Discussing literary works deepens our understanding of texts and strengthens our relationships with other readers.
With over 35 years’ experience leading literature-based humanities discussions to audiences as varied as inmates, parenting teens, community justice volunteers, healthcare workers and community elders, I’m available to help you have meaningful book discussions two ways:
- Develop themed programs specific to your group’s needs;
- Help your book group develop methods for more meaningful literary discussions.
Themed Literary Discussions for Understanding and Change
Focused literary discussions are a proven method of improving work environments, including job satisfaction and employee retention. A few of the themed literary discussions I’ve developed include: Issues in Revenge and Criminal Justice for the Brattleboro Restorative Justice Center; A Sense of an Ending, a reading and discussion series for hospital personnel about end-of-life care sponsored by Brattleboro Area Hospice; and literary lectures: The Novels of Jane Austen and Virginia Woolf: Her Life and Work, for both the Brattleboro and Rutland branches of the Osher Life Long Learning Institute, which caters to adult learners over fifty.
Contact me so we can plan a great reading series for your group.
Book Group Guidance
A book group is a fantastic and social way to foster intellectual curiosity and growth. Without clear guidelines or skilled leadership, however, they’re vulnerable to discord, dissatisfaction and dissolution. I can help you establish a robust book group or reinvigorate a book group that’s faltering.
With my years of experience facilitating book discussions combined with my training in restorative practices, I can help your book group develop group norms aimed to make your discussions more focused and equitable, ensuring that everyone has a voice and every point-of-view is heard, no matter how divergent. Contact me so we can discuss your needs and create an affordable plan for your group.
Reading & Discussion Programs through the Vermont Humanities Council
After thirty-five years of delivering programs for the Vermont Humanities Council, I’ve retired. Learn more here.