INTRODUCING: Essay Club
A book club for the time-poor
As a reader (and writer), I’ve always liked the idea of book clubs. Sitting around with friends discussing great stories or interesting ideas, perhaps over a coffee or beverage—what’s not to like?
I’ve always wanted to be a part of one, but the practicalities of attending or running a book club have always gotten in the way. It’s hard to find a regular time, the right people, the right setting, the right books… and if I’m not truly interested in the pick for next month, I’ll struggle to get through it. Forcing oneself through 300+ pages is nobody’s idea of fun. Besides, who has the time?
Fortunately, I’ve found a solution: Essay Club.
I love essays. You can read and re-read an essay many times over in the time it takes to read a book, and you’ll often learn just as much. The best essays are brilliant, timeless, and beautifully-written. Despite this, in the canon of Great Works, they’re often neglected. Books are seen as more comprehensive, more rigorous; essays are merely a splash in the ocean, a way to whet your appetite before taking on the main course.
At Essay Club, we reject such nonsense. If, like me, you enjoy a good essay, I invite you to join me each fortnight to discuss some of the greatest literary works ever penned (or, indeed, typed).
The plan:
Fortnightly Essay Club posts will be published to Mind & Mythos, in which I’ll share my thoughts on the chosen essay. The comment section will be left open for discussion and questions, as well as suggestions for future essays.
The next fortnight’s essay pick will be announced at the end of each Essay Club post.
Future essay picks will be decided by a poll at the end of each Essay Club post, with options taken from reader suggestions.
Essay suggestions should be somewhat within the scope of Mind & Mythos—psychology, mythology, general philosophical/cultural topics related to human thought and behaviour, etc..
Essay picks should be freely available for everyone to read—no paywalled journal articles, copyrighted material, etc..
There’s no set word limit, but an essay should ideally be digestible in a single sitting. 10-30 minutes is preferable, but up to an hour may be required in some cases.
Essay picks can and will include Substackers—if you know of someone/something worth sharing, please do!
After a month or so, older Essay Club posts will be made subscriber-only.
Essay Club begins one week from now! Our first essay will be Why I Write by George Orwell. A classic—and one that I’m sure that many of you will find interesting and relatable. Have a read, have a think, and check back in next week to share your thoughts. Also, subscribe below if you’d like to be kept in the loop.
If you have any ideas for Essay Club or suggestions for future essays, please share them in the comments. Also, please take the time to vote for our next essay. The winner will be announced in the next Essay Club post.
B. F. Skinner, The Origins of Cognitive Thought
Simon Sarris, In Praise of the Gods
C. S. Lewis, The Humanitarian Theory of Punishment (PDF)