THE READING ROOM
A good book can open
a better conversation.
Discover books featured in our workshops and recommended by the Town Talks community. Bring a passage, an idea, or a question to the table.
BOOK TASTINGS
You don’t have to read
every page to take part.
Our book tastings highlight a few ideas and give us time to discuss or practice them. Think of it as a first taste: choose the ideas that spark your curiosity.
JOHN INAZU
Learning to Disagree
Stories from teaching and everyday life about navigating differences with empathy and respect.
RUTGER BREGMAN
Moral Ambition
Ideas that invite readers to consider where their talents can make a difference.
ARTHUR C. BROOKS
Love Your Enemies
A starting point for understanding contempt and practicing conversations across political divides.
MÓNICA GUZMÁN
I Never Thought of It That Way
A companion for asking curious questions and exploring the experiences behind different views.
JOYCE VANCE
Giving Up Is Unforgivable
A citizen-focused perspective on democratic participation and public life.
EZRA KLEIN AND DEREK THOMPSON
Abundance
Questions about building the housing, energy, infrastructure, and other essentials communities need.
RICHARD BEEMAN
The Penguin Guide to the United States Constitution
An annotated companion to the Declaration of Independence, Constitution, amendments, and selected Federalist Papers.
What should we read next?
Have a book you’d like to recommend? Tell Joan what sparked your interest and why it might start a useful community conversation.
LET’S GATHER. LET’S TALK. LET’S ACT.
The next conversation starts with you.
Bring a question, a story, or simply your curiosity. There’s a place for you here.
St. Louis roots. Room for every perspective.