The novel selections for this year, some serious in tone, others humorous, humanize societies’ struggles with a variety of issues: how to understand love and death, find acceptance, deal with prejudice, have courage to survive, question social choices.

This group is collaborative, convivial and friendly. Our discussions range from overarching questions about meaning to focusing on details of a writer’s style. We enjoy getting to know each other through our shared literary experience and love welcoming new members.

This group will meet on the 2nd Sunday (with three exceptions) on the month in the Bound at the Athenæum, 12-1:30pm.

Sun, September 21 (note date change)
The Paris Library, Janet Skeslien Charles

Sun, October 19 (note date change)
Station Eleven, Emily St. John Mandel

Sun, November 9
Trust, Hernan Diaz

Sun, December 14
You Dreamed of Empires, Álvaro Enrigue

Sun, January 11
Tomorrow, Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, Gabrielle Zevin

Sun, February 8
The Swimmers, Julie Otsuka

Sun, March 8
On Earth We Were Briefly Gorgeous, Ocean Vuong

Sun, April 12
The Known World, Edward P. Jones

Sun, May 3 (note date change)
Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead, Olga Tokarczuk

Jan Erie retired from teaching high school English in Washington state in 2018. One of her first acts upon moving to Rhode Island was joining the Athenaeum, specifically for the wonderful selection of book clubs. She loves co-facilitating the NYT’s group with Kathy!

Kathleen Spencer is a retired English teacher, high school principal, and educational consultant. As a co-facilitator, Kathy looks forward with Jan to building community through a shared exploration of reading for pleasure and personal growth.