Prison, Plot, and Payback: The Count of Monte Cristo

To mark Bastille Day—and to give everyone time to tackle a true classic—we're announcing our July 2026 pick early: The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas.

This sweeping tale of betrayal, imprisonment, and ultimate revenge is packed with intrigue, romance, and moral complexity. Wrongfully imprisoned in a fortress not unlike the Bastille, Edmond Dantès escapes and reinvents himself as the mysterious Count, setting out to reclaim justice and perhaps lose himself along the way.

Whether you’re a first-time reader or returning for a summer re-read, this is a rich, cinematic novel perfect for long days and even longer discussions. Start reading anytime—we’ll be checking in throughout the year and gathering for a lively deep dive in July.

Liberté, égalité, vengeance!