies at the University of Kansas. He also directs the Relationships and Technology Lab.

Upon being invited to Jefferson City Jeffrey Hall said “I am so honored that The Social Biome has been selected for 2026. There is no better time than now to learn how everyday communication can strengthen our bonds to one another and build a healthier community. “

Jeffrey Hall will give a presentation about his and Merolla’s book. In the weeks before his visit, Copies of the book are available at MRRL and also at Book/Shop, etc. located on 125 East High Street.