Here’s what we read this year, paired with the prompts that inspired each month’s selection. It’s been a year of thought-provoking, emotional, and occasionally hilarious discussions. We can’t wait to see who joins us in 2025!
January
Prompt: Book by an author in a wheelchair
Selection: If at Birth You Don’t Succeed by Zach Anner
A memoir full of humor, determination, and inspiring tales of living with cerebral palsy.
February
Prompt: Book with the word “heart” in the title
Selection: A Heart That Works by Rob Delaney
A raw and deeply moving account of love and loss that brought tears and resilience to our discussions.
March
Prompt: Book that’s been made into a movie
Selection: Bringing Down the House: The Inside Story of Six M.I.T. Students Who Took Vegas for Millions by Ben Mezrich
We marveled at the brilliance (and questionable ethics) of this riveting true story.
April
Prompt: Book on cultural norms
Selection: Purity and Danger by Mary Douglas
A fascinating deep dive into how societies view pollution, taboo, and cultural order.
May
Prompt: Book about a serial killer
Selection: The Good Nurse: A True Story of Medicine, Madness, and Murder by Charles Graeber
Chilling and unforgettable—this book sparked some good conversations.
June
Prompt: Book that’s been a Lambda Literary Award finalist
Selection: The Up Stairs Lounge Arson: Thirty-Two Deaths in a New Orleans Gay Bar, June 24, 1973 by Clayton Delery-Edwards
A sobering and powerful account of a tragedy too long overlooked and not talked about even in LGBTQIA circles.
July
Prompt: Book with bees in it
Selection: Honeybee Democracy by Thomas D. Seeley
We buzzed over this illuminating look into the lives and decision-making of honeybees… though it really read like a text book.
August
Prompt: Book with alcohol as a central theme
Selection: Proof: The Science of Booze by Adam Rogers
From fermentation to hangovers, this book left us thoroughly informed (and thirsty).
September
Prompt: Book from your to-be-read list
Selection: Mortality by Christopher Hitchens
A contemplative and poignant exploration of life and death.
Bonus September Read: Big Dating Energy: How to Create Lasting Love by Tapping Into Your Authentic Self by Jeff Guenther, LPC
We delved into the world of modern dating with this practical yet heartfelt guide.
October
Prompt: Book of a morbid and macabre nature
Selection: Dark Archives: A Librarian’s Investigation into the Science and History of Books Bound in Human Skin by Megan Rosenbloom
Equal parts creepy and fascinating—perfect for spooky season!
November
Prompt: Book with a map on the cover
Selection: Prisoners of Geography by Tim Marshall
This insightful geopolitical analysis sparked global conversations in our group.
December
Prompt: Book with a culinary memoir slant
Selection: Heat: An Amateur’s Adventures as Kitchen Slave, Line Cook, Pasta-Maker, and Apprentice to a Dante-Quoting Butcher in Tuscany by Bill Buford
A mouthwatering, laugh-out-loud tale to close out the year. It left us all a bit underwhelmed.
📚 Join Us in 2025!
Our book club is open to all male-identifying readers. If you love great stories, meaningful discussions, and lifelong learning, we’d love to have you! Visit www.MenWhoRead.Club to learn more and sign up.