Readership: a reading community

This is a group for readers everywhere: we meet online for book discussions, co-reading sessions, read-aloud hours, and other formats as the group evolves. I have topics and books in mind, but I also hope to hear your ideas during our interest meetings. Over time, I welcome members who’d like to step up as organizers and lead discussions on books and themes of their choosing, as long as they align with our group’s guidelines. You’ll find the full guidelines further below, but first, here are some highlights as a quick primer:
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HIGHLIGHTS OF GUIDELINES:

• What we read: Mostly nonfiction, with occasional grounded fiction that connects to society, history, and humanity. No highly fantastical or purely escapist works.
• Our spirit: Academic but approachable—think “seminar without grades or jargon.” We value dialogue, curiosity, and exploration over right answers.
• Our texts: Chosen to honor the full spectrum of human experience, celebrate human thought, and uphold dignity, rights, and the flourishing of all people.
• Our discussions: Respectful, welcoming, and curiosity-driven. Every voice matters—come with your questions as much as your insights.
• Our boundaries: This is not a space for religious exegesis, close reading of scripture, or proselytization.
• Our community: Supportive and engaged. You’re welcome even if you didn’t finish the book; your perspective still enriches the circle.
• Our philosophy: Reading is lifelong exercise for the mind and nourishment for the heart. We gather not to prove ourselves, but to keep our minds active, our spirits connected, and our conversations alive.

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FULL COMMUNITY GUIDELINES:

Welcome! This group is a space for curious, thoughtful readers who enjoy exploring books and ideas together. Our focus is primarily nonfiction—works that help us engage with society, history, human progress, and the challenges and possibilities of the world around us. Occasionally, we may dip into grounded fiction that speaks to these same themes.

We want this to be a welcoming, thoughtful, and enriching community. Please review the following guidelines so we can make sure everyone feels comfortable, heard, and inspired.

1. Respect, Kindness, and Intellectual Camaraderie

• We are here to learn with each other, not at each other.
• Listen generously and give space for different voices and styles of expression.
• Approach differences of opinion with curiosity rather than competition.
• Think of this group as a circle of fellow travelers: exploring, questioning, and reflecting together.

2. Our Reading Focus

• Nonfiction is our foundation. We focus on works that bring evidence, history, analysis, and grounded reflection to the table.
• An academic but approachable spirit. Think of our selections as those you might encounter in a seminar for lifelong learners—substantial, thoughtful, and connected to the real world, but without the pressure of grades or jargon.
• Text selection with breadth and integrity. We strive to choose works that honor the full spectrum of human experience and the potential of human thought. Our reading list reflects respect for the free expression of varied views and perspectives, always in the interest of meaningful intellectual discourse.
• At the same time, we uphold human dignity and staunchly affirm the basic human rights of all people. Our group is committed to discussions that recognize and defend the human spirit and the universal desire to live and flourish among others, free from threats, violence, or dehumanization.
• Fiction is welcome—but in moderation. When we do read fiction, it will be the kind that raises questions about society, humanity, or history. Fantastical, other-worldly, or purely escapist fiction isn’t our emphasis.
• Our discussions are meant to illuminate connections between books and the broader human story—our past, present, and shared future.

3. Religion and Sacred Texts

• This is not a group for religious exegesis, close readings of scripture, or proselytization.
• We deeply respect the richness of religious traditions, but this group focuses on secular, historical, cultural, and analytical texts.
• If your primary interest is devotional or theological reading, we encourage you to connect with groups that specialize in that. This group simply has a different purpose.

4. Discussion Guidelines

• Stay connected to the book and topic at hand. Curiosity is welcome, but let’s tie our thoughts back to the reading.
• Make space for everyone: balance sharing your insights with inviting others to join in.
• Ask questions, build on each other’s ideas, and let the conversation feel like a shared exploration.
• We celebrate the joy of thinking together. The goal isn’t to win arguments but to grow in understanding.

5. Community Spirit

• Come with an open mind and a generous spirit.
• Share what you can from your reading—even if you didn’t finish, your voice still enriches the circle.
• We are a supportive, kind, and engaged community. We believe in learning from each other, encouraging one another, and building friendships rooted in curiosity and care.
• This is a space to feel safe, inspired, and energized by the exchange of ideas—while protecting human dignity and celebrating the shared human drive to live, flourish, and connect.

6. Founding Philosophies

• Reading here is decoupled from the pressures of school, evaluation, or performance. There are no grades, no right answers, and no “right people.”
• Our approach is rooted in dialogue and exploration—valuing questions as much as conclusions.
• We believe reading is a way to keep our minds strong and active throughout life. Books are exercise for the brain, but also nourishment for the heart.
• The social dimension adds immeasurably: conversation brings texts alive, sparks new connections, and deepens understanding in ways solitary reading cannot.
• This is not about intellectual superiority or proving oneself. It’s about sustaining curiosity, honoring thought in all its forms, and building a shared practice that keeps us thinking, reflecting, and connected.

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Thank you for being part of this community of readers! Together, we can create a welcoming circle that explores books with depth, warmth, and friendship.