Books & Culture - back for a new academic semester!
Let the literary magic continue
Hello, book lovers!
It’s January. The magic of Christmas has passed, a new year has begun, and it is time to start fresh. Yes, the days are still short and cold, but there is nothing like a good cup of coffee to accompany an engaging book to cozy up our way into 2025.
The start of a new academic semester always brings a sense of renewal and possibility. It’s a time to set new goals, embrace challenges, and dive into new adventures. For us, as readers and lovers of literature, it’s also the perfect moment to look ahead and plan the stories we’ll discover in the months to come.
As you may know, I combine different roles - a researcher at university and the passionate reading mentor at Books & Culture. At university, I will resume my postdoctoral research (I can write more about it in a different post), and teach two courses: one on Shakespeare & Memory (yes, that’s the one I’m most excited about!) and the other on Early Modern literature. I can’t wait to dig into these classic literary texts and discuss their context of production and publication with my students this year.
But, there is something else I’d like to share with you. If you follow Books & Culture on social media, you will have heard of it already: Read the Classics in 2025 with Books & Culture, a year-long journey through six incredible works of classic literature.
Classic books offer more than timeless stories. They connect us with the past, spark conversations about the human experience, and challenge us to see the world through different perspectives. Classics have the power to enrich our minds and hearts, and they deserve a space in your reading life in 2025.
But, reading classics can be challenging. For you to have a meaningful experience, I am here to guide and inspire you along the way. I have chosen 6 classics of literature that I love, and that I am sure will leave a mark in your reading life (whether you’re reading them for the first time or re-reading them).
What’s the Program About?
I have designed Read the Classics in 2025 to make reading classics an accessible and enjoyable experience. It is a reach year-long experience that includes:
Six Iconic Books: We’ll read one classic every two months, giving us plenty of time to savor and discuss each one.
Preparatory Materials: Before diving into each book, you’ll receive background information about the author, the book’s context, and its major themes.
Video Lectures: Each book will be introduced with a video lecture to set the stage and highlight key discussion points, followed by a focus video lecture, in which we’ll dig deeper into a specific point of analysis.
Live Sessions: I will read and discuss the first chapter in an exclusive live session, opening the door to deeper understanding and engagement. We’ll also meet for an online discussion session to share our experience with each book (book club style).
Academic Enrichment: You’ll gain access to an academic article related to each book, offering new perspectives to enhance your reading.
Post-Reading Analysis: After finishing each book, we’ll wrap up with a video lecture that delves into its themes, characters, and cultural impact.
Our Reading List for 2025
Here is the list of the books we’ll read together:
Possession by A. S. Byatt
Hamlet by William Shakespeare
Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving
Lady Audley’s Secret by Mary Elizabeth Braddon
Each book has been carefully selected to offer a variety of themes, styles, and periods, ensuring a rich and diverse literary experience.
Why Join?
This program isn’t just about reading, it’s about making literature a part of your life. It is also about creating connections. Here, you’ll find a welcoming space to explore literature, share insights, and engage in meaningful discussions. Plus, with structured materials and guidance, tackling classics becomes a rewarding, stress-free endeavor.
How to Get Involved
Ready to join the adventure? Registration is open, so be sure to secure your spot as soon as possible. The first introductory video lesson on Possession, our first book, has already been released to the members, along with a beautiful preparatory material in PDF. You’ll get instant access to those as soon as you complete your registration.
The sooner, the better! So that you can get the link to watch the exclusive live on Monday, 27 January, where I will read and comment the first (fascinating!!!) chapter of Byatt’s novel.
Let’s make 2025 the year we reconnect with the classics, learn from their wisdom, and enjoy the pleasure of reading together. I can’t wait to embark on this journey with all of you!
Warm bookish regards,
Your literature teacher,
Fernanda
BOOKS & CULTURE
Where Literature Comes to Life ❤️
I have just found you. I look forward to reading past posts and catching up to where you are now. I may not join, but I will be a follower here. Thank you!