Literature Classes & Discussions
Literary Boston offers small-group literature classes for adults who want to go deeper than a typical book club.
These discussion-based classes are designed for curious readers — no academic background required — who miss reading closely, learning historical context, and having thoughtful conversations about novels, short stories, and poetry.
From Boston classics to short fiction, literary history, and big books you’ve always meant to read, each class creates a welcoming space for thoughtful conversation, shared discovery, and a richer connection to literature.
Summer 2026: A Summer of Short Fiction
Fall 2026: Boston Classics and Boston Gothic
“As a beginner to literary studies, I absolutely loved this class! Our instructor Jessica truly created a safe space for everyone to share their thoughts. I learned so much from the lively discussions, and the sense of community made it a welcoming environment. Highly recommended!”
– Siham, Boston Classics cohort 1
Summer 2026
A Summer of Short Fiction is a low-commitment, in-person, one-off discussion series for curious readers. Each session will focus on one short story by a Boston-area author of the past, with a guided one-hour discussion led by me.
Come for one session or join the full series. We'll do an optional social time afterward, so you can continue the conversation and connect with other local literary-minded folks.
Learn more and register below!
“Being able to deeply discuss a range of texts and bounce ideas off of everyone was my favorite part. Jessica was very open to hearing different points of view and encouraged us to think about how we draw conclusions by backing theories up with the text or further research, which distinguishes this class from the average book club and was exactly what I was looking for.”
– Samantha, Boston Classics cohort 1
Fall 2026
“Boston Classics” is an in-person literature class — more immersive than a book club, but far more accessible than a traditional academic course — where we'll read, analyze, and discuss work by authors who once called Boston home: Alcott, Hawthorne, Plath, Wheatley, and more.
Starts Wednesday, September 9.
“Boston Gothic” is an in-person literature class — more immersive than a book club, but far more accessible than a traditional academic course — where we'll explore the darker side of Boston’s literary history through gothic tales of guilt, haunting, inheritance, obsession, race, gender, and the uncanny.
Starts Thursday, October 1.
Add your name to the list for class updates and early registration: