The Open Book Club discussion

Say a little about who you are, why you're here, and (if you're inclined) name any classic book/author you haven't read that you're most curious about.

I'm the host, so I'll get the ball rolling. I'm here because I'm trying an experiment in 2023 with opening my classroom teaching to friends who've always told me they wanted to read more 'serious' books like literary fiction, old and new -- and to read them with other people in a casual, pressure-free kind of way.

The classic I'd most like to read next is Bleak House by Charles Dickens, because I loved the BBC miniseries (Gillian Anderson! Charles Dance!) -- and frankly Dickens intimidates me.

Hi! I'm Tina and I'm here because I miss reading books in a classroom setting and discussing them with others. I have the entire Charles Dickens collection but Bleak House is one I haven't read yet!

Hi, I’m Kelsey. I work in the publishing industry, specifically in academic resources. I meet professionally almost daily with English instructors and often leave filled with nostalgia for my undergraduate classroom experiences. I think what I long most for is that experience of reading a piece of literature for the first time and sharing that with a group of engaged individuals. I loved the rawness of the emotions and the titillating conversations that would follow in class as an undergraduate. I grew so much from the discussions launched by the literature collectively experienced. I look forward to participating with this group and perhaps recreating a bit of those moments of reflection and expression.

Hello! I'm Santana. I'm here because I'm rather fond of the club's host and because I can't remember the last time I read a classic novel.

Hi! I’m Kris and haven’t had a chance to discuss books in so long—I have a lot of thoughts on things (most of them kind of stupid).

Hey all, I'm John. It looks like we all have a lot in common.

I miss discussing books in a classroom adjacent setting. I'm also pretty fond of our dear host. I have a lot of thoughts on things and I'm looking forward to saying something so profoundly silly that Kris stops worrying about saying something stupid.

Unfortunately, I'll be traveling to Mexico on the 29th, so I'll miss the inaugural meeting, but I will be with you all in spirit.

Hello everyone - I’m Michelle and I joined this group because I’m an avid reader who will always jump at the opportunity to discuss literature with fellow enthusiasts! I’m currently finishing Meditations by Marcus Aurelius, and would like to tackle the Aeneid by Virgil next.

Hi all!
Michael and I were little baby professors together waaaay back in 2007. I’m a geologist who now teaches environmental science but really just tries to spend all my time outdoors. Mostly in the Grand Canyon but anywhere near a river will work too.

I never got to take literature courses in college (stupid science with all that math 🙄). I adore Michael’s podcast (especially the Paradise Lost series!) and am looking forward to this experience. Even if I don’t quite get the readings done in time. 🤪 I recently rewatched the newest Emma though - does that count??

Good morning,

My name is Kaity and I am here because my sister Michelle is here and also because I really love to read.

I have a degree in English Lit so many classics are familiar but I am really looking forward to revisiting them with the added perspective of (many) more years of life experience as well as the more intersectional lens of our current culture.

The next classic on my list is Frankenstein by Mary Shelley.

Looking forward to Sunday,
K

Hello! I'm Aksha, hopefully a future university student pursuing English Literature. I am so excited to discuss classic literature as I haven't dwelled much into that area yet, but have always wanted to!

I would love to read The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde next.