For thousands of years, people have connected through stories — whether written down, passed from one person to another, or performed for an audience. Trinity Rep’s Connecting Stories Book Club continues that tradition. Presented in partnership with the Providence Public Library, this book club invites you to engage in robust discussion around the work on our stages and the issues of our day.  

Feel free to attend just one or all of our meetings. All titles are subject to change. All books will be available to check out from the Providence Public Library or for purchase through one of our partners.

Please contact Wensley Bynoe, director of community engagement at wbynoe@trinityrep.com if you have additional questions or if you need a modified book (i.e. audiobook, large print, braille, etc.) 

Upcoming Meetings 

Between the World and Me

by Ta-Nehisi Coates

Selected to complement August Wilson’s Fences

Please Note: Please enroll in only one meeting for each book to make room for other students

Tuesday Meeting – Discussing Between the World and Me

  • Tuesday, March 19, 2024
  • 5:30 pm – 6:45 pm
  • The Providence Public Library’s Trustees Room

Wednesday Meeting – Discussing Between the World and Me

  • Wednesday, March 20, 2024
  • 5:30 pm – 6:45 pm
  • The Providence Public Library’s Trustees Room

Cantoras

by Carolina De Robertis

  • Wednesday, May 29, 2024
  • 5:30 pm – 6:45 pm
  • The Providence Public Library’s Seminar Room

Past Meetings

I, Tituba, Black Witch of Salem by Maryse Condé 

  • Discussion completed in September

The Brief Wonderous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Díaz

  • Discussion completed in January

FAQs 

What is the Connecting Stories Book Club? 

  • The Connecting Stories Book Club is a free discussion group hosted by the Providence Public Library and Trinity Rep. We choose one book for each play in our season, based on connections to the productions’ themes. After participants independently read the book, we gather at the library to discuss. You do not have to attend every meeting: just the ones for the books you are interested in!

Why join?

  • This club is an excellent opportunity for anyone interested in discussing fiction, current events, theater, or literature in general. You’ll meet new people and encounter diverse perspectives. What’s more, participants receive a 20% discount coupon to use for Trinity Rep tickets.

When does the book club meet?

  • We meet once during the run of each show at Trinity Rep, typically on Wednesday before the first preview of each production. Meetings begin at 5:30 pm at the Providence Public Library.

How much does it cost?

  • This book club is 100% free to attend! 

Are there any prerequisites?

  • Nope! It doesn’t matter if you’re a long-time arts lover or have never been to a theater; if you’re a self-described bookworm or someone who hasn’t read a novel since high school. The library is a safe space for all.