Countway Reads logo

We are excited to announce the return of our book discussion groups!

Storytelling is at the heart of medical and public health practice and Countway Library is here to help foster this tradition. Our Countway Reads initiative invites the community to read and learn together by engaging with creative works by people from all walks of life.

These events, held each semester, are open to all Harvard ID holders and facilitated by Countway Library librarians. The discussions provide a chance to connect with other patrons from across the campus and to foster conversations about a wide range of topics including health, medicine, literature, history, culture, art, and more. Our book selections include novels, autobiographies, graphic novels, and beyond. The events will be held in person, light refreshments will be provided, and registration will sometimes include a free copy of the book for advanced reading.

Seats are limited, so register early if possible. We look forward to seeing you there!

Upcoming Events

Promotional flyer for Countway Reads: Bipolar Bear. See accessible version at the end of this page for details.

Past Events

Promotional flyer for Countway Reads: Ripple Effects. See accessible version at the end of this page for details.

Countway Reads - Being Heumann: An Unrepentant Memoir of a Disability Rights Activist. See accessible version at the end of this page for details.

 

Accessible Version of the Countway Reads Event Details

  • Bipolar Bear and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Health Insurance: A Fable for Grownups

    by Kathleen Founds
    Upcoming Event

    Join us for a facilitated book discussion at Countway on Tuesday, April 23 from 12:30 to 1:45 p.m. in Room 102!

    Bipolar Bear tackles the complicated, politically and emotionally charged experiences of navigating the US health care system. Experiences like those in this comic are vital to emerging and current practitioners, not only for the sake of their patients, but for the sake of their own understanding of the roles they (you, we) play in this complex web of systems that patients must navigate often wile living through the worst experiences of their lives.

    Refreshments will be served. Seats are limited. To register, visit Countway Reads: Bipolar Bear.

  • Ripple Effects

    by Jordan Hart and Bruno Chiroleu
    Past Event

    Graphic Medicine book discussion on Wednesday, February 7, 2024 from 12:30 to 1:45 p.m. in Countway Room 103.

    Join us to discuss the award-winning graphic novel Ripple Effects by Jordan Hart and Bruno Chiroleu, with a foreword by Countway librarian Matthew Noe. Ripple Effects explores life as a superhero with an invisible and incurable disease.

    Part of the Graphic Medicine: Ill-Conceived & Well-Drawn event series & traveling exhibit that was hosted by Countway Library from January 9 through February 17, 2024.

  • Being Heumann: An Unrepentant Memoir of a Disability Rights Activist

    by Judith Heumann
    Past Event

    Join us for the first in-person Countway Reads book discussion!

    In Being Heumann, one of the most influential disability rights activists in US history tells her personal story of fighting for the right to receive an education, have a job, and just be human.

    "A moving chronical of social change, Being Heumann will restore your hope in our democracy and the power of our shared humanity."

    Darren Walker, Ford Foundation president