Calling Lovers of Literature!
Welcome to the Great Literature Club— Hosted by Whiteknights. This club is a warm, welcoming gathering for anyone who loves the timeless power of great literature. We’re here to dive into the novels and stories that have shaped thought, emotion, and culture for centuries, with a special emphasis on the works of the 19th century, alongside select masterpieces from earlier eras and a few from the 20th Century as well. Whether you’ve already read these classics multiple times or you’ve always meant to start that daunting Tolstoy or Dickens novel, this is the place to finally do it—together, in good company, and with genuine enjoyment.
We Will Meet Once per Week!
We meet weekly (day TBA) in a relaxed home setting for about two hours of lively, informal conversation. The atmosphere is casual and supportive: no pressure to sound scholarly, no need to have all the answers. Everyone gets a chance to speak, and the discussion is kicked off by the person who chose that week’s book—that person will recap the week’s reading section and start by sharing their thoughts about it. From there, the floor is open. We talk about the characters, the ideas, the style, the historical context, and—most importantly—how the book resonates with our own lives, beliefs, and experiences. We make connections to other books we’ve read, to recurring themes across centuries, and to the world we live in today. It’s a true conversation, not a lecture, and not intended as a political grandstand.
It’s About Fun!
To make each meeting feel special, we weave in a light thematic touch: a selection of drinks inspired by the book’s setting or culture. If we’re reading Anna Karenina, there might be vodka or tea in samovars; for For Whom the Bell Tolls, a Spanish red or sangria; for Balzac’s Paris, a glass of Bordeaux. We also share simple, convivial food—nothing fancy, just enough to keep the energy up and the mood companionable. The goal is to create an evening that feels both nourishing and festive, a little highbrow but never stuffy.
Poetry Nights
On the last week of each month, we switch gears for a Poetry Night. We take turns reciting favorite poems aloud—anything from Dante and Shakespeare to Rilke, Baudelaire, or Emily Dickinson. It’s a chance to savour language in its most concentrated form, to hear verses spoken rather than just read, and to share why certain lines have stayed with us. Again, no expertise required—just enthusiasm. If you have no familiarity or resources for finding poetry, I have many that I would happily lend you to peruse.
How It Works & Who It’s For
Any level of familiarity is welcome. You don’t need to have read anything, or everything on the list, or even most of it. This is about finally tackling (or re-tackling) the books “we should have read by now,” in a supportive circle of fellow readers. If there’s a particular novel in the Literature genre you’ve been dying to start, finish, or revisit—whether it’s a 19th-century classic or something adjacent—bring it up! We build the reading schedule together, so your suggestions help shape what we read next.
Costs are covered by Whiteknights, and while donations are warmly accepted to help with drinks, snacks, or future gatherings, they are never required. The only expectation is curiosity and a willingness to show up. A copy of the book we are reading is each members’ own responsibility to acquire.
We’ll mix in shorter works, novellas, and occasional earlier or 20th-century pieces as the group desires. Come join us for the joy of reading deeply, laughing, thinking, and sharing a drink in the company of great books and good people. We can’t wait to meet you!
Mackenzie Great Literature Book Club 