Most Read This Week In Historical

[close] Inspired by the Ph.D. Qualifying 50-Book Exam administered to second-year Ph.D. students in the English Department at the University of Pennsylvania, I have created my own version of that daunting task - meaningfully read 50 books across a diverse range of historical periods; generic and formal categories; national and geographic origins; and personal and societal identifications - all from a catalogue of texts spanning more than 1000 years. In the spirit of the exam, I encourage participants to organize their selected 50 works into three broad rubrics according to Genre; Historical Period; and Theme or Theory. Each topic should provide a framework to structure their reading with works that speak to one another. Each of the three rubrics should also include one or two critical, theoretical, or historical works. Keeping with their guidance, all or most of the works from the period chosen should be included in the Historical Period list (i.e., not in the Genre or Theme/Theory lists) to prevent that period's overrepresentation in the challenge as a whole; no more than 20 works from that period should appear on the full list. In other words, at least 30 of the 50 works should be outside of one's designated period of specialization. I want to use this group to make this challenge dynamic. Whether it's weekly discussion posts on specific themes or genres, a support group for those who jumped head-first into the Medieval period, or a deep-dive into the oddities of a specific literary movement or author, an ongoing dialogue is encouraged. The Reading List: https://www.english.upenn.edu/sites/default/files/Ph.D.%20Qualifying%20%252250-Book%2522%20Exam%20Book%20List.pdf For further insights on how to think about Genre, Historical Period, and Theme/Theory when building our your list and rubrics: https://www.english.upenn.edu/graduate/requirements-rules-procedures/first-year-oral-exam

[close] This global discussion group has been designed to encourage debates about important and underreported issues of our era. All you need is an enquiring mind and a desire to gain or share “underground knowledge”. This is also a place to discuss the controversial topics explored in The Underground Knowledge Series (non-fiction books) by James Morcan & Lance Morcan as well as the Underground Knowledge podcast show.

[close] Reading takes you places. Where in the world will your next book take you? If you love world literature, translated works, travel writing, or exploring the world through books, you have come to the right place! ATW80 began in 2009 as a challenge on TNBBC. The separate group was established in 2011. Anyone can join and participate in the challenges or readings at any time. Challenge participation is not a requirement of joining. Anyone who loves reading books from around the world is welcome here. The main purpose of this group is to travel the world through books, experiencing new authors and cultures along the way. Want to read about the world? We have close to 50,000 books cataloged by setting and more are added each week. I personally started reading around the world in 2008. This venture has introduced me to far off lands, fresh viewpoints, and many new authors I might not have discovered otherwise. Here is a record of my travels since 2009: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/18478768-diane-s-world-travels-by-book I have worked very hard gathering resources for others to use and coming up with new activities. Please ask permission before copying and please give appropriate credit. The copycatting is getting ridiculous and tiresome. "The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.” - Dr. Suess “There are too many books I haven’t read, too many places I haven’t seen, too many memories I haven’t kept long enough.” ― Irwin Shaw Globe Stand Photo: Daniel Loiselle/Getty Images

[close] Welcome to Readers Beyond Borders a community built for passionate readers who enjoy discovering unforgettable books, meaningful discussions, and hidden literary gems from around the world. This group was created to connect readers, reviewers, and authors through authentic engagement, thoughtful conversation, and a shared love for storytelling across every genre. Inside the community, members can: Discover new and underrated books Participate in monthly themed reading challenges Join buddy reads and discussion threads Share honest opinions and recommendations Connect with fellow readers from different countries and cultures Explore both traditionally published and independent authors We believe great books deserve visibility through genuine reader interest, not artificial hype. Whether you love thrillers, fantasy, romance, memoirs, historical fiction, horror, literary fiction, or nonfiction, there’s a place for you here. What makes this community different: Reader-first environment Respectful and thoughtful discussions No fake reviews or forced ratings Honest discovery over aggressive promotion Supportive atmosphere for both readers and authors Readers Beyond Borders is more than a reading challenge group it’s a growing literary space where stories travel farther, conversations go deeper, and new voices are welcomed. Grab your current read, introduce yourself, and join the discussion.