Fall book clubs to join based on your personality type.
Contrary to popular belief, reading—our favorite thing in the world—needn’t be antisocial. Earlier this summer, The New York Times dubbed this the year of literary group travel. This fall, I’m predicting rises in the institutionally hosted book club and the
Reading together doesn't have to be a solitary activity. Earlier this summer, The New York Times declared this year to be the "year of literary group travel." As the autumn approaches, I foresee an increase in organized book clubs and group reads. Accountability can be a powerful tool to keep our attention focused. If you're interested in collective reading experiences, consider joining an online book club in the fall. Here are five options based on your personality type.
For the romantic student, Henry James' The Portrait of a Lady, led by Garth Greenwell, could be a great fit. Greenwell has dedicated himself to championing classic literature. This fall, he will guide an online reading group through James' work. The sessions will delve into James' approach to characterization, his exploration of American and European customs, his moral philosophy, and his innovative psychological insights.
The six-week journey begins with James' masterpiece, The Portrait of a Lady. Although it comes with a higher cost, scholarships are available.
If you're a more skeptical reader, Samuel Delany's Dhalgren might be a challenge you're willing to accept. Delany's queer science fiction novel has long been a favorite of mine, but its length has kept it on my nightstand, accumulating a thin layer of dust. The Center for Fiction's fall reading group, led by Zack Graham, may provide the extra motivation needed to dive into this daunting book.
Discussions will take place on Zoom. If space opera isn't your preferred genre, C4F is also offering reading groups this fall on mid-career Virginia Woolf and contemporary novels about the AIDS crisis. The group fees are in the three-digit range, but scholarships are available.
For those interested in a queer detective story, Lux Magazine's book club might be the perfect fit. Led by Charlie Markbreiter and Maz Murray, the group will discuss their neo-noir detective thriller, Jaw Filler, free of charge for Lux Magazine subscribers. The novel follows the first transgender private detective as they investigate a disappearance into a trans commune/digital cult in Sim World. The book and the sign-up for the October Zoom meeting can be found on the Lux Magazine website.
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