Welcome to the Classical Book Club!

Have you wanted to read the classics but don’t know where to start? Good. Then you’ve come to the right place.

Because to be honest, I’m the exact same. I love reading, and I love writing. But classics? I wouldn’t know where to start. That’s why I’ve started this Substack. To start reading, digesting and discussing classics in a way that makes them possible to understand.

By subscribing and joining this book club, you’ll have the chance to join reading around one book a month of various classics. And it won’t just be straight white men from history, there is going to be real variety to the authors we read together.

How will this work?

Well, each month I’ll provide a few options and the community votes on which book to read. I’ll announce it and then we’ll dive in together.

As we go through you’ll get reminder posts and some thoughts from me as I read. I’ll share some prompts, some things I find interesting, and encourage you to keep reading. It’s totally pressure free - you can dip in and out as much as you’d like while engaging at your own pace.

At the end of the month, I’ll utilise an online space to discuss the book. We’ll have a rough set time that this can start from, and I’ll share some comments, questions and thoughts for you to discuss. The idea is that it’s a friendly, welcoming environment. You don’t have to teach classics at Oxford University, and you won’t need to learn Ancient Egyptian to know what’s going on.

I’ll also be open to questions throughout the month, for help and discussion as you go. Classics aren’t always the easiest to read, and sometimes you might want to discuss things before the month is out. That’s fine. Welcomed, even. This is a club to read and learn the classics together after all.

Why Classics?

The classics can seem overwhelming, especially if (like me) you haven’t read many of them before. They can be long, confusing and full of historical references and language that make them hard to access.

But this is the thing: they are classics for a reason. These stories have stood the test of time for one reason or another. Be it the story, the style, the characters or themes - something has made each classic novel become what it is today.

And the best part? We get to do it together, learning from each other’s perspectives, discussing our thoughts and ideas, and uncovering the meaning of these novels that we might miss when reading alone.

Why this book club?

With the Classical Book Club, there’s no pressure. We’re not experts (well, I’m not), we’re here to enjoy reading. We aren’t taking tests or passing a class. If you don’t want to read a book one month, or fall behind - no problem! It’s totally on your terms.

You also get the pleasure of connecting with other readers. Curious, thoughtful people who share your interest in seeking out great stories.

You get to take part in shaping the journey. You’ll vote on which books we read and help shape the conversation by sharing your thoughts.

You’ll also get to grow as a reader. Classics will help open your eyes to new ideas, interpretations and styles. Plus, think how smart you’ll look in a Christmas quiz with your family when you can successfully answer obscure question about a book from the 1800s? You just know everyone will be impressed.

Are you ready to join?

If you’ve ever wanted to read the classics without knowing how to start, this is the place for you. Subscribe, vote on our next book, and together we can get stuck into some of the greatest novels that history has to offer.

Thanks for joining me on this journey. I can’t wait to see where it takes us!