The Good, Old Book Reading Group

This group, at least for now, will “meet” online to discuss books that were first published least 50 years ago and have maintained a reputation for excellence. If you have eclectic taste and interests, if you are willing to explore subjects you know little about, and if want to sharpen your appreciation for great writing and stimulating ideas and insights, then this group may be for you. The theory is threefold: first, choosing books that have maintained a strong reputation for at least 50 years is a more reliable filter for sorting wheat from chaff than contemporary reviews, prizes, or sales; second, the best books raise enduring questions, address enduring themes, and possess enduring beauty; third, familiarity with the best of the old sharpens one’s taste, judgment, and understanding of the new. Each member must commit to read each book and post a written comment as a discussion starter at least 48 hours before the scheduled online discussion. Vigorous disagreement will be permitted, but anyone who cannot tell the difference between criticizing an argument based on facts and reasoning, and criticizing another member’s intellect, sincerity, background, or goodwill will be asked to leave, as will anyone more interested in the sound of his/her own voice than in what others have to say. We’ll start operating when we have 5 members. Membership will initially be limited to 10. The objective will always be to keep the group small enough so that everyone can participate in the discussions and so that members can get comfortable sharing their views.