Classics

[close] This is a group to read and discuss those books generally referred to as “the classics” or “the Western canon.” Books which have shaped Western thought over the years; books which Robert Hutchins, in his essay for the Great Books of the Western World series, considered important works in “The Great Conversation.” As one participant noted, "the goal of this group is to make reading the classics an enjoyable and enlightening but non-threatening process."

[close] We read and discuss one short story a week. Authors are welcome, but it's NOT a group to promote one's own work. The first post of each week's discussion includes a link to the story. To join, please answer the question you will see if using a browser. Private profiles that don't will be refused, as we want to get to know each other. For the the first couple of years, we read from specific anthologies, but from 10 November 2025, members can pick a story to share, and pick a week. You can drop in and out at any point, but we hope you enjoy participating in current - and even past - discussions.

[close] The world is made up of two kinds of people: first, those who love classics, and second, those who have not yet read a classic. Be bold and join us as we tackle reading and discussing the classics. New Classics, Old Classics, Long and Short Classics, and some that exhibit potential to become a classic. If you are part of the second group of people, the classic you can love for a lifetime is just pages away. Here at "Catching up on the Classics," we primarily focus on works written in English, but don't neglect quality translations of classics that were written in other languages. Here you will find members from around the world who are interested and supportive about reading traditional classics, so don’t delay. Join today.

[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.