About us
Great Books uses the method of Shared Inquiry™ to enrich people‘s lives by exploring the great ideas found in all types of literature: fiction, nonfiction, poetry and plays. Small groups of readers merge the ideas found in the readings with their combined experiences and understanding. You don‘t need to be any kind of expert to lead or to take part in a book discussion. Meetings are open, friendly and encourage everyone to share, discuss, question and explore. We go home from discussions exhilarated by new insights and with a sharpened understanding of important ideas. Learning becomes a lifelong, enriching experience. We broaden our view of history, sharpen our critical thinking skills, and relate the text to our own interpretations of complex situations and events. There’s more! We widen our circle of friends and have great times with people we enjoy! It’s amazing how much laughter can erupt from a serious discussion of a serious book . We’d like to believe that over time we come to understand ourselves better: how we think, what we think, and why. Go to our website [www.NWGreatBooks.com](http://nwgreatbooks.com/event/57th-annual-pacific-northwest-great-books-weekend-event/) for registration form and additional details.
Upcoming events
14
- $1.00
Macbeth Book and a Movie Event
Queen Anne Lutheran Church, 2400 8th Ave W, Seattle, WA, USPlease join us for a discussion of the play, Macbeth by William Shakespeare, a screening of the 2015 movie of the same name, and a tasty lunch.
Date: March 21, 2026
Movie: 9:00 am-12:00 pm
Lunch: 12:00-12:30 pm
Discussion: 12:30-2:00 pm
Cost: $35 per person, which includes lunch. Pre registration only.
Location: Queen Anne Lutheran Church
2400 8th Ave W
Seattle, WA 98119
Here's what you can expect:
Everyone will read Macbeth, by William Shakespeare prior to our gathering.
We will watch a screening of Macbeth, together.
After a break for a tasty lunch (included), we will have a guided discussion based on the book and movie.
Here's what critics said about this film: A faithful yet thoughtful adaptation, adding depth to the Macbeths' relationship and exploring their shared grief and madness, making it a believable, raw, and visceral experience.
New to Shakespeare? Grab the New Folger Library copy for easy understanding.
All are welcome and encouraged to join. Northwest Great Books has been around for decades and our mission statement is: To involve people of all ages and walks of life in interpretive discussions of books, plays, movies, or essays that evoke critical and persuasive thoughts and dialogue in a safe and productive environment. Come, give us a shot, we've lots of 5-star reviews and testimonials.3 attendees 
Being Mortal, by Atul Gawande, Discussion via ZOOM
·OnlineOnlineWe use the Great Books Shared Inquiry Method to discuss interesting and enduring literature, such as this nonfiction book that brings medical meaning to "writing your last chapter" and what matters in the end. I think you'll enjoy the thoughtful, illuminating, and entertaining conversations we generate. Join us!
There are four guidelines for participating in a Great Books Discussion:
- Read the work prior to joining the discussion.
- Use the text to support your ideas, not outside sources.
- The leader is not an authority on the discussion. There are no right/wrong responses.
- Further the conversation by listening to what others say and follow-up on the train of thought.
Zoom details are posted the day before the discussion.
READINGS FOR 2026:
Jan 27: The Heart is a Lonely Hunter, by Carson McCullers (1940 novel, 359 pgs)
Feb. 24: The Myth of Sisyphus, by Albert Camus (1942 essay, 192 pgs)
March 24: Being Mortal, by Atul Gawande, (2014 Non-fiction, 282 pgs)
April 21: The Overcoat, by Nikolai Gogol (1842 short story, 57 pgs)
May 26: I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings, by Maya Angelou (1969 novel, 289 pgs)
June 23: Antigone, by Sophocles (422 play, 80 pgs)
July-Nov: coming soon
Cindy B
206-501-6621
bouldin@aol.com12 attendees
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