Every month, the Men-Who-Read book club, led by actor Paul Cram, tackles a new non-fiction title guided by a creative prompt. Now several years strong, this book club has become a cornerstone of lively discussions and shared insights. Paul, who has always had a love for reading, credits it as a key factor in his success as an actor and a tool for navigating life’s challenges. This year, we explored 13 captivating, thought-provoking, and occasionally hilarious books that sparked vibrant conversations and new perspectives. Here’s a look back at what we read in 2024, along with the prompts that inspired each selection. Let’s dive in.
January
Prompt: Book by an author in a wheelchair
Selection: If at Birth You Don’t Succeed by Zach Anner
Zach Anner’s memoir had us laughing out loud and reflecting on determination and joy despite challenges. His witty, uplifting perspective on life with cerebral palsy set an inspiring tone for the year.
February
Prompt: Book with the word “heart” in the title
Selection: A Heart That Works by Rob Delaney
This deeply moving memoir about love, grief, and resilience struck a chord with all of us. Delaney’s raw storytelling brought tears, but also a sense of shared humanity.
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 debated ethics and ingenuity as we followed this thrilling tale of young masterminds and high-stakes gambling.
April
Prompt: Book on cultural norms
Selection: Purity and Danger by Mary Douglas
This sociological classic opened our eyes to how societies define purity, taboo, and order—a surprisingly engaging and insightful discussion.
May
Prompt: Book about a serial killer
Selection: The Good Nurse: A True Story of Medicine, Madness, and Murder by Charles Graeber
This chilling narrative kept us on edge and sparked fascinating conversations about trust in healthcare systems.
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 read, this account of a forgotten tragedy illuminated an important part of LGBTQIA history.
July
Prompt: Book with bees in it
Selection: Honeybee Democracy by Thomas D. Seeley
We learned more about bees than we ever thought possible! While it read a bit like a textbook, the insights into collective decision-making were fascinating.
August
Prompt: Book with alcohol as a central theme
Selection: Proof: The Science of Booze by Adam Rogers
From fermentation science to hangover remedies, this book was a heady mix of fun and fact.
September
Prompt: Book from your to-be-read list
Selection: Mortality by Christopher Hitchens
Hitchens’ poignant reflections on life and death prompted some of our most meaningful discussions of the year.
Bonus September Read: Big Dating Energy: How to Create Lasting Love by Tapping Into Your Authentic Self by Jeff Guenther, LPC
A practical and heartfelt exploration of modern dating—light but surprisingly impactful.
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 captivating, this book made for perfect spooky season reading.
November
Prompt: Book with a map on the cover
Selection: Prisoners of Geography by Tim Marshall
This geopolitical analysis sparked global conversations about how maps shape the world.
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 and laugh-out-loud tale, though it left us wanting more depth to end the year on.
What a journey it’s been! Paul’s passion for reading continues to infuse our discussions with energy and curiosity. We’ve shared laughter, tears, and unforgettable insights along the way. Have you read any of these books? We’d love to hear your thoughts—and what you’ve been reading this past year! Drop us a line and let’s keep the conversation going. Here’s to more amazing reads in 2025!