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, 1:30-3pm. All meetings will take place virtually on Zoom until further notice. If enough readers are interested, a second session will be offered from 3-4:30pm.

Subsequent reading selections will be chosen by the group together.

Sun, September 27 | Shuggie Bain, Douglas Stuart

Sun, October 25

Sun, December 6

Sun, January 31 | Hamnet, Maggie O’Farrell

Sun, February 28 | The Vanishing Half, Brit Bennett

Sun, March 28 | Love, Roddy Doyle

Sun, April 25 | Yellow Bird: Oil, Murder, and a Woman’s Search for Justice in Indian Country, Sierra Crane Murdoch

Sun, May 23 | Deacon King Kong, James McBride

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 one year 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.