Classics

[close] This is a group for people who want to read old books and classics and then discuss them as a group. The mods choose themes each voting period (usually 4-8 weeks depending on the length of the current group selection) and the group will choose a book to read that fits the theme. Everyone is welcome who loves to read and talk about what they have read and take and give some tips for getting through those old classics sitting on your book shelf.

[close] Welcome to the Roundtable Our passions include literary fiction, the classics, and serious non-fiction. In 2026 we are reading whatever we want to. The year long TBR reading challenge is ongoing, and the 4 month long, task based Book Challenge will be back in September. We also invite you to our list [of books, of course] making frenzy, or to add a discussion thread for your favorite author. The fine print: While we've all got our guilty pleasures -- vampires in love, celebrity gossip, books from our childhoods -- these books don't fit with the group's vision and purpose. It's strictly "quality" writing for an adult audience; for us this means literary fiction, the classics, serious non-fiction, literary science fiction, serious historical fiction, and classic mysteries. We like to see a diversity of opinions about what we read and a strong passion for books is a plus. However, we ask that our group members keep it about the books; be respectful of others and refrain from the ad hominem. Finally, you'll see that we're a private group and you'll need to "apply" to join us. This means that we'd like a word from you about why you'd like to join and what you're hoping to get from a group. It also helps if we can see your shelves and your profile. If your profile is set to private, you will not be approved for membership in the group.

[close] This reading group is for lovers of classic Hollywood. We discuss the films, crews, actors, designers, and books that cover the Golden Age of Tinsel Town! Tip: find more Goodreads' cinema books here or, Cinema Groups or, Lists or, ...simply join us in Xanadu!

[close] Click HERE for the latest group announcements. "It reminded me of ____ but in space." "I read ____ in high school, and actually liked it." "It's like a cross between ____ and ____ with a little Harry Potter thrown in." "YOU'VE NEVER READ ____?!?" You know the drill. Your friends reference it, your husband/wife/boyfriend/girlfriend/"sort of thing?" raves about it, even your favorite movies quote it, or it IS your favorite movie but you've never read the book. This group is for those of us for whom one of the following may apply... - we have finally developed a taste for reading and are severely behind on classics; - we kindaaa, sortaaa, but actually slept through English class in high school and used Sparknotes/Hollywood remakes to write our book reports; - we buy a book that everyone is talking about and it sits on our shelf, and sits there... and sits there; - we've heard the hype and are finally getting around to reading the actual book; - we want to expand our horizons beyond the single genre we usually read and want to do so with some time-tested material; - we just plain old want to get everyone off our backs for not having read _____. Every month we'll choose three books to read: 1) a classic (that everyone has probably read but us), 2) a "modern" classic or popular book that everyone is talking about, and 3) a bookshelf catch-up in which we choose a book the group has already read to catch-up with other members.