Revealing the Book Club Schedule for 2024 (Hardcore Literature)

[@Souljacker7]

1) East of Eden by John Steinbeck (4:58) 2) Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitman (8:46) 3) The Master & Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov (12:24) 4) Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (15:28) 5) Tartuffe, The Misanthrope, The School for Wives, and The Learned Ladies by Moli'ere (19:55) 6) The Tale of Genji by Murasaki Shikibu (22:25) 7) Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace (27:14) 8) Metamorphosis and Other Stories by Franz Kafka (30:13) with special emphasis on “The Metamorphosis” “A Hunger Artist”, “In the Penal Colony”, and “The Judgment.” 9) Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison (33:02) 10) Dante's Inferno by Dante Alighieri (36:57) 11) Far from the Madding Crowd by Thomas Hardy (40:04)

[@dianal.clausen8118]

❤

[@geologick]

1) East of Eden by John Steinbeck 2) The Master & Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov 3) The Misanthrope, Tartuffe by Moli'ere 4) The Tale of Genji by Murasaki Shikibu 5) Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace 6) Metamorphosis and Other Stories by Franz Kafka 7) Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen 8) Dante's Inferno by Dante Alighieri 9) Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison 10) Far from the Madding Crowd by Thomas Hardy I might have missed something & the order may not be quite correct, but that's most if not all of them

[@kviknayt]

You missed 2) Leaves of Grass by Walt Whitman

[@LilyGazou]

@@kviknayt I grew up near his home on Long Island. Worth a long visit.

[@rhoclouds]

👍

[@arch_dornan6066]

Thanks. I don't mean to be annoying or anything and I don't expect you to go through this video all over again, but it would also be nice if you added the time frames he recommends

[@drcstevens]

Walt Whitman, Leaves of Grass

[@peskylisa]

Let me say this: This is an incredible channel and I'm grateful to have found it!

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Thank you so much, Lisa! I'm so grateful that you're here🙏☺️

[@peskylisa]

You're welcome, Benjamin, I just wish you and your channel had been in existence when I was doing my English lit in the 1980s. Oh! Geez! I'm really telling my age! LOL@@BenjaminMcEvoy

[@veenaraina4379]

Me too !

[@annamesa5138]

Me too!👌👍

[@shanemulcahy109]

​@@BenjaminMcEvoyhi Benjamin, big fan of your channel, I'm a huge fan of Russian literature, just wondering if you have read any of Alexandr solzhenitsyn. The gulag trilogy, the first circle, cancer ward or the writings of anatoli rybakov.. Children of the arbat/fear... Absolutely incredible

[@PokhrajRoy.]

It’s such fun to see someone on the Internet making a syllabus. That’s awesome! 👏🏽

[@pithypages6288]

Aryy bhai, ap idr bhi

[@cookathome9352]

From TISS to Ben to Film Companion to whatever, you and I watch the exact same things on KZbin! I have found you in the remotest of KZbin channels too!

[@booksanimeenthusiast3802]

​@@cookathome9352same here.

[@LisaRSArt]

Agree 😊

[@Salman_Saho]

I could literally just sit back and listen to Ben talk all day about literature and theory… his thoughts and words are so therapeutic and inspiring. ✅

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Aw, thank you so much. That's incredibly kind of you :)

[@Salman_Saho]

@@BenjaminMcEvoy Anytime Ben… keep enlightening us please 😄

[@ya_soy_una_senora]

That's what I do on Friday mornings😅

[@tompribyl2884]

I am excited to read East of Eden again. It was one of my late mother's favorite books. She gave me Journal of a Novel, in which Steinbeck created while writing East of Eden. It was a great companion when reading the novel.

[@phoebelim5040]

Oh my gosh, I'm so sad I didn't find this channel a long time ago and so glad to find it today!

[@lindahall9686]

Thank you so much for offering the HLBC, Benjamin. I've been thinking that "someday" when I have the time, I'll join. After listening to your plans for 2024, a switch flipped in my head and said, "Dammit, quit waiting!!!" I'll be joining. No day but today!

[@jennv.4520]

Hi Benjamin, I am really glad you're still running this book club! I joined 2 years ago and was part of this for about 6 months until I quit because I felt that I did not have the time, but I think I'm ready to join again for 2024. The experience of reading Blood Meridian, King Lear, Othello, Wuthering Heights, and Moby Dick with others was so engaging and stimulating, I find it difficult to stay away from this book club. I hope this runs indefinitely and that membership grows, reading the classics is so rewarding!

[@AcidicDelusion]

I’m on the verge of joining. Can you give me an idea of how it works behind the paywall? Are the lectures a lot more in-depth than he does on KZbin? Is there a lot of discussion in the forum / chat ? It’s it active everyday ?

[@jennv.4520]

@@AcidicDelusion hello. The lectures are as in depth but more frequent than the ones he posts on KZbin. Typically he would post 1 lecture every 2 weeks or so for the books we cover until the end. This means about 4-10 lectures per book depending on the length of course. The discussions are very active, and participating is easy. They do a monthly check in where you can share what books you are reading outside of the guided readings, and you also get access to a back catalog of books they have covered in the past. I would highly recommend it, the cost is the price of one meal per month but the education and mental stimulation are pretty priceless

[@lthecatt9667]

Even though I have no intention of signing up (mainly because I am a broke uni student), I really enjoyed this video last year, and I'm sure I'll enjoy it this year as well. Hopefully this keeps going for many years to come (so I can sign up when I have some actual disposable income 😅)

[@concerninghobbits5536]

Even without the club it's a great list of books to consider reading next. I was excited seeing East of Eden seven months late and not in the club, because I'm halfway through and loving it. Makes me even more confident and excited to read some of the others he mentions here since a lot of them are on my list but my list is so big I need priorities.

[@curtjarrell9710]

So many good books for 2024. Thanks for all you do for deep readers.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Thank you so much, Curt :) That really means a lot to me!

[@cole9279]

Almost every book you picked has been on my shelf for years waiting to be read. Guess this is a sign to jump in! Great list this year.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Thank you so much!! You've got some really fantastic books on your shelf! I'd love to know what you make of them :)

[@therookerybookery]

Ahh I've been wanting to join for at least a year if not longer, as I always have the books you mention sadly gathering dust on my shelves as I get too easily daunted that I'm not smart enough or read quickly enough to even attempt to read them ... but whenever I watch one of your videos, it gives me the confidence and enthusiasm (through the interesting context and deeper understanding) to get that itch to read them at last. So today I've finally taken the plunge and signed up to your patreon bookclub! I can't wait to delve into the back catalogue now and join you all in reading together throughout 2024, here's to great literature!

[@Diane_McDon]

I could listen to you talk abou literature all day

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Aw, that's so kind of you. Thank you for watching! 🙏

[@ILCJ1]

Literally just found your channel and have been making my way through your videos, I can say they are a big help to someone who is new to classic literature as I am

[@beckyrose9354]

Same here!

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Thank you so much for watching!! I really appreciate that!☺

[@m.c.3541]

Ben and my fellow readers. It was indeed a magical year in the book club. I was so excited when I was driving and heard the notification, that I pulled over to hear what you have in store for us Ben. I have been transformed by the 2023 reading schedule, and am so happy that we will continue with Shakespeare. I would have missed him as you say. Thank you again to my fellow club readers as I have learned so much from all of you. Thanks Ben. Best Maria

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Thank you so much for reading these books with so much love with us and making this such a special year, Maria! I'm so excited for our 2024 adventure and to hear what you make of these great works!! ☺🙏

[@nikkivenable73]

I’m really considering joining this year! Can I ask a question? If I join at the tier where I get access to his lectures…is that something where I’d have to interact with other readers initially or is it a place where I can just listen to his lectures? I’m very shy, have never done a Patreon, have never been in any book club but I am a huge reader of the classics. Could you walk me through how it all works? Thank you thank you!

[@CM-yo9jk]

@@nikkivenable73 This is an excellent question and I would be interested to know the answer too - for much the same reasons as Nikki.

[@nikkivenable73]

@@CM-yo9jk I felt silly asking this question so I’m glad to know I’m not the only one wondering. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@c3realpt]

@@nikkivenable73 You don't have to interact if you don't feel like it. There will be discussions below every lecture, but it's totally your choice to participate or not. You can just enjoy the lectures and discussions. At least it was like this 1 year ago, when I joined. (I mainly quit because I'm a broke uni student, as someone said in another comment 😂)

[@katn374]

Listening from California. :-) Thank you so much, Benjamin, for your intellectual discussion of literature. What a joy this is to get involved with deep reading of classics. I have spent the past two decades, immersed in theological commentaries and the Bible (with word studies into original Greek and Hebrew). I am excited to branch out with my love of reading.

[@mj4eva200]

East of Eden is, in my opinion, the greatest american novel. So ambitious, so much to learn. Can’t wait for the hardcore book club reading

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

I would personally agree with you there, Andy! Complete masterpiece :)

[@mangalapalliv]

@@BenjaminMcEvoy : Better than Moby Dick? Nah..... East of Eden is a great novel and a must read but not the greatest, I feel

[@annagranch7695]

Hi! I just discovered your channel and want to thank you so much for sharing your passion and enthusiasm for classic literature with us! I’ve recently rediscovered my love for the classics and am thoroughly enjoying your videos. I just finished reading The Count of Monte Cristo (took seven months, but I did it!) and am now tackling Paradise Lost. Best of luck with the book club!

[@randysmith7189]

This is the kind of book club I have been looking for. I subscribed and joined today for the 2024 reading season.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

I'm so thrilled to hear that, Randy! I can't wait to read all of these great works with you :)

[@tylerbrown4638]

I can’t put into words how badly I want you to release your lectures or groupings of lectures for purchase on audible, as hard as I tried this year I just couldn’t keep up with the book club and I’d love the option to purchase certain lectures to enjoy at my leisure

[@dianal.clausen8118]

We all love you, so, dear, beautiful Ben. Diana, 82, Chicago

[@rlamb007]

Benjamin - You have a gift for inspiring people. Your passion for literature in very infectious.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Thank you so much, Robert :) I really appreciate that!!

[@mangalapalliv]

A cheater's confession: I genuinely want to keep pace with this reading list + have some others on my reading list for 2024. So started early. Completed reading East of Eden....... Fabulous read !! Thanks a lot Ben.... Wish you a happy 2024 !!

[@pamelabarker7221]

I subscribed a few months ago (perhaps to another of your channels?) and am excited to start 2024 with you and this community. I fell into a reading slump that lasted over a decade! And now, I'm motivated to explore literature again. This exploration feels more exciting because it isn't born from the thought that I'm supposed to go to University and get a degree. It's born from my own curiosity and from my desire to enter into a personal and internal world formed by the authors through my own lens. Having this community is exciting as I can then see how these works are interpreted my the lenses of others , too. Thank you!

[@pattypage6723]

So happy to have found this!!! Sounds amazing going through wonderful books with a deep dive. Thanks for offering this opportunity

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Thank you, Patty!! I really appreciate that :)

[@edouardbertrand6666]

Linking up Boulgakov and Molière, you might be interested in Boulgakov's biography of Molière: le roman de Monsieur Molière ( I am sorry I do not know its English title but I assume you would be able to find out). This is a fascinating, and very moving book, where Boulgakov lays out his love, profound undestanding and admiration of Molière's work and personality.

[@thomaslowry7079]

Benjamin, Your enthusiasm for the great books is irresistible! Here is a quote that reminds me of you: "The task of humanists is to invite, to welcome, to entice, to excite, to engage. And when we let ourselves be ourselves, when we allow the humanistic spirit that animates us to flow out not only into our classrooms but also in our public-self presentation, we find we don’t need to defend or prove anything: We are irresistible." From the New York Times, “I Teach the Humanities, and I Still Don't Know What Their Value Is” by Agnes Callard

[@LifeLessonsFromBooks]

I’m not part of your book club but I always check out the yearly books then aim to read a few myself. You got me onto War and Peace which I LOVED and next year, it’ll be Don Quixote (another one you recommended). Thank you for sharing these book recommendations and helping us increase the quality of our reading. Your channel has been instrumental in changing how I viewed classics and instead, to “experience” them. All the best for 2024.

[@tanfriesen1]

I can't wait! I often just read books really fast. I am really looking forward to following along with the syllabus and taking my time with the readings. I think I'm going to learn a lot with this approach to reading. Your channel has made some intimidating reads feel more accessible.

[@Aoife24601]

Just found you. Thank God was beginning to think there was nobody on my wavelength. Cant wait ...great thing for me is my daughter has Masters in Literature and now shes left home theres a whole vast library in her bedroom just for me. Your 2024 list has many of my favourites that I havent read since University and Im 65😂😂 Cant wait to start. East of Eden....im so so excited. Steinbeck put his soul into E of E. Thanks for making me so happy.

[@mariavittori2415]

Ohhhhhhhh! The Master & Margarita! I loved that book! I'm delighted to read it again with you!

[@a.michelle9289]

Who said "If you want to learn how to write - read."!? I'm new to this channel as of today. So very cool - you're starting with one of my most favorite writers of all time - John Steinbeck. Have never heard of "The Master and Margherita" and since surrealist writing is one of my favorite not-genres it's SO EXCITING! Looking. forward to sharing adventures in 2024🌻

[@Somewhere-l2m]

So happy for the Master and Margarita as it's one of my favourites. Might even force myself to read Jane Austen. You never know I might like it.

[@LilyGazou]

You will love Austen- she was a close observer of human character- wonderful humor, too. She understood the finagling of narcissists, their charm.

[@ПолиглотаЭспаньол]

Benjamin, I joined the hardcore literature book club in July and I am 2 years behind 😂I love the choices, I’m going to keep reading ❤

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate you reading these great books with so much love with us :) 2 years behind is great because it means lots of incredible books to always look forward to! ❤️☺️

[@neilmacdonald6637]

You should include The Man Without Qualities in a future list, if you haven't already! I've read many works on your lists and admire what you're promoting, given the landscape of contemporary literature. Robert Musil's masterpiece is right there with the very best, imo.

[@sanjabozic411]

Although I'd read almost every book from here in my gymnasium (SE Europe), I have to say I'd like to repeat many of them🎉. Pure and eternal classics❤. Tolstoy, Steinbeck, Dostoievsky, Bulgakov, Shakespeare...2024 is going to be very very brave and nice year ❤ !! Thank you so much, Ben😊

[@stephaniesummerville7697]

Happy New Year, Ben! I just wanted to say “thank you” for this fantastic channel. I hardly ever subscribe to channels, but yours moved me to do so. I work on cruise ships, and my long hours and days at sea prevent me from engaging in routine reading; but when I’m at home, I always make time for watching your videos and picking up a book. Classic literature has always brought me either excitement, solace and joy - sometimes all 3! - and your content ‘recalls me to life’ ( #DickensFan ). Many thanks, and Happy, Happy New Year 🥳

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Happy New Year, Stephanie!! Aw, thank you so much for such a beautiful message. Your kind words have completely made my day. I appreciate you deeply and I hope your 2024 is filled with many more wonderful bookish adventures 🙏☺️

[@karenblaes449]

Thank you, Ben! I am SO very excited for our 2024 reading adventure. The HCLBC has changed my life for the better in many ways, and I am so grateful for you and this amazing community of book lovers.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Thank you so much, Karen! That makes me so incredibly happy to hear. I'm so grateful for you reading these great books with so much love with us. I'm so excited for our 2024 adventure too! 🙏☺️

[@michaelgreeley197]

I've only recently discovered you. Love your content. I've been gorging myself on your podcast episodes.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Thank you so much, Michael! I really appreciate that! :)

[@24sherbear]

I just started listening to the video and “he had me at East of Eden” one of my favorite books. I would sign up for this talk alone! Benjamin inspired me to attempt the classics again. I wasn’t able to be in the club but I had a great year reading things like Don Quixote and Great Expectations.

[@anastasiamalikova]

East of eden has been on my TBR all of 2023!!! So excited

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

I can't wait to hear what you make of it! Absolute masterpiece :)

[@24sherbear]

East of Eden is one of my favorite books!

[@joycehorstmann2634]

I’m new to your channel and LOVE your content. As a retired high-school English teacher, I love literature and appreciate your eclectic choices.

[@beautifulboulevards]

In 2024 it will be time for me to come back and upgrade my Patreon. This year has been busy, exciting and complex. Yet, something profound was missing. Amazing books on this list! The Master and Margarita! Most excited about exploring that one! Walt! Nature is very much on my mind because of a personal photography project. Pride and Prejudice and Far From the Madding Crowd are two of my favorites. What a treat! I also love love the recent movie versions of them! Looking forward to 2024! This book club is amazing. There is nothing else like it! Thank you!

[@hopelore]

I'm so excited for Inferno! The Divine Comedy is my favorite piece of literature. I've lost count of how many times I've read it. I started learning Italian because of Dante 😂 It's going to be great to read it with everyone and have some good discussion.

[@PatMcAnn]

It helped bring me back to God. A can't imagine anything more significant!

[@hopelore]

@@PatMcAnn That's wonderful! Dante helped me a lot during my conversion as well. It's amazing how more than 700 years later his words have continued to inspire change in people 😊

[@NeverEndingKarla]

Ive been enjoying your videos for some time now and am excited to join in on the 2024 book club! I’ve coincidentally just picked up ‘East of Eden’, so I’ll hold off on reading until the new year! 🎉

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Thank you so much :) I really appreciate that! That is a wonderful coincidence. I can't wait to hear what you make of Steinbeck's masterpiece and the rest of these great books!

[@YeseniaWieman-do9ee]

You have inspired me to write my own books I have made 2 books in a part time series

[@tamaragrottker7677]

I wish I could quit my job just so I can read! I may join the group this year. I trying to finish up Don Quixote before the end of this year. Thank you for creating this channel and providing a forum for reading great books!

[@Ozgipsy]

For the record; I’m in Benjamin’s Hardcore Literature Patreon. It’s the best value in literature today. I strongly recommend it.

[@kimmyk3640]

Mr. McEvoy, with this list you have introduced me to Thomas Hardy. I took your recommendation and chose a book that spoke to me for my first read of 2024. I am three chapters in and swooning over his prose. Such beautiful writing!! I can see why he never leaves your bedside. ❤ 📚

[@littlefelix]

I'm so happy that the schedule has the same big-read books as my 2024 TBR 🎉 I'm not a patron yet because I'm still in uni but I hope I'll make it soon. I owe you everything because every "How to" video helps me tremendously (without you I don't know when I would dare to pick up War & Peace). Thank you very much for a great year, Ben!!! And I hope we'll have many years to come. I'm so excited for 2024 ❤

[@franceslandrum2882]

Thank you for you!! As a former educator of literature I filled with joy listening to your discussions.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Thank you so much! You have made my day, Frances :)

[@habitshare]

I just wrote a review on the fantastic Gravity Rainbow video but I'll repeat it here also cause why not: Hardcore Literature is my number one podcast on Spotify. So fitting. Hope to join the club this year. Your contribution here and on Spotify is gold.

[@redneckinthebardo]

What an incredible list, it's so exciting! I'll be looking to join you for the first time next year.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Thank you so much!! We would really love to have you reading with us :)

[@dopeterminator9174]

So incredibly excited to reread East of Eden. Truly a masterpiece.

[@giuoco]

I read 400 pages of Infinite Jest earlier this year and then after a pause during uni exams I somehow never returned. I guess you need to be in a flow- so I’m so excited to re-read those pages and get back in the flow more easily and sail smoothly through to the end, past the footnotes!

[@adamthompson3691]

Great list! I'm in the middle of Leaves of Grass at the moment, and "Out of the Cradle Endlessly Rocking" is a wonderful poem.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Thank you, Adam! I'm totally with you there :) One of my personal favourites!

[@dominikastaszalek6789]

I'm so excited about The Tale of Genji being on the list. It has been waiting on my bookshelf for a couple of months now!

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

I'm so happy that you're excited about this one, Dominika! The Tale of Genji is a really special reading experience :)

[@the_eerie_faerie_tales]

I love the way you talk about books! Inspiring. Though I won't be participating directly, I've still added these books to my TBR for next year. Thank you.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Thank you so much! That is so lovely of you to say :) I'm thrilled you've added these great books to your TBR. I'd love to know what you make of them!

[@the_eerie_faerie_tales]

@@BenjaminMcEvoy you are welcome!

[@zalah1786]

Omg I've been waiting for a deep dive into The Tale of Genji and Divine Comedy!! I'm so so excited😍

[@Thebookwarren]

Just joined the Proust level, so excited to see the syllabus & cannot wait to select my first from the back catalogue! Luckily I already own 90% of them, never imagined I’d join a club such as this but in 3d Ben, you’ve enthralled me & convinced me I’m now where near as good a reader as I could be, more quantity than quality - let’s begin!

[@Tim_Nelmes]

Great line up of Literature books for 2024. Absolutely looking forward to it in January. Thanks so much Ben for everything you do … and say about these incredible Classics. Cheers

[@juliasampaio3364]

I was waiting for this video! Happy to say that I'll be joining the book club :) so excited, especially for Pride & Prejudice (you can never reread this one too much!!)

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

I'm so happy to hear that, Julia! I can't wait to hear what you make of these great books. You're so right about Pride and Prejudice. Truly an endlessly rereadable work :)

[@scliffbartoni9771]

So stoked that Steinbeck is what we're starting with. I read cannery row earlier this year and loved it - so small in scope but feels so real and was fantastic. I've been excited to dive into more Steinbeck!

[@rifqah_hanaa4608]

What a list; can't wait to start tracking down well-loved copies and dig in. I still have my battered paperback copy of The Inferno from my first semester away at college in 1987; it was a life-changer for me. ❤

[@pauliewalnuts2727]

Looks like an exciting year ahead, nice one, Ben. I have been a member of the HLBC on Patreon intermittently the past couple of years- do you have any thoughts on expanding the “community” aspect beyond reading and replying to comments/ discussions? I have a disability that means I can’t get outside to attend an “in-person” book club but it would be really cool to have some zoom discussions/ other ways to open up conversations with fellow book-lovers on a more personal level

[@Hacknerspeaks8938]

I read Song of Solomon for the first time this past summer. I cannot wait to pick it up again as part of the bookclub! Thank you for adding this work to your list. You and your channel are an amazing gift to us all!

[@davet2625]

Really great insights and inspiration! I'm still in the midst of my own long-term reading projects! My 2023 was: Anna Karenina Vanity Fair 1984 North and South Ivanhoe Madame Bovary Mill on the Floss Germinal Frankenstein Persuasion (Also Some Sherlock, Tolstoy, Guy de Maupassant, Pushkin, short stories) A Christmas Carol (to come) My 2024: Tenant of Wildfell Hall Kim Great Expectations The Iliad Crime and Punishment Hamlet Daniel Deronda Don Quixote Portrait of a Lady Animal Farm Hunchback of Notre Dame Some Greek dramatist (Also some short stories from Uncommercial Traveller, Leskov, Guy de Maupassant, Turgenev, Aand Sherlock) (And, for the first time in my life, some foray into reading poetry, Bloom anthology) And of course, another Dickens Christmas read!

[@ProseAndPetticoats]

Notre-Dame is my favourite novel. So happy to see it on your list!

[@baconnyt]

2024 is going to be a great year for you.

[@whateverkimberly]

Next years lineup looks insanely awesome! I contemplated too much and too long this year, definitely signing up for this upcoming year and can't wait to be a part of it! Amazing video!

[@CamillaJohnson-r3f]

Benjamin , thank you! Surely, it'll be a very promising year for those who appreciate good reading. It would be great to join in the discussion, to reread some works from the list and discover names which are quite new to me.

[@andreluissoriano]

I am excited to join this! I am a newbie when it comes to reading hardcore literature. But it feels like that’s where I belong.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

You'll definitely be right at home, my friend! We would love to hear what you make of these great books :)

[@slave_to_cinema]

Im overjoyed Ben at next years schedule! There are works that ive been wanting to read and some surprises! Im so looking forward to spending another with you and the bookclub in sharing the passion! I cant wait! Thank u!

[@sidcollinsiv]

And just in time to build a Christmas list! Thanks for the inspiration, Ben.

[@severianthefool7233]

Can’t wait to get stuck in in 2024! I found a KZbin channel a few weeks ago that made me think of you. It’s the Perspective channel, but specifically the series hosted by art historian Waldemar Januszczak. I’m just now dipping my toe into the world of art, and Waldemar is just about the most passionate and endearing guide (so he’s the Ben McEvoy of the art world lol).

[@stephenpalacios]

Good Afternoon Benjamin...Love your courses and videos. Have a wonderful day!!! :)

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Thank you so much, Stephen! I really appreciate that :)

[@elisesands8803]

Count me in! I'm signing up right now.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

That's amazing, Elise!! We're so excited to read these great books with you :)

[@WorldCitizen333]

I'm rejoining the club soon after a long hiatus and can't be more excited for the upcoming year!

[@cantonlittle]

This has me excited for 2024! I guessed a couple of these and I’m happy to see that I was on the right track! Awesome work, Ben!

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Thank you so much, Canton!! I'm so excited to experience these great books with you! ☺️

[@Fitness4London]

Another awesome video, Benjamin. I studied Thomas Hardy's novel Far From the Madding Crowd at school, and the contrasting male characters were fascinating. I still remember a quote we had to learn, about Farmer Boldwood: 'His equilibrium disturbed, he was in extremity at once.' So eloquent.

[@kimmiller4269]

I love East of Eden! And I’m so excited to finally join the Bookclub before it starts. Very excited to get started!

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

East of Eden is incredible, isn't it? I'm so excited to read these great books with you, Kim! :)

[@brentwilliamson8642]

I am so thrilled for this coming year. Thank you so much for your hard work Ben.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

Thank you, Brent :) I really appreciate that!!

[@LilAllygator]

So happy YT recommended this video at the beginning of the year!! Excited to participate ❤️

[@joshua.aponte-alonzo]

I fell off of reading late this year, but funnily enough, I've picked up East of Eden to make my way back. Looking forward to the Book Club next year (and your lectures on East of Eden) and I thank you for your enthusiasm and wisdom on great literature!

[@fueradelmeta]

I will try my best to keep up with the readings this new year.

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

I'm so happy to hear that! You can do it! :)

[@bettyjones9220]

the best little dissertation of encouragement and fearlessness in tackling these literary masterpieces with pleasure and joy! amazing! subscribed!🙂

[@bookluv6567]

Hello, Benjamin! I enjoy your videos and read as much as I can, especially the great classics. I have just started Anna Karenina in the best greek translation. I wish you could read Greek, I would like to send you my little book of (very) short stories! I teach English in primary school. God bless you, take care and... happy reading!

[@jennyaldridge4186]

I’ve been looking forward to finding out what we have planned for next year and delighted that it was worth the wait. My favourite book is Pride and Prejudice so I’m really looking forward to discussing it. There’s not one book on the list that I don’t want to read and I’m so excited to get stuck in.

[@ansar4674]

So exciteddd to do thisss ohhh myy godd.

[@claudiaortiz5043]

I just discovered your channel. I’m thrilled! I’ll go check the backlog immediately. Made notes and can’t wait to share my thoughts on each book. Murasaki will be a reread but as a Spaniard I’m looking forward to Morrison and Hardy. Thanks again!

[@christinadey4156]

I’ve always loved classic literature, but I’ve not read any classics for years. I want to read along with you- all of these sound like enriching reads. And a great variety of writing styles and topics!

[@antropofilia1318]

kafka, whitman, austen, mikhail bulgakov, toni morrison, dante's inferno... thats amazing! i might join the book club this year!

[@arijitbanerjee9008]

A great way to begin 2024, Benjamin! I absolutely love your recommended reading list. :) Actually, Pride and Prejudice, East of Eden and Master and Margarita are in my "to read" list for long. Hopefully, with your help and motivation, I'll be able to read through them. Thanks much, and keep up the good work. :)

[@kristidoyle9263]

Wow, I'm potentially setting myself up for one heck of a reading year. Planning on doing a Year of Sanderson in anticipation of the 5th Stormlight book that's getting released in December 2024. Now you release the 2024 syllabus and I'm thinking there's going to be a lot of reading in my future! 😮

[@user-iv1in2bd2w]

Thank you Benjamin for inspiring me to get more into reading again.

[@donaldkelly3983]

The lesson plan is impressive. East of Eden is my scheduled summer read. A few years back, I finished Far From the Madding Crowd, the last of Hardy's major novels I consumed. It's interesting that at the height of the British Empire, writers like Hardy and Conrad were so popular. Hardy was fatalistic but so enjoyable. The Tale of the Genji is just sitting on a shelf, calling out to me. I should try for spring.

[@joanjaeger8943]

As a homeschool mom committed to giving my children a classical education, your commentaries have been immensely helpful. Their curriculum schedules The Divine Comedy for their junior year. I find that incredibly intimidating, but also worthwhile. Hopefully your back catalog will continue to grow and remain available for years to come!

[@LilyGazou]

I think Rod Dreher wrote a book about reading Dante.

[@LukeParon]

This will be my first time jumping into the Hardcore Literature Book Club with you, and i cant wait to get started.

[@maudieicrochet9491]

Thank you Ben. Thanks for the enlightening commentary, the guidance, the inspiration. My life and my reading is enhanced by listening to your vids and podcasts. I just love you.❤

[@antinn7448]

East of Eden was based on eastern Monterey and San Benito county in California. Lived rurally there for 5 yrs. Adds an incredible dimension as i see the landscape, feel the heat, smell the air

[@yolandasilverio1205]

Benjamin you are amazing. I am a newcomer, and will start reading In Search of Lost Time...along with Persuasion. I just finish the Mayor of Casterbridge I love, love Hardy

[@GreatKingEd]

Unbelievably hyped for Whitman! Him and Stevens are my 2 favorite american poets and I really crave good discussions on them wherever i can get it

[@BenjaminMcEvoy]

I am so happy you have such a deep love for Whitman and Stevens! They are my two favourite American poets too :) I am completely obsessed with them both!

[@tmtb80]

​@@BenjaminMcEvoyRobert Frost !!!!!

[@katrinziegler6545]

I literally jumped up and down because Whitman is on my to-read list in 2024 and I wasn't sure how to tackle him :)