What we’re about
Like to read but short on time?
Consider joining our "Great Novels under 200 Pages" reading group. We will meet on Tuesdays once a month from 7 to 8:30 P.M. in a quiet spot at the Durham Barnes and Noble store in New Hope Commons. Choices of books will range from the classical to the modern and whimsical.
A hope is that over time different group members will lead discussions of books they choose. Selections could be from lists such as these:
- List of great, short classical works from Goodreads
- List of recent books published by Penguin Random House
- List from USA Today to include a short work by the recent South Korean Nobel Laureate Hans Kang
In short, we'll cover it all, from classical novellas to more jokey, modern works. Dive into some great lit with us, one page at a time.
The idea for this club came from Michael Shumate.
Upcoming events (1)
See all- Meditations by Marcus AureliusBarnes & Noble, Durham, NC
Marcus Aurelius—the Roman emperor who wielded immense power (sometimes ruthlessly) yet tempered it with profound introspection—left behind a timeless legacy in Meditations. This collection of personal reflections reveals the Stoic philosophy that steadied his rule and inner life, offering wisdom as vital today as in ancient times.
Join Us at Barnes & Noble
We'll meet in a quiet corner of the New Hope Commons Barnes & Noble in Durham to unpack Aurelius' teachings on resilience, humility, and focus—tools to navigate the modern chaos. Each passage is concise yet deeply layered.
Dorothy C. will moderate our discussion.
The most popular and highly recommended translation of Marcus Aurelius's Meditations is by Gregory Hays. Other strong contenders include Robin Waterfield's "Annotated Edition" and Martin Hammond's translation. Hays's translation is praised for its clarity, accessibility, and contemporary feel. Waterfield's version is lauded for capturing the conciseness of the original text and providing helpful annotations, while Hammond's translation is noted for its eloquence and detailed notes.
