The New York Times Bestsellers Book Group will read a variety of selections from that list, chosen by a majority of its members.

This group is intended to be a collaborative, convivial, and friendly gathering – more relaxed and free-flowing than structured talking points. Participants will together choose bestselling books to read, with an emphasis on fiction and personal favorites, and with the hopes to getting to know each other through a literary experience.

This group meets on the fourth Sunday of the month, 2-3:30pm at the Athenæum.

Some reading selections will be chosen by the group together.

Sun, September 26 | The Midnight Library, Matt Haig

Sun, October 24 | Finding the Mother Tree, Suzanne Simard

Sun, November 28 | The Plot, Jean Hanff Korelitz

No December meeting

Sun, January 23 | Klara and the Sun, Kazuo Ishiguro

Sun, February 27 | Harlem Shuffle, Colson Whitehead

Sun, March 27 | The Lincoln Highway, Amor Towles

Sun, April 24 | The Night Watchman, Louise Erdrich

Sun, May 22 | Oh, William, Elisabeth Strout

The discussions will be facilitated by Athenæum member Kathleen Spencer. Originally from Camillus, New York, Kathleen and her husband John began their adult lives in Providence, quickly followed by 40 years on the South Shore of Boston. During that time she committed herself, and continues to do so, to public education. After serving as a teacher of English and assistant principal at Braintree High School, Kathleen became principal of Carver High School. She is currently a semi-retired consultant for Research for Better Teaching, working with districts near and sometimes far on strengthening teaching and leading with the needs of students always coming first in this work. Kathleen and John returned to Providence two years ago and are very happy to be here. They both appreciate the book clubs offered through the Athenæum and enjoy building community through that shared exploration of reading for pleasure and personal growth.