Every Saturday, 12:00 p.m. to 1:50 p.m. Eastern Time
Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead by Olga Tokarczuk
| Date | Chapters |
|---|---|
| Jan 10 | I. Now Pay Attention; II. Testosterone Autism; III. Perpetual Light; IV. 999 Deaths; V. A Light in the Rain |
| Jan 17 | VI. Trivia and Banalities; VII. A Speech to a Poodle; VIII. Uranus in Leo; IX. The Largest in the Smallest |
| Jan 24 | X. Cucujus Haematodes; XI. The Singing of Bats; XII. The Vengeful Beast; XIII. The Night Archer |
| Jan 31 | XIV. The Fall; XV. Saint Hubert; XVI. The Photograph; XVII. The Damsel |
About the Group
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.” In their place, the group values curiosity, listening, and the kind of wandering thought that doesn’t rush toward answers.
The group is designed to be a resource in service of your reading life (and I encourage you to approach it with that mindset), by providing a structure, routine, pace, and a space for shared reflection and listening.
You don’t need a formal academic background to join us; 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 to Join
If you’re interested in joining, please go to my Patreon page. There is a nominal monthly membership fee, with two options to participate:
- Tier 1 (5 USD per month) provides access to recordings of past sessions, hundreds of exclusive videos, and our Discord server.
- Tier 2 (20 USD per month) includes everything in Tier 1 plus access to live Zoom discussions and ongoing reading sessions.
Once you sign up, I’ll send you details about our upcoming meetings along with all relevant materials. Please note that we often have a mix of longtime members and newcomers, and our meetings are designed to be welcoming to first-time participants.
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)