Stoner by John Williams

In October, we will be discussing the book, *Stoner* by John Williams.

This is the story of a quiet man, destined to be a farmer but who becomes an academic. It's simply a novel about a guy who goes to college and becomes a teacher. But it's one of the most fascinating things you'll ever read.

🏆 Accolades & Recognition:

• Winner of the Waterstones Book of the Year (2013) • Named one of the Great American Novels and an NYRB Classics flagship release • Longlisted/Recognized across global literary lists upon its 21st-century reissue

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The Story

The son of a Midwestern farmer, William Stoner comes to the University of Missouri in 1910 to study agriculture.

He had intended to return home and take over his father's farm - but instead, inspired by the professor of English literature, he remains at the university to teach.

Stoner tells of love and conflict, passion and responsibility against the backdrop of academic life in the early 20th century.

Powerfully and movingly written, Stoner is a study of a dedicated man relentlessly committed to honesty in himself and in his dealings with others.

The truth of one man's unassuming life can rarely have been captured with such skill and beauty.

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"A beautiful, sad, utterly convincing account of an entire life…I’m amazed a novel this good escaped general attention for so long." — Ian McEwan

"I have read few novels as deep and as clear as Stoner. It deserves to be called a quiet classic of American literature." — Chad Harbach, author of *The Art of Fielding*

"It's the most beautiful book in the world." — Emma Straub, author of *All Adults Here*

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📆Event Details

• Date & Time: Sunday, October 18th, 3:00 PM • Venue: Las Palmas rooftop bar • Note: Please support the venue by ordering at least one drink.

📚Club Guidelines

• Discussion: Please review the discussion questions before joining! I will share the link here in the Club Guidelines a week before the event. • Next Month's Pick: Following the discussion, our next book will be chosen by group poll—come prepared to champion your pick. Each month, we explore a different genre; for November, please bring at least one non-fiction recommendation. If your suggestion wins the vote, your book takes center stage! Even if not, you’ll get to explore beyond your reading comfort zone.

❓FAQ

• 1)"Do I have to finish reading the book to join the event?" YES. We’re here to discuss the book! To ensure a rich and meaningful conversation for everyone, all participants are expected to read the book in full before attending. • 2)"Can I just listen and not join the discussion?" NO. We gather in person to share ideas. Your voice matters! Whether you agree, disagree, or interpret things differently, every perspective helps deepen our understanding of the book. There’s no right or wrong answer, and every opinion is equally cherished.

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Feel free to send me a message if you have any other questions. See you in October, bookflyers🦋!