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PROGRAMS / READING GROUPS / Other Minds: Childhood Consciousness Through an Adult Lens

“I remember my own childhood vividly…I knew terrible things. But I knew I mustn’t let adults know I knew. It would scare them”
– Maurice Sendak

In this reading group we will turn our attention to the familiar and unfamiliar aspects of childhood. As adults who have lived through a childhood, we might assume we understand or can easily relate to the experiences of children, but too often children’s consciousness is simplified and romanticized as innocent. We will explore the complications, misunderstandings, and tensions which arise when adult’s and children’s perspectives collide.

OVERVIEW

Many of the books selected for this reading group were written for adults, not children, but have child protagonists who play an integral part in advancing the plot. We will end by reading To Kill a Mockingbird and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, which are canonized as children’s literature. The aim of ending with these titles is to provide context and contrast to the other titles in our reading list. Together we will tackle questions like: How has the concept of childhood evolved over the last several hundred years? How closely can adults relate or represent the otherness of a child’s mind in literature? In what ways do we under or overestimate the awareness of children’s perceptions of our adult world? What is the role of agency, power, or powerlessness in childhood?

MEETING AND READING SCHEDULE

This group meets on the first Wednesday of the month, October through June, from 5:30-7pm in the Athenæum’s Bound.

Wed, October 5
The Summer Book, Tove Jansson

Wed, November 2
Alfred and Guinevere, James Schuyler

Wed, December 7
The Go-Between, L.P. Hartley

Wed, January 4
A High Wind in Jamaica, Richard Hughes

Wed, February 1
Trick, Domenico Starnone

Wed, March 1
An American Childhood, Annie Dillard

Wed, April 5
The Boys of My Youth, Jo Ann Beard

Wed, May 3
To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee

Thurs, June 8 (rescheduled from Wed, June 7) *Meeting OFFSITE at the First Unitarian Church*
Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Mark Twain

GROUP FACILITATOR

Erin Perfect is a librarian, artist, writer, and educator. She was born in Pennsylvania, studied art in NYC, and currently teaches workshops on research and creative practices in Providence. Erin believes it is paramount to seek understanding in all its forms.

Reading groups have concluded for the 2022/23 season. Fall 23/Spring 24 groups will be announced this summer. Members, you will receive more information via email.

The Athenæum is deeply grateful to our wonderful volunteer leaders. Please note library reading groups are not classes or courses, but rather a way for individuals to discuss readings together, guided by both expert and amateur enthusiasts. Participants should expect discussion-based, not lecture-style meetings.