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Sarah Smythe's avatar

I am really looking forward to the book club. I have genuinely high hopes. I do have a couple of questions.

First, if I am not able to participate at the time of a particular book club, will it still be available to me in some form after the fact? (I'm a weekend worker.)

Second, while I am interested in the several of the book clubs that focus on a specific author rather than on a specific work, it's a little overwhelming. For example, I haven't read Orwell in over 20 years - and I have never read some of the authors featured but am interested nonetheless because of my interest in the host. Would it be possible to post 'reading recommendations' for the author-focused book clubs to help me direct my attention, prioritize my time and get the most out of these engagements?

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Grouch's avatar

This is something I am also wondering, will the book clubs be live streamed or made available at a later time.

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Charles Glenn's avatar

bummer - unemployed and paying for this by gambling I'll have a job next month. I would love to hear your team's thoughts on Sapiens and Homo Deus.

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Sasha Stone's avatar

Both of those books are so great. Sapiens is a life changer. Yuval Noah Harrari is perfect for this site.

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Finn's avatar

Hat tip to those not plugging their own book!! :P

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Barrett W Horne's avatar

When a time is given (e.g., 5pm, 6pm), it is really helpful to specify which time zone is in view. It is a bit cheeky to make us guess...

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Virginia Postrel's avatar

I've lived on the West Coast long enough to know that people on the East Coast think there is only one time zone.

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Barrett W Horne's avatar

It's so true! I have East coast colleagues whom I have to remind again and again to include time zone in their scheduling inquiries.

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Leticia Vega's avatar

I'm a monthly member thus far but was wondering if Pursuasion would be open to an installment Founding Members subscription (for example $70 quarterly). I'm really interested in the book club but trying to stay within budget.

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Roger McNamee's avatar

Will you have a way for members to suggest books or topics? Will there be a forum for members who want to discuss topics that may be outside the expertise of the Persuasion committee?

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Morning Fool's avatar

I'm a founding member and i don't see how to sign up for the book clubs....i second the idea for letting everyone who commits to an annual membership into the book clubs....i work in non-profits and understand the need to raise funds and the tiered donation system, however this one seems too high of a barrier if the goal is to build a community founded on open discourse, debate, and a free society

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Leah Rowntree's avatar

Are these all EST? Just adding them to my calendar

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Sasha Stone's avatar

Hi there is it possible to upgrade account to founding member to be able to participate in the book clubs? I tried to find out how but was unable to. Thanks.

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Jul 26, 2020
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Clara Berry's avatar

Were you folks able to upgrade quickly via email? I just saw that a bookclub I am very interested in is tonight so I emailed Jamie but am wondering if I should cancel my account and resubscribe at the founding level.

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Michael Cookson's avatar

I was surprised not to see Timothy Snyder nor any of his books! What gives?

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Sarah Smythe's avatar

I second!

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Palimpsestic's avatar

The book club with Coleman Hughes was so great. I learned a lot from the readings and the discussion. Coleman’s insights were really helpful. Thanks to him for selecting the readings and leading the discussion.

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Michelle's avatar

Hi, like Sasha below I would like to upgrade my account to Founding. I could do that today but do not see the way how. Please advise, thanks!

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Anastasia B.'s avatar

I am only a monthly subscriber. I’m disappointed that I can’t afford the book club. Are there book club membership grants for individuals who prove eligible? Perhaps Persuasion would consider this in the future? Thank you.

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Michael Cookson's avatar

I'm a founding member, but I'm not sure that making the book clubs exclusive will make them better. I'm glad there is a paywall so I know everyone has skin in the game, but I think excluding $100 a year members from the book clubs might be taking it a little far. I want to support this work so I'd be a founding member either way.

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Grouch's avatar

I agree, but also understand that they needed to give a reason for people to fork out $250 when they'd rather do $10 per month.

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Andreas's avatar

Also looking forward to the book club, thanks for sharing the links where to buy the book - though it seems there is no epub available for Darin Strauss's new book for Australia?

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Clara Berry's avatar

I have a question for our data-driven poli-sci members: I was reading the description for David French's "Divided we Fall" book which claims that we are more divided than at any point prior to the Civil War which is a claim I've seen in several other places. My question is how is this determined/quantified and compared?

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Chase's avatar

Book club idea is great. Really looking forward to this.

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