Literature & Writing   

Explore contemporary nonfiction books in this engaging book club for lifelong learners. We examine works on politics, history, public policy, and current events through thoughtful conversation, critical thinking, and shared reflection in a welcoming environment. This summer, our readings trace how the global competition for strategic resources shapes geopolitics, conflict, and economic power. We begin with an exploration of the six essential raw materials that underpin modern civilization, from microchips to construction. We then turn to four decades of rivalry in the Middle East, a region holding much of the world's energy resources. At a moment when supply chain disruptions, trade policy, and energy security dominate headlines, these books offer crucial context for understanding how the scramble for materials drives international relations, technological advancement, and regional instability. Together, they reveal why control over physical resources remains central to global power, and how resource competition continues to reshape alliances, economies, and conflicts worldwide.

Summer books: July 31 – "Material World" by Ed Conway

August 28 – "Black Wave" by Kim Ghattas

THIS CLASS IS FULL.

“When you read a short story, you come out a little more aware and a little more in love with the world around you.” — George Saunders If you want to read short stories that leave an impact long after reading them, sign up for “Four Stories, Four Weeks” to discuss a classic or contemporary work each week in the company of readers who enjoy storytelling in the short form.

THIS CLASS IS FULL.

In this class, participants prepare memoirs that detail memorable life experiences. Each week, members have the opportunity to share the essays they have written in advance. Participants are asked to honor an 800-word/5-minute reading time limit in order to accommodate all class members. Each author will receive supportive feedback related to his/her submission. Discovering one’s personal writing style, voice, and effectiveness are part of the fun we enjoy in this class.

The class will read together weekly chapters of a children’s book and discuss using The Icons of Depth and Complexity (to be distributed prior to first class meeting). Reading will be structured such that the entire book will be completed in the 8 week session. There is a great deal of joy and community building when the class reads together. This component is missing from many book clubs. The Icons of Depth and Complexity help readers delve into books on a much deeper level than a free form discussion, helping the reader to use higher order thinking skills and critical thinking. The students need to purchase the book (or may be found in a public library) "When You Reach Me" by Rebecca Stead and they also will need a composition writing book.

This session we will read short stories from those collected in A Century of Fiction in The New Yorker 1925-2025. These stories include “classic” stories by well-known authors, lesser-known stories by prominent authors, and just plain excellent stories. Each week we will read a short story and discuss our responses to what makes the story unique: themes, techniques, characters, atmosphere, etc. All class members participate, contributing multiple views of the same story. The results are stimulating, entertaining and sometimes surprising. Our source anthology is: A Century of Fiction in The New Yorker 1925-2025, Deborah Treisman, Ed. (New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2025) It is available in several formats: Kindle, print, Audible. 

Everyone has a story or stories to tell. Regretfully, they seldom are brought to life, never articulated, never shared. This class encourages us to write our stories and share them in an environment that is supportive and offers a sense of intimacy, spontaneity, and possible surprise. It is preferred that readings be done from a printed page rather than a device. Each week ALL class members will read a story they have written outside of class. Come join our lively readings and discussions