What we’re about
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 (4+)
See all- Hello Beautiful!Bellevue Botanical Gardens, Bellevue, WA$39.50
Named one of the best books of the year in numerous publications, this novel has what it takes to inspire a interesting, meaningful Great Books discussion. If you’re in the mood for a read that will make you feel—really feel—then Hello Beautiful is waiting for you. Trust me, once you start, you won’t be able to put it down.
July 5th, 2025 at Bellevue Botanical Gardens-Classroom C 12001 Main St, Bellevue, WA 98005
Here’s all you need to do:- Register below.
- Go to the library, or buy your copy of Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano and read it prior to our discussion.
- 2:30pm – 3:00 We will meet at the Great Books sign in front of the Trillium Store for a guided tour through the award winning Bellevue Botanical Gardens.
- 3:00 -5:30pm Join us for a glass of wine and light munchies as we discuss one of Oprah’s favorites!
All are welcome and encouraged to join. This is a welcoming atmosphere, with a trained facilitator that will keep our discussion on track, making sure all voices are heard. Be ready for a deep discussion and questioning rather than just memorizing facts. Mark your calendars for this one.
You must purchase a ticket to attend. Tickets can be found at our website:
https://nwgreatbooks.com/event/hellobeautiful/ - The Stranger, by Albert Camus, Book Discussion (via ZOOM)Link visible for attendees
We use the Shared Inquiry Method to discuss interesting pieces of literature, including this renowned short story about the absurdity of life, and related consequences. Whether you’re a first time book club attendee or a lifetime member, you’ll be surprised at the thoughtful, illuminating, and entertaining conversations that ensue!
There are four guidelines for participating in a Great Books Discussion:- Read the work.
- Use the text to support your ideas, not outside sources.
- There are no right/wrong responses.
- Further the discussion by listening to what others say and follow-up on the train of thought. Focus on what you hear.
READINGS FOR 2025:
Jan 28: The Devil in the White City, by Erik Larson
Feb 25: What We Talk About When We Talk About Love, by Raymond Carver
Mar 25: Nickel and Dimed, by Barbara Ehrenreich
April 22: Pale Horse, Pale Rider, by Anne Porter
May 27: Olive Kitteridge, by Elizabeth Strout
June 24: The Bear Came Over the Mountain, by Alice Munro
July 22: The Stranger, by Albert Camus
Aug 26: Bartleby the Scrivener, by Herman Melville
Sept 23: The Tempest, by Wm. Shakespeare
Oct 28: We Have Always Lived in the Castle, by Shirley Jackson
Nov 25: The Ones Who Walk Away From Omelas, by Ursula LeGuin
Dec: No Discussion due to Holidays
I look forward to a year of discussions with you!
Cindy
206-501-6621
bouldin@aol.com - The Tempest, by Wm Shakespeare, Great Books Discussion Tues, Sept 23Link visible for attendees
We use the Great Books Shared Inquiry Method to discuss interesting pieces of literature, such as this magical classic Shakespeare story of a father and daughter reconciliation. I use the No Fear Shakespeare book for the discussion, though you can read any version you have.
Whether you’re a first time book club attendee or have participated in many discussions, you’ll be surprised at the thoughtful, illuminating, and entertaining conversations we create.
There are four guidelines for participating in a Great Books Discussion:- Read the work.
- Use the text to support your ideas (not outside sources).
- The leader is not an authority on the discussion. Bring your own questions, and there are no right/wrong responses.
- Further the discussion by listening to what others say and follow-up.
FUTURE READINGS FOR 2025:
Sept 23: The Tempest, by Wm Shakespeare, ≈218 pgs (1611). Prospero uses illusion and manipulation to restore his daughter to her rightful place, honoring the glories of reconciliation and forgiveness.
Oct 28: We Have Always Lived in the Castle, by Shirley Jackson. 146 pgs (1962). Gothic tale of a peculiar girl named Merricat and her family’s dark secret.
Nov 25: The Ones Who Walk Away From Omelas, short story by Ursula K Le Guin, 32 pgs (1973). Some inhabitants of a peaceful kingdom cannot tolerate the act of cruelty that underlies the kingdom’s happiness.NO discussion in December.
Cindy
206-501-6621
bouldin@aol.com
