Fifth Wednesdays

Almost twenty years ago our group was formed to discuss "gay literature (both fiction and non-fiction)". The term has been understood to include books whose subject matter is gay as well as those whose authors are. And "gay" has been comprehensively understood: certainly to include lesbians (or queers or bisexuals) and easily encompassing transgender or sexually transgressive works or authors.

Ten years ago some members expressed an interest in discussing books outside this remit. Rather than disturb the integrity of the group's original purpose we agreed to meet informally on the "extra" Wednesday of any month of which there were five. And the books we discussed:

      5/29/09  Beloved  by Tony Morrison
    1/3/2010  Life of Pi  by Yann Martel
  3/31/2010  "Mademoiselle O" by Vladimir Nabokov
  7/30/2010  The Way of All Flesh  by Samuel Butler
  3/30/2011  Confederacy of Dunces  by John Kennedy O'Toole
  5/30/2012  Things Fall Apart  by Chinua Achebe

Earlier this year the practice was revived with our discussion of Gogol's short story "The Overcoat". Other opportune dates this year await: May 29, July 30, and October 30. I think our past practice is still a good guide.