Classics

[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] The world is made up of two kinds of people: first, those who love classics, and second, those who have not yet read a classic. Be bold and join us as we tackle reading and discussing the classics. New Classics, Old Classics, Long and Short Classics, and some that exhibit potential to become a classic. If you are part of the second group of people, the classic you can love for a lifetime is just pages away. Here at "Catching up on the Classics," we primarily focus on works written in English, but don't neglect quality translations of classics that were written in other languages. Here you will find members from around the world who are interested and supportive about reading traditional classics, so don’t delay. Join today.

[close] We read political philosophy together and talk it through in live voice discussions. The idea is simple: politics makes more sense when you study the thinkers behind it, so we go straight to the sources. Plato, Aristotle, Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Mill, Marx, and whatever the group votes to read next. The club runs inside the Politics & Philosophy Discord server, a community of over 1,100 members with daily voice chat. We pick a book, read at our own pace, and meet to discuss it. Conversations stay Socratic: questions first, no point scoring. Beginners are welcome, and nearly every pick has a free edition online. Reading list and how the club works: https://politicsphilosophy.com/book-club/ Join the Discord server: https://discord.com/invite/politics-philosophy-553617191358955520

[close] developing the intellectual minds of women !