SUMMER READING GROUPS

During the academic semester, the Berkeley Institute focuses its programming on students — but during the summer, we are opening our doors. If you want to think more about a familiar text or be introduced to new ideas; if you want to read closely and think deeply in the company of others; or if you want to develop the habits of patient and generous thinking, we invite you to participate in our reading groups this summer. Unless otherwise noted, all our reading groups are open to the public (ages 18 and older) and welcomes participants from all walks of life and educational backgrounds. All registered students will receive a free copy of the text.

Because we want to create a meaningful space for thoughtful conversation, we must limit the number of participants in each reading group. You may apply for more than one reading group. Please only apply to join a reading group if you can commit to attending all the meetings and completing the reading beforehand.

All questions about this program are welcome at info@binst.org.

  • Housekeeping: A Novel by Marilynne Robinson

    facilitator: Demetri Leones

    Location: Berkeley Institute,
    2134 Allston Way, 2nd floor

    Fri., May 24 at 12pm-1:15pm:
    Chapters 1-4

    Fri., June 7 at 12pm-1:15pm:
    Chapters 5-8

    Fri., June 21 at 12pm-1:15pm:
    Chapters 9-11

    Registration Closed

  • Vesper Flights by Helen MacDonald

    facilitator: Emma Teng

    Location: Berkeley Institute,
    2134 Allston Way, 2nd floor

    Tues., June 25 at 6pm-7:15pm
    pp. 1-81
    focus: “Nests,” “High-Rise,” “Symtomatic,” “Eclipse”

    Tues., July 2 at 6pm-7:15pm
    pp. 82-171
    focus: “Swan Upping,” “Deer in the Headlights,” “Vesper Flights,” “Wicken”

    Tues., July 9 at 6pm-7:15pm
    pp. 172-299
    focus: “A Cuckoo in the House” “Birds, Tabled,” “Rescue,” “What Animals Taught Me”

    Optional: Birdwatching at Dusk
    After the final meeting, come birdwatch with Emma on the UC Berkeley campus.

    Registration Closed

  • Martyr! by Kaveh Akbar

    facilitator: Dr. Monica Mikhail

    Location: Berkeley Institute,
    2134 Allston Way, 2nd floor


    Thurs., July 25 at 6pm-7:15pm
    Chapter 1-16 (pp. 1-174)

    Thurs., August 1 at 6pm-7:15pm
    Chapters 17-32 (pp. 175-332)

    Registration Closed

  • Selections from Augustine's Confessions

    *this is a virtual reading group open to BINST alumni only. For further information, see our Alumni page.

    Friday, August 2nd, 12pm PST on Zoom

    Friday, August 16th, 12pm PST on Zoom

    Saturday, August 31st, 2-3:30pm *In Person Alumni Reunion at the Berkeley Institute* Register for this final session at the registration link for the Alumni Reunion here.

    We recognize that not all alumni will be able to make all our meetings. We invite you to join as you are able.

    Registration Closed