Hardcore Literature Ep 89 - Book Club Schedule for 2026
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Jan 1, 2026 Explore the exciting 2026 book club lineup! Discover why Lonesome Dove sets the stage as the first read and dive into its powerful themes of friendship and myth. Delve into Greek tragedies alongside this Western epic and get insights into Aeschylus and Sophocles' masterpieces. Experience a range of literary gems from Dostoevsky's The Idiot to Ferrante's Neapolitan Quartet. Plus, hear about the impactful selections like Augustines' Confessions and Darwin's Origin of Species, designed to challenge and inspire!
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Ritual Reread Of Lonesome Dove
- Benjamin McEvoy recounts his deep personal ritual of rereading Lonesome Dove every few years to dwell with its characters.
- He describes the novel as an immersive experience that turned its protagonists into lifelong friends who provoke laughter and tears.
De-Mythologising The Western
- McEvoy argues McMurtry de-mythologises the Old West, turning genre tropes into realistic social critique.
- He suggests Lonesome Dove both reinvents the Western and reshapes later conventions in literature and film.
Read Lonesome Dove Together
- Read Lonesome Dove with others to amplify emotional and thematic payoff during the winter season discussion.
- Join the Hardcore Literature Book Club for guided winter reading from January through February.