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
12
The Overcoat, by Nikolai Gogol, Discussion via ZOOM
·OnlineOnlineWe use the Great Books Shared Inquiry Method to discuss interesting and enduring literature, such as this tale of the absurd and misplaced obsessions, acknowledged as the finest of Gogol's memorable Saint Petersburg stories. 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 28: The Double Helix, by James Watson (1968 NF, 143 pgs)
Aug 25: TBD
Sept. 22: Twelfth Night, by Wm. Shakespeare (1623 play, 222 pgs)
Oct. 27: The Invisible Man, by HG Wells (1897 novel, 192 pgs)
Nov 24: TBD
December: No discussion - enjoy the holidays!Cindy B
206-501-6621
bouldin@aol.com12 attendees
Past events
193
Group links
Organizers
Members
1,554
