Naomi: Hi there! Long-time reader and maybe first time commenter here. I'm one of those PhD scholar types who have studied the history of the great books idea (https://link.springer.com/book/10.1057/9781137042620). I live in Chicago and I *beg* you to come here. This is the great books capitol of the U.S.---home of the Great Books Foundation (not the greatest these days) and of one of the original (and excellent) college great books programs (the University of Chicago's old General Honors program, and its Basic College). Also, I believe the Chicago Public Library still has a great books reading group. Finally, I'd be happy to join you and help you get invited somewhere here. I know the higher ed and bookstore scene here. Write me at timothy.n.lacy@gmail.com.
Only recently discovered your essays here Naomi but I have enjoyed reading your thoughts. I particularly enjoyed your article on Lonesome Dove and westerns. I am working my way through Louis L'amour's complete bibliography which I inherited in a leather bound collection from my father. It takes up considerable shelf space! I am also rereading Lonesome Dove for the first time in 25 years but this time I am reading the other three book in the quartet as well as a biography of McMurtry. I plan to write about that experience, likely after the first of the year and will link to your essay when I do so.
If you have any interest in visiting the Nashville area then Landmark Books in Franklin, TN is a good place to consider. Erik Rostad (@booksoftitans here on Substack) is the operations manager there and does frequent author events and book signings. I would reach out to him if that might be of interest.
You should also consider writing a companion book, on “non-great” literature. Your essays on Robert E. Howard, Zane Gray, the Saturday Evening Post, etc, are terrific.
semcoop.com is the perfect destination in Chicago for a great book tour. wish I were there
if you’re coming out east towards Boston, harvard.com (not affiliated with the university but across the street) is the usual stop. But might I also recommend a smaller gathering at a used bookshop like Rodney’s or Bryn Mawr Books ? If you’re up for a more quirky location, I know the managers at both
I've read my share of Great Books at one time or another. One of the advantages that you left out is that modern not-great books often use references or imagery from old Great Books. If you have happened to have read the book referenced, it enhances your understanding of the current book. There also seems to be a subtle (or maybe not so subtle) ego-boost when you read something you once read and remember.
Politics and Prose in DC constantly hosts author events (including Brandon from sweater weather this week). I have no connections, I hope your publisher/publicist can wrangle an event in DC!
A friend mentioned the other day she was diving into the classics and I was so intrigued by her switch from trade fiction, and here you are with an entire book about why we should read them. I love this type of synergy. Congratulations on your book! You have a new subscriber and I'll send you her way.
Just wanted to say that I agree with every single thing you said about the Great Books. Particularly the point about diversity. As L. P. Hartley said, "The past is a foreign country; they do things differently there." (I actually always thought it was Fitzgerald who'd said that, and found out differently just this minute when I verified the quote online. This is the first time I've ever heard of L. P. Hartley.)
There’s something refreshingly honest about this. You’re not selling nostalgia or culture war talking points. You’re just arguing that great books are still great because they widen the human mind. The humility of that approach, reading as discovery instead of defense, is what keeps the canon alive. I might not agree with every choice of author, but I respect the spirit. Read deeply, argue honestly, stay curious. That’s the only tradition worth preserving.
Congratulations, Naomi! I can’t tell you how excited I am for this book and for what it means for the independent but serious reading culture outside academia. I truly hope it gets the attention and coverage it deserves. I just requested a galley and boldly checked the box saying I wouldn’t be okay with an electronic copy … but between us, I’d happily take a digital one over none at all!
Naomi: Hi there! Long-time reader and maybe first time commenter here. I'm one of those PhD scholar types who have studied the history of the great books idea (https://link.springer.com/book/10.1057/9781137042620). I live in Chicago and I *beg* you to come here. This is the great books capitol of the U.S.---home of the Great Books Foundation (not the greatest these days) and of one of the original (and excellent) college great books programs (the University of Chicago's old General Honors program, and its Basic College). Also, I believe the Chicago Public Library still has a great books reading group. Finally, I'd be happy to join you and help you get invited somewhere here. I know the higher ed and bookstore scene here. Write me at timothy.n.lacy@gmail.com.
Hey Tim, big fan of Dream of a Democratic Culture here
Also, I will pre-order and read your book.
Only recently discovered your essays here Naomi but I have enjoyed reading your thoughts. I particularly enjoyed your article on Lonesome Dove and westerns. I am working my way through Louis L'amour's complete bibliography which I inherited in a leather bound collection from my father. It takes up considerable shelf space! I am also rereading Lonesome Dove for the first time in 25 years but this time I am reading the other three book in the quartet as well as a biography of McMurtry. I plan to write about that experience, likely after the first of the year and will link to your essay when I do so.
If you have any interest in visiting the Nashville area then Landmark Books in Franklin, TN is a good place to consider. Erik Rostad (@booksoftitans here on Substack) is the operations manager there and does frequent author events and book signings. I would reach out to him if that might be of interest.
Pre-ordered. Via Bookshop.org.
You should also consider writing a companion book, on “non-great” literature. Your essays on Robert E. Howard, Zane Gray, the Saturday Evening Post, etc, are terrific.
semcoop.com is the perfect destination in Chicago for a great book tour. wish I were there
if you’re coming out east towards Boston, harvard.com (not affiliated with the university but across the street) is the usual stop. But might I also recommend a smaller gathering at a used bookshop like Rodney’s or Bryn Mawr Books ? If you’re up for a more quirky location, I know the managers at both
Your substack having that many followers suggests that interest in the classics is alive and well.
I think I started reading sometime in fall 2023 -- I didn't realize I was in on this so early!
If you're interested in coming to Portland, I bet we could get something organized at the Rose City Book Pub. They would be into this project.
I've read my share of Great Books at one time or another. One of the advantages that you left out is that modern not-great books often use references or imagery from old Great Books. If you have happened to have read the book referenced, it enhances your understanding of the current book. There also seems to be a subtle (or maybe not so subtle) ego-boost when you read something you once read and remember.
Politics and Prose in DC constantly hosts author events (including Brandon from sweater weather this week). I have no connections, I hope your publisher/publicist can wrangle an event in DC!
Yay Naomi! Love the cover (and the subtitle).
A friend mentioned the other day she was diving into the classics and I was so intrigued by her switch from trade fiction, and here you are with an entire book about why we should read them. I love this type of synergy. Congratulations on your book! You have a new subscriber and I'll send you her way.
Just wanted to say that I agree with every single thing you said about the Great Books. Particularly the point about diversity. As L. P. Hartley said, "The past is a foreign country; they do things differently there." (I actually always thought it was Fitzgerald who'd said that, and found out differently just this minute when I verified the quote online. This is the first time I've ever heard of L. P. Hartley.)
I’m so excited to read this book
There’s something refreshingly honest about this. You’re not selling nostalgia or culture war talking points. You’re just arguing that great books are still great because they widen the human mind. The humility of that approach, reading as discovery instead of defense, is what keeps the canon alive. I might not agree with every choice of author, but I respect the spirit. Read deeply, argue honestly, stay curious. That’s the only tradition worth preserving.
naomi,
seconding seminary co-op in Chicago if you haven't reached out to them yet, they do a great deal of programming and are right next to UC
Congratulations, Naomi! I can’t tell you how excited I am for this book and for what it means for the independent but serious reading culture outside academia. I truly hope it gets the attention and coverage it deserves. I just requested a galley and boldly checked the box saying I wouldn’t be okay with an electronic copy … but between us, I’d happily take a digital one over none at all!