Reading Stoner as a Craft Book
Mondays, March 2–23
Steve Almond
Reading Group
$150
$125
The books that mean the most to us are the ones that reach so deeply into our inner selves that we feel as if we’re examining our own lives. In this spirit, author Steve Almond will lead a reading group on John Williams’s 1965 novel Stoner, about an unremarkable man who leads a life of remarkable revelation. We’ll discuss the novel as a manual for honing our writing and a tool for self-reflection, looking at how Williams uses narration, plot, and characterization to explore themes of literary ambition, family life, and mortality. This is a reading group for both writers looking to hone their craft and readers who find reading an act of profound emotional discovery.
Classes will meet once a week for live Zoom sessions. These will include brief lectures but primarily center discussion, allowing all students to share their perspectives. Reading group sessions will be recorded.
About Steve Almond:
Steve Almond [www.stevealmondjoy.org] is the author of a dozen books, including the New York Times Bestsellers Candyfreak and Against Football. A film adaptation of his first novel, Which Brings Me to You (co-written with Juliana Baggott) is now streaming on Hulu. His second novel, All the Secrets of the World has been optioned for TV by 20th Century Fox. His newest book, Truth Is the Arrow, Mercy Is the Bow is about the joys and hardships of writing. Of relevance to this class is his 2019 book, William Stoner and the Battle for the Inner Life. Almond is the recipient of an NEA grant for 2022 and teaches at Harvard. His work has been published in the Best American Short Stories, the Best American Mysteries, and the New York Times Magazine.
Schedule
All sessions will take place on Zoom. Sessions will be recorded.
Session 1: Monday, March 2, 7–9pm ET
Session 2: Monday, March 9, 7–9pm ET
Session 3: Monday, March 16, 7–9pm ET
Session 4: Monday, March 23, 7–9pm ET
FAQ
When can I register for this class?
Registration is open now and will close on Sunday, March 1, or when the class reaches its cap.
How does the class work?
This class meets weekly for live Zoom discussions for the duration of the course. Students will read work assigned by the instructor and engage in discussions.
Is there homework?
The class will include reading assignments.
How much time will the class take?
Live lessons run for two hours. Students will read approximately 50-75 pages per week.
How many students are in the class?
This class is capped at 50 students.
Can I take the class on my phone?
Yes, the class can be taken on a phone, but we recommend a computer or tablet to get the most out of the experience.
Do you offer financial aid or scholarships for this class?
Yes, we have a limited number of partial scholarships for the class, which are intended for students with financial need. Scholarships cover 50% of tuition and are selected by lottery. The deadline to request a scholarship is Tuesday, February 17. Applicants will be notified by Tuesday, February 24. You can apply here.
Discounts & Policies
Our online classes are designed to be safe spaces for all who participate. One Story will not tolerate hate speech, bullying, or harassment directed toward instructors or fellow students, and reserves the right to remove participants who engage in such behavior from our classes.
Patron Discount: In order to qualify for our patron discount, you must be a member of our patron circle at the time of registration. Patrons commit to annual donations and receive benefits that allow them to participate in our non-profit organization in more meaningful ways. Not all One Story subscribers or supporters are patrons. If you’d like to find out more about becoming a patron, you can do so here.
Refund Policy: Full refunds are available through February 22. Partial refunds (50%) are granted if the class is dropped within one week of the class start date (February 23–March 1). Payment is non-refundable on or after the class’s start date. For questions about the refund policy, or if you are unable to take the class after you have registered, please contact maribeth@one-story.com.
If you have any questions, please contact edu.support@one-story.com.
