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 If you enjoy books that ask a little more of the reader--and give more back in return--you’ll likely feel at home here. We focus on literary fiction, the classics, and nonfiction, and we’re interested in how different readers experience and interpret the same work. In 2026, we’re keeping things open and reader-driven. Our year-long TBR Challenge continues, while occasional monthly reads--organized by members--will explore a range of themes and interests as they arise. In September, we’ll also bring back our four-month, task-based Book Challenge. As always, members are welcome to start discussions--whether about a favorite author, a recent read, or a book that’s been lingering in your thoughts. This group is here for thoughtful reading and conversation, at whatever pace suits you. The fine print: We all have our guilty pleasures--vampires in love, celebrity memoirs, beloved books from childhood--and there’s nothing wrong with that. This group, however, is a space set aside for a particular kind of reading and discussion: thoughtful, well-crafted writing for an adult audience. Our focus is on literary fiction, the classics, serious nonfiction, literary science fiction, historical fiction, and classic mysteries. What we value most is engaged, curious reading. We welcome a wide range of perspectives and interpretations, and a strong passion for books is a plus--as long as the conversation stays centered on the books themselves. Please be respectful of fellow members and avoid personal attacks; lively disagreement is great, ad hominem is not. Because this is a private group, we ask prospective members to apply. A few words about why you’d like to join and what you hope to get out of the group will help us get to know you. It’s also helpful if your shelves and profile are visible; profiles set to private cannot be approved. If this sounds like your kind of reading community, we’d love to hear from you.

[close] Reading takes you places. Where in the world will your next book take you? If you love world literature, translated works, travel writing, or exploring the world through books, you have come to the right place! ATW80 began in 2009 as a challenge on TNBBC. The separate group was established in 2011. Anyone can join and participate in the challenges or readings at any time. Challenge participation is not a requirement of joining. Anyone who loves reading books from around the world is welcome here. The main purpose of this group is to travel the world through books, experiencing new authors and cultures along the way. Want to read about the world? We have close to 50,000 books cataloged by setting and more are added each week. I personally started reading around the world in 2008. This venture has introduced me to far off lands, fresh viewpoints, and many new authors I might not have discovered otherwise. Here is a record of my travels since 2009: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/18478768-diane-s-world-travels-by-book I have worked very hard gathering resources for others to use and coming up with new activities. Please ask permission before copying and please give appropriate credit. The copycatting is getting ridiculous and tiresome. "The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.” - Dr. Suess “There are too many books I haven’t read, too many places I haven’t seen, too many memories I haven’t kept long enough.” ― Irwin Shaw Globe Stand Photo: Daniel Loiselle/Getty Images

[close] I’ve been searching for an active, engaging book club with fun challenges and lively chats—and since I couldn’t find one, I decided to create it! This club is all about reading and annotating—highlighting favorite lines, adding notes, and filling pages with colorful tabs. Grab your favorite pen, a stack of sticky notes, and join us as we turn every book into a masterpiece together! We will explore, discuss, and annotate clean romance, Christian books, self-help, fantasy, classics, mystery, dystopian, and lots more each month with seasonal challenges!