Sunday, January 25, 2026 Texts February 1, 2026 Texts

Each month, we will feature one set of paired texts—one fiction, one non-fiction. This month's theme is identity and performativity. 

These topics are explored in depth by our current fiction selection, “How to Be an Other Woman,” by Lorrie Moore, 1985. Learn to be someone you're not in this guide to becoming "the other woman." [11 pages, 15-20 minute read]

Representing the non-fiction category is "Performative Acts and Gender Constitution: An Essay in Phenomenology and Feminist Theory," by Judith Butler, 1988. This is a difficult, but rewarding and worthwhile read. For those of you short on time, there is a summary video available by clicking HERE. We'd love for you to read it in full, though, if possible. [13 pages, 30-40 minute read]

We look forward to discussing these texts and topics with you! Happy reading!

Monday, December 8, 2025 Texts

This month features a paired text set—an essay by Audre Lorde and a short story by Jhumpa Lahiri. Together, these texts make a powerful statement about community, communication, and our responsibilities to one another. Lorde's The Transformation of Silence into Language and Action explores the intersection of race, class, and sexuality and the importance of speaking up and speaking out. In A Temporary Matter, a couple explores and redefines their relationship through conversation, and a lack thereof. 

*Please be warned that the short story, A Temporary Matter, features the non-graphic loss of an infant, which may be difficult for some readers.*