Classics

[close] This is a group for discerning readers looking to discover, explore, and critically discuss some of the World’s literature, with a primary emphasis on the great books, short stories and poetry of the early-18th century to the early-20th century. You can expect to find intelligent discussions associated with literary periods and movements; major and minor authors and their works; and potential connections and relationships with other artistic movements and periods (e.g., music, visual arts, architecture, etc.).We encourage participants to bring their intellectual curiosity and a willingness to share their knowledge and engage in critical thinking and discussion. This group is intended to be a safe, comfortable, yet stimulating haven for those looking to learn more and share their love for some of the World’s great literature.

[close] Welcome to the Roundtable Our passions include literary fiction, the classics, and serious non-fiction. In 2018 we've planned structured reads in the following categories: Classics, Author Reads, International Reads, Nonfiction, and Literary Prize winners. We’d love for you to participate in our “Roundtable Tournament” pitting our favorite books against each other to determine RT's "best book"! Or you can sign on for our yearly TBR reading challenge, the year-long International and/or Doorstop challenges, or revive the threads from past projects and group reads. The fine print: We're a smallish group, but active, and we'd like to have actively participating members. If you've been a member for more than four months without participating, we will assume that you are not interested in the group and you will be subject to deletion (one post after acceptance into the group is not considered active). This may take the form of participation in one of the structured features described above or something more free-form. While we've all got our guilty pleasures -- vampires in love, celebrity gossip, books from our childhoods -- these books don't fit with the group's vision and purpose. It's strictly "quality" writing for an adult audience; for us this means literary fiction, the classics, and serious non-fiction. We like to see a diversity of opinions about what we read and a strong passion for books is a plus. However, we ask that our group members keep it about the books; be respectful of others and refrain from the ad hominem. Finally, you'll see that we're a private group and you'll need to "apply" to join us. This means that we'd like a word from you about why you'd like to join and what you're hoping to get from a group. It also helps if we can see your shelves and your profile. If your profile is set to private, you will not be approved for membership in the group.

[close] We're here because we like reading and we like chatting about reading. But we are here especially because we strongly believe that reading is not just something we do alone, but something that can unite people of different kinds, all over the world! This group really is all about books! In terms of group reads we have a monthly fiction book and a bi-monthly group read of a classic. We feature dedicated sections for non-fiction, poetry, short stories and drama. We also have weekly poetry postings (the Monday Poem). Quarterly there is a group discussion of non-fiction books in which members are encouraged to read books that relate to a specific theme and another theme for short stories. We feature a yearly challenge which varies from year to year in form. In addition, we have a section for people to post their yearly personal challenges and books read during the year.

[close] Want to read the classics in mystery, horror, science fiction, fantasy, westerns, thrillers, sensation, and maybe even romance? You have found your people.