Savage! Brave New World is our next read
Our first reading discussion for chapters 1-3 will be Sunday, 4/6.
The people have spoken, and they have selected…a British author. Wow. Our next read will be Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World, which might just be the perfect read for the times. Unlike our first two picks, Brave New World is not set in the United States, nor does it specifically touch upon the American Dream. Its themes, however, are universal—and its lessons can easily be examined through the lens of our country right here and right now.
Our first reading assignment for Brave New World will be for chapters 1-3 and will be posted on Sunday, 4/6. It’s around 50 pages. As always, any and all observations about plot or character or theme are welcome. As was the case with our previous two reads, the central theme of the novel will come into focus over time, so to start just take notes or comment about whatever in the text stood out most to you.
A few other notes: We’re not quite finished with Slaughterhouse-Five. That will be completed this week before the discussion for Brave New World is posted. There will be the wrap-up post for that work, and hopefully an additional piece that I unfortunately can’t yet guarantee.
Check out the results for our poll at the bottom. The (again) second place finisher, The Underground Railroad, will be back for our next poll, and hopefully will pull through this time. (Seriously guys, 3 straight white male authors, you’re making me look bad here).
Last, if you’re on the fence, please consider joining us! Slaughterhouse-Five was a bit challenging due to its experiments with chronology, but I think Brave New World is a bit simpler, both in structure and theme, which is much more closely tied to the experience of the every day American than Vonnegut’s terrible experience of war. I’m obligated to once again mention that the best time I have to promote the book club is right now, between reads. If you've been following along, or you're just jumping in—spread the word. We’re taking this baby to the moon.
Keep reading.
Steve
