Episode Details

12 March 2025

Episode 5.07  - Dorian Gray and Difficult Conversations

Where do we find people to talk to about our reading? And what do we say when we find them?

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Chapters

00:00    Disturbing the Olive Garden
06:14    Opening Theme
06:47    Lost Roads and Madness
16:31    Dorian: The Seduction Fulfilled
23:11    Some Discussion Strategies
32:00    Yes, But Where?
42:04    Do I Have To?
44:49    Mailbag: Too Much?
48:56    Closing Shot & Theme

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Goals of Good Literature Talks:

1. Maintain and grow relationships
2. Avoid violence (of any kind)
3. Have everyone agree to civility
4. Engage the literary questions
5. Listen and build upon what you hear
   1. “Ethical attentiveness”

Some: Discussion Strategies:

• Use “I” Statements
• State what you notice
• Draw others out to say more
• Keep questions open

Places to Find/Build Communities for Talk:

• Book Clubs
• Literary Festivals
• Academic Classes and Webinars
• Open Mic Nights
• Online platforms: Discord, reddit, Goodreads
• “Fishing” with Allusions in Everyday Speech
• Storytelling Circles
• Poetry Slams
• Author Talks and Book Signings
• Public Library Reading Programs and Groups 
• Book Stores
• Literature Podcasts
• Read to Those Who Cannot Read Themselves
• Buddy Reads
• Neighborhood Book Exchanges
• Book Swaps
• Little Free Library projects
• Add Book Talks into an activity you already do (i.e. Book Discussion Walking Club)
• Travel to a Popular Literary Location
• Readers’ Theater
• Silent Book Clubs
• Shared Reading in Parks or Cafes
• Read-Aloud Gatherings
• Read-a-thons/Read-ins
• Literary Pub Quizzes
• Guest Speakers & Authors
• Literary Salons
• “Pop-Up” Book Talks
• “Read and Dine” Event
• Hosting your own informal get-togethers

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