How to Be Book Club - "The Death of Ivan Ilyich" by Leo Tolstoy

Existential crises are like a persistent rash. There's no cure, but if you're suffering from the Big Questions, maybe the How To Be Book Club can be a salve. Come hang out in Book Club Bar's back garden one Saturday each month, and join us in discussing works of philosophical fiction from across different eras and parts of the globe. We'll read the book beforehand (and do us a solid, if you can—get your book from our store), and then gather for casual conversation over drinks. No preparation needed; just bring your book and your curious mind!

This May we'll be discussing death through our reading of The Death of Ivan Ilyich by Leo Tolstoy, with an optional companion text of The Last Days of Socrates by Plato. The Death of Ivan Ilyich tells the story of a bureaucrat who is suddenly faced with his own mortality after becoming terminally ill, and The Last Days of Socrates contains the four dialogues written by Plato during Socrates' trial and execution by the Athenian court. We'll be focusing on the final of the four dialouges—Phaedo—which concerns the nature of the soul.

This month, we'll be joined by special guest, Lauren Seeley! Lauren is a death doula, death literacy advocate, and the facilitator of the Silent Book Club Of Death—as well as an illustrator and designer! Check her out at @ahhsweetdeath on Instagram.

This month's pick: by Leo Tolstoy
Optional companion text: by Plato

What your ticket includes:

• $8 off any drink at the bar

Grab a brunch cocktail at the bar and tell us what you thought of the book! Our informal discussion will be led by BCB bookseller Keri Kelly.

Registration is capped, so please register early if you are planning on attending. Please note: gratuity for the bartenders is not included. Please use your tickets at the beginning of the event.

Host or Publisher Book Club Bar