Every Saturday, 12:00 p.m. to 1:50 p.m. Eastern Time
Life & Fate by Vasily Grossman (translated by Robert Chandler)
| Date | Reading |
|---|---|
| July 4 | Part One: Chapters 1-14 |
| July 11 | Part One: Chapters 15-21 |
| July 18 | Part One: Chapters 22-33 |
| July 25 | Part One: Chapters 34-43 |
| Aug 1 | Part One: Chapters 44-56 |
| Aug 8 | Part One: Chapters 57-63 |
| Aug 15 | Part One: Chapters 64-71 |
| Aug 22 | Part Two: Chapters 1-9 |
| Aug 29 | Part Two: Chapters 10-15 |
| Sep 5 | Part Two: Chapters 16-24 |
| Sep 12 | Part Two: Chapters 25-32 |
| Sep 19 | Part Two: Chapters 33-38 |
| Sep 26 | Part Two: Chapters 39-51 |
| Oct 3 | Part Two: Chapters 52-63 |
| Oct 10 | Part Three: Chapters 1-17 |
| Oct 17 | Part Three: Chapters 18-25 |
| Oct 24 | Part Three: Chapters 26-38 |
| Oct 31 | Part Three: Chapters 39-42 |
| Nov 7 | Part Three: Chapters 43-53 |
| Nov 14 | Part Three: Chapters 54-61 |
About the Group
How does the reading group work?
This reading group is a space for open discussion, shared learning, and thinking out loud together. It was born out of a desire to resist our culture’s fixation on “productivity” and “efficiency.” Instead, the group is organized around the values of curiosity, listening, and the kind of wandering thought that doesn’t rush toward answers.
How can the group benefit you?
The group is designed to be a resource for your reading life, and I encourage you to approach it with that mindset. It provides structure, routine, pace, and opportunities for shared reflection and listening. It also gives you a chance to practise formulating and expressing your thoughts among sympathetic peers.
Do you need an academic background to join?
No. Even participants with academic backgrounds differ in their knowledge and priorities, so we meet one another, more or less, as amateurs. You need only curiosity and a willingness to engage with the texts, listen to your fellow participants, and share your perspective to whatever extent you’re comfortable with.
How do you join?
Visit my Patreon page. There is a nominal monthly membership fee, with two options:
- Tier 1 provides access to recordings of past sessions, hundreds of exclusive videos, and our Discord server.
- Tier 2 includes everything in Tier 1, plus access to weekly live Zoom discussions.
What happens after you sign up?
I’ll contact you by email with details about our upcoming meetings and all relevant materials.
Would the group be difficult for a new member?
Some of our readings might be challenging, but that's one of the reasons why we take part in the group. The challenge certainly isn't unique to newcomers. We often have a mix of longtime members and first-time participants, and the group has always been very welcoming to new members.
What if you have questions?
If you have any questions or would like help deciding which tier is right for you, don’t hesitate to reach out directly.
Testimonials
"This reading group revives me with its members who care about the readings and our discussions. According to my calculations, 99% of the time, readers engage with the books and with one another with respect, yet without getting too serious or tedious. As the leader, Davood doesn’t half-ass meetings, but he’s funny and a great facilitator. I just wish we all lived closer so we could meet in person."
— Patrick E. (participant since 2024)
"Davood's reading group is a great team, working and playing collaboratively in a way which helps us all and lifts us up. We also get to read a wide range of books, and put our own choices on the README list for the coming period. Davood and the group are very welcoming to newcomers—and Davood's cat has his own definite place in the group."
— Paul Nasmyth (participant since 2024)
“The reading group is great—while the discussions stay focused on the topic, they also extend to everyday life. Davood is kind and considerate, ensuring that everyone is included in discussions.”
— Parastoo A. (participant since 2022)
"I have been part of Davood's group for several years now, whenever time permits, and I never fail to find it rewarding. The vibe is welcoming and nonjudgmental, and the level of discussion is quite accessible while still leaving room to stretch out intellectually and challenge each other. Davood is uncommonly gifted and gentle as a facilitator; the thought and care he puts into running meetings and attending to individual members is evident."
— Chris S. (participant since 2022)
"Davood's discussion group has been an amazing way for me to expand my reading horizons and work through some challenging but fulfilling texts, including both fiction and nonfiction. Davood is an expert at facilitating conversations that are both lighthearted and deep."
— Mike Gloudemans (participant since 2022)
"Davood’s group is an excellent way to explore great books and ideas from across the fields of philosophy, psychology, literature and more. Accompanied by friendly and thoughtful participants, I look forward to attending each session."
— James Simpkin (participant since 2021)
"I can’t remember my reading life before joining Davood’s reading group, nor can I imagine my reading life now without it. His sincere and earnest work to provide a platform and facilitate a group has changed the way I read and discuss works in groups. The community of readers from all walks of life, careers, and countries allows for engaging conversation, and the variety of books we have read has provided an almost unlimited horizon of perspectives. If you are on the fence about joining, get down and pull up a chair. We’ve been waiting for you."
— Tyson Woolman (participant since 2020)