do you want to read with me?

introducing the Human Together summer book club

Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash

When I lived in Tennessee, I met once a month with about eight other women to eat good food, drink good wine, and talk about good books. It was one of my favorite days of the month (and one of the hardest things for me to leave behind when we moved to Indiana).

There’s something special about experiencing the same book alongside other people, because even if you walk away with varying opinions or questions, likes or dislikes, a book is an open door to have conversations you might not have had otherwise.

Books are magic like that.

For a while now, I’ve been toying around with what it means to be a paid subscriber of Human Together. Many current subscribers pay simply to support my writing (kind of like a digital tip jar) or get the extra essays, and I am grateful. But I also want to make sure I’m providing meaningful ways for us to explore the common life together—not producing content for the sake of content, but sharing substance.

The more I thought about a book club, the more I liked the idea.

So, in June and July, a paid subscription to Human Together includes summer book club access.

As a paying reader, you will still receive extra essays and the occasional personal note from me (beyond what’s free-for-all). Book club is simply an additional place for us to read, connect, and grow together (and to look each other in the actual face!). It is a place where we can have rich, reflective, and challenging conversations in a welcoming way. (Mutual respect will be a must.)

Here’s what you can expect…

We will read one book per month (and no one will ask if you finished). The book club format will include:

• live online gatherings (hosted by me)

• reflection + discussion guides

• q + a with authors (when available)

• regular book stack chats (recommendation threads)

Note: book club access doesn’t include the cost of the book. Each participant will be responsible for borrowing or buying their own copy.

I included some more details about the book club below (including a special offer if you join before June 1).

But let me leave you with this…

Being human together is not easy, and this book club is not a prescription. However, I hope it can be a gentle place for us to explore the common life in a way that’s kind, curious, and considerate. I hope it’s a space where we ask and hold each other’s questions. And I hope we can have a little fun along the way.

grace + peace,

Sarah

PS: I’m really excited about our June Book Club pick: Tell Me the Dream Again by Tasha Jun. I listened to the audiobook a little early (the book comes out tomorrow, May 9), and the entire book is stunning.

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For Minds with Questions

Here are a few more details about summer book club. If you have a question you don’t see answered below, feel free to ask in the comments. I’m sure I forgot something.

What is the cost?

Book club costs the same as a paid subscription to Human Together. The monthly subscription is $5, and annual is regularly $30. However, if you sign up for an annual paid subscription to Human Together before June 1, 2023, you get a special rate of $15/year.

Note: I never want finances to stand in the way of inclusion. If money is a barrier, please CLICK HERE to request a no-cost subscription. No questions asked.

Also, if you’re already a paid subscriber, you’re already good to go. :)

When will book club gatherings take place?

We’ll meet the first Friday of each month at 12 pm EDT (July 7, August 4) to talk about the previous month’s book. Author Q+As will be scheduled separately (not all authors are available).

If you aren’t able to join us live, I’ll share the recordings, and you’ll still have access to community discussion guides and group chats.

What are you reading?

June: Tell Me the Dream Again: Reflections on Family, Ethnicity, and the Sacred Work of Belonging by Tasha Jun

July: How to Human: Three Ways to Share Life Beyond What Distracts, Divides, and Disconnects Us by Carlos Whitaker

What will the gatherings look like?

A week prior to each book club gathering, I’ll send out a Zoom link and a reflection/discussion guide. That way, we can have some time to think through the questions and come prepared to chat. We’ll have one or two large-group questions and then break everyone into smaller groups of 3-4 people to talk about the book a little more in-depth.

I understand that gathering online with strangers can be weird, so we will do our best to keep things casual, respectful, and kind. However, if you want to come more as a fly on the wall than an active conversationalist, please do. There’s space for you too.

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If you have any additional questions, feel free to leave a comment or respond with a good, old-fashioned email. I’m looking forward to reading together!