Deep Reads: Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison (1st of 2 sessions)

Over a period of 2 months, we’ll read we will be reading Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison.

You can find a copy here: If you buy any of the versions after clicking on my link, I will get a few pennies to help support the cost of the meetup.

This month we will read roughly the first 300 pages - check back for the exact page break down.

Ellison’s groundbreaking novel delves into race, identity, and invisibility in 20th-century America. Told through the eyes of an unnamed African-American narrator, the novel follows his journey from the segregated South to the streets of Harlem as he confronts prejudice, betrayal, and the elusive search for self-definition. Ellison’s lyrical prose and surreal style illuminate the psychological and social challenges of a man rendered “invisible” by the blindness of others.
A cornerstone of American literature, Invisible Man remains strikingly relevant today, speaking to ongoing struggles with systemic racism, political manipulation, and personal agency. First published in 1952, its insights into power, perception, and human dignity continue to provoke thought and conversation. This is more than a novel—it’s a vital invitation to see and to be seen.

(Thanks ChatGPT for help with this summary! haha)

[On a personal note, I will be interested in thinking about Levinas' conception of our encounter with the other as we read and discuss the work. Check back for links on background on this topic]

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Note! Meetup recently doubled the cost of the meetup to about $352/year ($176 twice a year) Want to help support the group? A few of you generously offered. If you would like to contribute $5, $10, $20 or any amount, the easiest way is venmo: @JohnSeanDoyle or just reach out to me directly. Thanks for considering it!