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Chronological Thread  
  • From: brian jobe <brjobe AT yahoo.com>
  • To: <percy-l AT lists.ibiblio.org>
  • Subject: Re: [percy-l] percy-l Digest Fri, 29 May 2026 (1/1)
  • Date: Sat, 30 May 2026 14:07:15 +0000 (UTC)

I’d like to join this group,

Brian


Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone

On Friday, May 29, 2026, 09:18, percy-l-request AT lists.ibiblio.org wrote:

percy-l digest Fri, 29 May 2026

Table of contents:

* 1 - Re: [percy-l] INVITATION: Join this summer's Walker Percy Slow Reading
  Group - (Starts Friday, June 5) - Thomas Gollier <tgollier AT gmail.com>
* 2 - Re: [percy-l] INVITATION: Join this summer's Walker Percy Slow Reading
  Group - (Starts Friday, June 5) - Karey Perkins <kareyperkins AT gmail.com>
* 3 - Re: [percy-l] INVITATION: Join this summer's Walker Percy Slow Reading
  Group - (Starts Friday, June 5) - RHONDA MCDONNELL
* 4 - Re: [percy-l] INVITATION: Join this summer's Walker Percy Slow Reading
  Group - (Starts Friday, June 5) - William E Lewis <welewis AT wisc.edu>
* 5 - Re: [percy-l] INVITATION: Join this summer's Walker Percy Slow Reading
  Group - (Starts Friday, June 5) - John L Pearson <johnlpearson AT icloud.com>
* 6 - Re: [percy-l] INVITATION: Join this summer's Walker Percy Slow Reading
  Group - (Starts Friday, June 5) - Karey Perkins <kareyperkins AT gmail.com>
* 7 - Re: [percy-l] INVITATION: Join this summer's Walker Percy Slow Reading
  Group - (Starts Friday, June 5) - Karey Perkins <kareyperkins AT gmail.com>
* 8 - Re: [percy-l] INVITATION: Join this summer's Walker Percy Slow Reading
  Group - (Starts Friday, June 5) - Karey Perkins <kareyperkins AT gmail.com>
* 9 - Re: [percy-l] INVITATION: Join this summer's Walker Percy Slow Reading
  Group - (Starts Friday, June 5) - Leonard <leonardh6363 AT gmail.com>
* 10 - Re: [percy-l] INVITATION: Join this summer's Walker Percy Slow Reading
  Group - (Starts Friday, June 5) - "Ketner, Kenneth" <Kenneth.Ketner AT ttu.edu>
* 11 - [percy-l] Slow Reading Group - Love in the Ruins - First week's
  reading, pp. 1-70 for Friday, June 5 questions - "Henry P. Mills III"

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Message-ID:
Date: Fri, 22 May 2026 10:17:05 -0700
From: Thomas Gollier <tgollier AT gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [percy-l] INVITATION: Join this summer's Walker Percy Slow
Reading Group - (Starts Friday, June 5)

Henry,

Sign me up.

As this is an opportunity for me to do a slow-reading – dare I say
philosophical reading – of Percy's
novels, I'd really like to do 'Lancelot'. But, of course, which ever is
chosen will be fine with me. Any
way I can help, let me know.

Thanks,
Tom

On Thu, May 21, 2026 at 9:40 PM Henry P. Mills III <wppdirector AT gmail.com>
wrote:

> Dear Percy-L Community and friends,
>
>
> As in previous summers, we’ll be forming a slow reading group around a
> Percy novel, to be chosen by the group in the next few days. This year’s
> discussion *will begin two weeks from today, Friday, June 5, and continue
> for six weeks.* Typically, we cover 60 pages a week, depending on your
> edition of the novel we choose.
>
>
> If our past groups have shown anything, it is that reading Percy together
> -- and responding in writing -- continually opens new layers of
> collective insight and fresh meaning. The slower pace of email discussion
> allows time for reflection and more thoughtful responses to one another.
> Last summer, we enjoyed a close reading of the *Last Gentleman* after
> reading the *Moviegoer* the preceding summer.
>
>
> If you’d like to participate, *please announce your interest now**,* as
> well as *indicate your preference for this summer's novel.* Feel free to
> share your background thoughts about your choice, and we will come to a
> group consensus in the next few days.
>
>
> If you’d be willing to* volunteer a short opening post or discussion
> questions one** Friday**, *it would also be helpful to know that at this
> time*.* Volunteers are not expected to lead discussion beyond their post
> to the group for their week.
>
>
> *Please forward this invitation* to friends, colleagues, and family
> members who may be interested in discovering Percy’s writings, even if
> they only wish to listen in. I look forward to another rewarding summer
> of reading Percy together, and I hope you’ll join us.
>
>
> Best wishes in Percy,
>
> Henry Mills
>
> walkerpercyproject.org
>
>
>
> --
>
> READING GROUP LINKS
>
>
> Join Percy-L Discussion:
>
>
>
> Read Past Slow Reading Group Discussions (Previous Novels):
>
>
>
>
>
> __
> Henry P. Mills III
> Director, The Walker Percy Project
> walkerpercyproject.org
> ----------------------------------
> USING PERCY-L
> * Read Percy-L Charter and Policies:
> * Submit a Post to Percy-L: percy-l AT lists.ibiblio.org (Members only)
> * Contact the Listserv Manager: percy.listserv.manager AT gmail.com
>
> LISTSERV ARCHIVES
> * View Percy-L Discussion Archives:
>
> THE WALKER PERCY PROJECT
> * Visit The Walker Percy Project website: https://www.ibiblio.org/wpercy
>
>


------------------------------
Date: Fri, 22 May 2026 14:41:55 -0400
From: Karey Perkins <kareyperkins AT gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [percy-l] INVITATION: Join this summer's Walker Percy Slow
Reading Group - (Starts Friday, June 5)

Sign me up as well!  Any of the last four novels work for me.  Those are my
favorites anyway!

Karey

> On May 22, 2026, at 1:17 PM, Thomas Gollier <tgollier AT gmail.com> wrote:
>
> Henry,
>
> Sign me up.
>
> As this is an opportunity for me to do a slow-reading – dare I say
philosophical reading – of Percy's
> novels, I'd really like to do 'Lancelot'. But, of course, which ever is
chosen will be fine with me. Any
> way I can help, let me know.
>
> Thanks,
> Tom
>
> On Thu, May 21, 2026 at 9:40 PM Henry P. Mills III <wppdirector AT gmail.com
<mailto:wppdirector AT gmail.com>> wrote:
>> Dear Percy-L Community and friends,
>>
>> As in previous summers, we’ll be forming a slow reading group around a
Percy novel, to be chosen by the group in the next few days. This year’s
discussion will begin two weeks from today, Friday, June 5, and continue for
six weeks. Typically, we cover 60 pages a week, depending on your edition of
the novel we choose.
>>
>> If our past groups have shown anything, it is that reading Percy together
-- and responding in writing -- continually opens new layers of collective
insight and fresh meaning. The slower pace of email discussion allows time for
reflection and more thoughtful responses to one another.  Last summer, we
enjoyed a close reading of the Last Gentleman after reading the Moviegoer the
preceding summer.
>>
>> If you’d like to participate, please announce your interest now, as well as
indicate your preference for this summer's novel. Feel free to share your
background thoughts about your choice, and we will come to a group consensus
in the next few days.
>>
>> If you’d be willing to volunteer a short opening post or discussion
questions one Friday, it would also be helpful to know that at this time.
Volunteers are not expected to lead discussion beyond their post to the group
for their week.
>>
>> Please forward this invitation to friends, colleagues, and family members
who may be interested in discovering Percy’s writings, even if they only wish
to listen in. I look forward to another rewarding summer of reading Percy
together, and I hope you’ll join us.
>>
>> Best wishes in Percy,
>> Henry Mills
>> walkerpercyproject.org <http://walkerpercyproject.org/>
>>
>>
>> --
>> READING GROUP LINKS
>>
>> Join Percy-L Discussion:
>>
>> Read Past Slow Reading Group Discussions (Previous Novels):
>>
>>
>>
>> __
>> Henry P. Mills III
>> Director, The Walker Percy Project
>> walkerpercyproject.org <http://walkerpercyproject.org/>
>> wppdirector AT gmail.com <mailto:wppdirector AT gmail.com>
>> ----------------------------------
>> USING PERCY-L
>> * Read Percy-L Charter and Policies:
>> * Submit a Post to Percy-L: percy-l AT lists.ibiblio.org
<mailto:percy-l AT lists.ibiblio.org> (Members only)
>> * Contact the Listserv Manager: percy.listserv.manager AT gmail.com
<mailto:percy.listserv.manager AT gmail.com>
>>
>> LISTSERV ARCHIVES
>> * View Percy-L Discussion Archives:
>>
>> THE WALKER PERCY PROJECT
>> * Visit The Walker Percy Project website: https://www.ibiblio.org/wpercy
>>
>
> ----------------------------------
> USING PERCY-L
> * Read Percy-L Charter and Policies:
> * Submit a Post to Percy-L: percy-l AT lists.ibiblio.org (Members only)
> * Contact the Listserv Manager: percy.listserv.manager AT gmail.com
>
> LISTSERV ARCHIVES
> * View Percy-L Discussion Archives:
>
> THE WALKER PERCY PROJECT
> * Visit The Walker Percy Project website: https://www.ibiblio.org/wpercy
>


------------------------------
Message-ID:
Date: Fri, 22 May 2026 22:24:14 +0000
From: RHONDA MCDONNELL <rhonda_mcdonnell AT msn.com>
Subject: Re: [percy-l] INVITATION: Join this summer's Walker Percy Slow
Reading Group - (Starts Friday, June 5)

Hello Percy-L!

I'm in for the summer read, and I'm glad to volunteer my services, such as
they are, for introductory posts/discussion questions.

Love in the Ruins is next chronologically, and perhaps that's what makes sense
— to work through the list chronologically. We would read each book every six
years (or every seven if we include Lost in the Cosmos). It would simplify
decision making, and we would know what comes next each year.

'24 Moviegoer
'25 The Last Gentleman
'26 Love in the Ruins
'27 Lancelot
'28 The Second Coming
'29 Thanatos Syndrome

If Lost in the Cosmos is included, it would be in '29 with Thanatos in '30.

Just a thought!

R—

Rhonda McDonnell

"You live in a deranged age, more deranged than usual, because in spite of
great scientific and technological advances, man has not the faintest idea of
who he is or what he is doing." ~Walker Percy~


________________________________
behalf of Henry P. Mills III <wppdirector AT gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, May 21, 2026 9:40 PM
To: Percy-L: Literary and Philosophical Discussion <percy-l AT lists.ibiblio.org>
Subject: [percy-l] INVITATION: Join this summer's Walker Percy Slow Reading
Group - (Starts Friday, June 5)


Dear Percy-L Community and friends,


As in previous summers, we’ll be forming a slow reading group around a Percy
novel, to be chosen by the group in the next few days. This year’s discussion
will begin two weeks from today, Friday, June 5, and continue for six weeks.
Typically, we cover 60 pages a week, depending on your edition of the novel we
choose.


If our past groups have shown anything, it is that reading Percy together --
and responding in writing -- continually opens new layers of collective
insight and fresh meaning. The slower pace of email discussion allows time for
reflection and more thoughtful responses to one another.  Last summer, we
enjoyed a close reading of the Last Gentleman after reading the Moviegoer the
preceding summer.


If you’d like to participate, please announce your interest now, as well as
indicate your preference for this summer's novel. Feel free to share your
background thoughts about your choice, and we will come to a group consensus
in the next few days.


If you’d be willing to volunteer a short opening post or discussion questions
one Friday, it would also be helpful to know that at this time. Volunteers are
not expected to lead discussion beyond their post to the group for their week.


Please forward this invitation to friends, colleagues, and family members who
may be interested in discovering Percy’s writings, even if they only wish to
listen in. I look forward to another rewarding summer of reading Percy
together, and I hope you’ll join us.


Best wishes in Percy,

Henry Mills

walkerpercyproject.org<http://walkerpercyproject.org>



--

READING GROUP LINKS


Join Percy-L Discussion:



Read Past Slow Reading Group Discussions (Previous Novels):





__
Henry P. Mills III
Director, The Walker Percy Project
walkerpercyproject.org<http://walkerpercyproject.org>
wppdirector AT gmail.com<mailto:wppdirector AT gmail.com>
----------------------------------
USING PERCY-L
* Read Percy-L Charter and Policies:
* Submit a Post to Percy-L: percy-l AT lists.ibiblio.org (Members only)
* Contact the Listserv Manager: percy.listserv.manager AT gmail.com

LISTSERV ARCHIVES
* View Percy-L Discussion Archives:

THE WALKER PERCY PROJECT
* Visit The Walker Percy Project website: https://www.ibiblio.org/wpercy


------------------------------
Message-ID:
Date: Fri, 22 May 2026 23:27:30 +0000
From: William E Lewis <welewis AT wisc.edu>
Subject: Re: [percy-l] INVITATION: Join this summer's Walker Percy Slow
Reading Group - (Starts Friday, June 5)

Henry and all,

Please do count me in. Love in the Ruins is the first Percy novel I read, and
I think that would be an excellent choice.

cheers,
Will


--------------------------------------

William E. Lewis, Ph.D.

Space Science and Engineering Center

University of Wisconsin-Madison

1225 West Dayton St

Madison WI 53706

________________________________
behalf of Henry P. Mills III <wppdirector AT gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, May 21, 2026 11:40 PM
To: Percy-L: Literary and Philosophical Discussion <percy-l AT lists.ibiblio.org>
Subject: [percy-l] INVITATION: Join this summer's Walker Percy Slow Reading
Group - (Starts Friday, June 5)


Dear Percy-L Community and friends,


As in previous summers, we’ll be forming a slow reading group around a Percy
novel, to be chosen by the group in the next few days. This year’s discussion
will begin two weeks from today, Friday, June 5, and continue for six weeks.
Typically, we cover 60 pages a week, depending on your edition of the novel we
choose.


If our past groups have shown anything, it is that reading Percy together --
and responding in writing -- continually opens new layers of collective
insight and fresh meaning. The slower pace of email discussion allows time for
reflection and more thoughtful responses to one another.  Last summer, we
enjoyed a close reading of the Last Gentleman after reading the Moviegoer the
preceding summer.


If you’d like to participate, please announce your interest now, as well as
indicate your preference for this summer's novel. Feel free to share your
background thoughts about your choice, and we will come to a group consensus
in the next few days.


If you’d be willing to volunteer a short opening post or discussion questions
one Friday, it would also be helpful to know that at this time. Volunteers are
not expected to lead discussion beyond their post to the group for their week.


Please forward this invitation to friends, colleagues, and family members who
may be interested in discovering Percy’s writings, even if they only wish to
listen in. I look forward to another rewarding summer of reading Percy
together, and I hope you’ll join us.


Best wishes in Percy,

Henry Mills




--

READING GROUP LINKS


Join Percy-L Discussion:



Read Past Slow Reading Group Discussions (Previous Novels):





__
Henry P. Mills III
Director, The Walker Percy Project
wppdirector AT gmail.com<mailto:wppdirector AT gmail.com>
----------------------------------
USING PERCY-L
* Read Percy-L Charter and Policies:
* Manage Your Membership:
* Submit a Post to Percy-L: percy-l AT lists.ibiblio.org (Members only)
* Contact the Listserv Manager: percy.listserv.manager AT gmail.com

LISTSERV ARCHIVES
* View Percy-L Discussion Archives:

THE WALKER PERCY PROJECT
* Visit The Walker Percy Project website:


------------------------------
Date: Fri, 22 May 2026 21:16:17 -0500
From: John L Pearson <johnlpearson AT icloud.com>
Subject: Re: [percy-l] INVITATION: Join this summer's Walker Percy Slow
Reading Group - (Starts Friday, June 5)

Rhonda and Percy-L!

I like your idea of going chronologically. I’d be for including Cosmos, which
I go back to every few years and think is a wonder. Might lead to a different
kind of discussion, but I’m sure a fruitful one.
It has been a couple decades anyway since I read Love in the Ruins, so it’s
time. It would be great for a group read here. The last time I read it was
with a book group where no one was familiar with Percy, so reading it with
this group I know would bring out different insights. I remember it as being
one of Percy’s funniest books.

I will be on vacation the last half of June, so depending on the timeline will
chime in less those couple weeks and will catch up. Always good to see
activity on the Percy-L when it comes for the summer slow read.

John


> On May 22, 2026, at 5:24 PM, RHONDA MCDONNELL <rhonda_mcdonnell AT msn.com>
wrote:
>
> Hello Percy-L!
>
> I'm in for the summer read, and I'm glad to volunteer my services, such as
they are, for introductory posts/discussion questions.
>
> Love in the Ruins is next chronologically, and perhaps that's what makes
sense — to work through the list chronologically. We would read each book
every six years (or every seven if we include Lost in the Cosmos). It would
simplify decision making, and we would know what comes next each year.
>
> '24 Moviegoer
> '25 The Last Gentleman
> '26 Love in the Ruins
> '27 Lancelot
> '28 The Second Coming
> '29 Thanatos Syndrome
>
> If Lost in the Cosmos is included, it would be in '29 with Thanatos in '30.
>
> Just a thought!
>
> R—
>
> Rhonda McDonnell
>
> "You live in a deranged age, more deranged than usual, because in spite of
great scientific and technological advances, man has not the faintest idea of
who he is or what he is doing." ~Walker Percy~
>
>
<mailto:percy-l-request AT lists.ibiblio.org> <percy-l-request AT lists.ibiblio.org
<mailto:percy-l-request AT lists.ibiblio.org>> on behalf of Henry P. Mills III
<wppdirector AT gmail.com <mailto:wppdirector AT gmail.com>>
> Sent: Thursday, May 21, 2026 9:40 PM
> To: Percy-L: Literary and Philosophical Discussion
<percy-l AT lists.ibiblio.org <mailto:percy-l AT lists.ibiblio.org>>
> Subject: [percy-l] INVITATION: Join this summer's Walker Percy Slow Reading
Group - (Starts Friday, June 5)
>
> Dear Percy-L Community and friends,
>
> As in previous summers, we’ll be forming a slow reading group around a Percy
novel, to be chosen by the group in the next few days. This year’s discussion
will begin two weeks from today, Friday, June 5, and continue for six weeks.
Typically, we cover 60 pages a week, depending on your edition of the novel we
choose.
>
> If our past groups have shown anything, it is that reading Percy together --
and responding in writing -- continually opens new layers of collective
insight and fresh meaning. The slower pace of email discussion allows time for
reflection and more thoughtful responses to one another.  Last summer, we
enjoyed a close reading of the Last Gentleman after reading the Moviegoer the
preceding summer.
>
> If you’d like to participate, please announce your interest now, as well as
indicate your preference for this summer's novel. Feel free to share your
background thoughts about your choice, and we will come to a group consensus
in the next few days.
>
> If you’d be willing to volunteer a short opening post or discussion
questions one Friday, it would also be helpful to know that at this time.
Volunteers are not expected to lead discussion beyond their post to the group
for their week.
>
> Please forward this invitation to friends, colleagues, and family members
who may be interested in discovering Percy’s writings, even if they only wish
to listen in. I look forward to another rewarding summer of reading Percy
together, and I hope you’ll join us.
>
> Best wishes in Percy,
> Henry Mills
> walkerpercyproject.org <http://walkerpercyproject.org/>
>
>
> --
> READING GROUP LINKS
>
> Join Percy-L Discussion:
>
> Read Past Slow Reading Group Discussions (Previous Novels):
>
>
>
> __
> Henry P. Mills III
> Director, The Walker Percy Project
> walkerpercyproject.org <http://walkerpercyproject.org/>
> wppdirector AT gmail.com <mailto:wppdirector AT gmail.com>
> ----------------------------------
> USING PERCY-L
> * Read Percy-L Charter and Policies:
> * Submit a Post to Percy-L: percy-l AT lists.ibiblio.org
<mailto:percy-l AT lists.ibiblio.org> (Members only)
> * Contact the Listserv Manager: percy.listserv.manager AT gmail.com
<mailto:percy.listserv.manager AT gmail.com>
>
> LISTSERV ARCHIVES
> * View Percy-L Discussion Archives:
>
> THE WALKER PERCY PROJECT
> * Visit The Walker Percy Project website: https://www.ibiblio.org/wpercy
>
> ----------------------------------
> USING PERCY-L
> * Read Percy-L Charter and Policies:
> * Submit a Post to Percy-L: percy-l AT lists.ibiblio.org
<mailto:percy-l AT lists.ibiblio.org> (Members only)
> * Contact the Listserv Manager: percy.listserv.manager AT gmail.com
<mailto:percy.listserv.manager AT gmail.com>
>
> LISTSERV ARCHIVES
> * View Percy-L Discussion Archives:
>
> THE WALKER PERCY PROJECT
> * Visit The Walker Percy Project website: https://www.ibiblio.org/wpercy


------------------------------
Date: Fri, 22 May 2026 23:03:32 -0400
From: Karey Perkins <kareyperkins AT gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [percy-l] INVITATION: Join this summer's Walker Percy Slow
Reading Group - (Starts Friday, June 5)

[ Text converted from HTML ]
I vote for including Cosmos as well in the annual timeline —it was
Percy’s most successful (sales, etc.) book.
KP
Sent from my iPhone

  On May 22, 2026, at 10:26 PM, John L Pearson

  

Rhonda and Percy-L!
I like your idea of going chronologically. I’d be for including Cosmos,
which I go back to every few years and think is a wonder. Might lead to a
different kind of discussion, but I’m sure a fruitful one. It has been a
couple decades anyway since I read Love in the Ruins, so it’s time. It
would be great for a group read here. The last time I read it was with a
book group where no one was familiar with Percy, so reading it with this
group I know would bring out different insights. I remember it as being
one of Percy’s funniest books.
I will be on vacation the last half of June, so depending on the timeline
will chime in less those couple weeks and will catch up. Always good to
see activity on the Percy-L when it comes for the summer slow read.
John

  On May 22, 2026, at 5:24 PM, RHONDA MCDONNELL

Hello Percy-L!
I'm in for the summer read, and I'm glad to volunteer my services, such
as they are, for introductory posts/discussion questions.
Love in the Ruins is next chronologically, and perhaps that's what makes
sense — to work through the list chronologically. We would read each book
every six years (or every seven if we include Lost in the Cosmos). It
would simplify decision making, and we would know what comes next each
year.
'24 Moviegoer'25 The Last Gentleman'26 Love in the Ruins'27 Lancelot'28
The Second Coming'29 Thanatos Syndrome
If Lost in the Cosmos is included, it would be in '29 with Thanatos in
'30.
Just a thought!
R—
Rhonda McDonnell

"You live in a deranged age, more deranged than usual, because in spite
of great scientific and technological advances, man has not the faintest
idea of who he is or what he is doing." ~Walker Percy~

------------------------------------------------------------------------

on behalf of Henry P. Mills III <wppdirector AT gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, May 21, 2026 9:40 PM
To: Percy-L: Literary and Philosophical Discussion <percy-l AT lists.ibiblio.org>
Subject: [percy-l] INVITATION: Join this summer's Walker Percy Slow
Reading Group - (Starts Friday, June 5) Dear Percy-L Community and
friends,
As in previous summers, we’ll be forming a slow reading group around a
Percy novel, to be chosen by the group in the next few days. This year’s
discussion will begin two weeks from today, Friday, June 5, and continue
for six weeks. Typically, we cover 60 pages a week, depending on your
edition of the novel we choose.
If our past groups have shown anything, it is that reading Percy together
-- and responding in writing -- continually opens new layers of
collective insight and fresh meaning. The slower pace of email discussion
allows time for reflection and more thoughtful responses to one another.
Last summer, we enjoyed a close reading of the Last Gentleman after
reading the Moviegoer the preceding summer.
If you’d like to participate, please announce your interest now, as well
as indicate your preference for this summer's novel. Feel free to share
your background thoughts about your choice, and we will come to a group
consensus in the next few days.
If you’d be willing to volunteer a short opening post or discussion
questions one Friday, it would also be helpful to know that at this time.
Volunteers are not expected to lead discussion beyond their post to the
group for their week.
Please forward this invitation to friends, colleagues, and family members
who may be interested in discovering Percy’s writings, even if they only
wish to listen in. I look forward to another rewarding summer of reading
Percy together, and I hope you’ll join us.
Best wishes in Percy,Henry Millswalkerpercyproject.org

--READING GROUP LINKS
Join Percy-L Discussion:https://lists.ibiblio.org/sympa/info/percy-l
Read Past Slow Reading Group Discussions (Previous
Novels):https://www.ibiblio.org/wpercy/discussion/slow-reading-group/


__Henry P. Mills IIIDirector, The Walker Percy
USING PERCY-L
* Read Percy-L Charter and Policies:
* Submit a Post to Percy-L: percy-l AT lists.ibiblio.org (Members only)
* Contact the Listserv Manager: percy.listserv.manager AT gmail.com

LISTSERV ARCHIVES
* View Percy-L Discussion Archives:

THE WALKER PERCY PROJECT
* Visit The Walker Percy Project website: https://www.ibiblio.org/wpercy

----------------------------------
USING PERCY-L
* Read Percy-L Charter and Policies:
* Submit a Post to Percy-L: percy-l AT lists.ibiblio.org (Members only)
* Contact the Listserv Manager: percy.listserv.manager AT gmail.com

LISTSERV ARCHIVES
* View Percy-L Discussion Archives:

THE WALKER PERCY PROJECT
* Visit The Walker Percy Project website: https://www.ibiblio.org/wpercy
----------------------------------
USING PERCY-L
* Read Percy-L Charter and Policies:
* Submit a Post to Percy-L: percy-l AT lists.ibiblio.org (Members only)
* Contact the Listserv Manager: percy.listserv.manager AT gmail.com

LISTSERV ARCHIVES
* View Percy-L Discussion Archives:

THE WALKER PERCY PROJECT
* Visit The Walker Percy Project website: https://www.ibiblio.org/wpercy


------------------------------
Date: Sat, 23 May 2026 00:00:34 -0400
From: Karey Perkins <kareyperkins AT gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [percy-l] INVITATION: Join this summer's Walker Percy Slow
Reading Group - (Starts Friday, June 5)

Henry, you can also include me for introductory posts/discussion questions as
well if you need someone to do so…

KP

> On May 22, 2026, at 11:03 PM, Karey Perkins <kareyperkins AT gmail.com> wrote:
>
> I vote for including Cosmos as well in the annual timeline —it was Percy’s
most successful (sales, etc.) book.
>
> KP
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
>> On May 22, 2026, at 10:26 PM, John L Pearson <johnlpearson AT icloud.com>
wrote:
>>
>> Rhonda and Percy-L!
>>
>> I like your idea of going chronologically. I’d be for including Cosmos,
which I go back to every few years and think is a wonder. Might lead to a
different kind of discussion, but I’m sure a fruitful one.
>> It has been a couple decades anyway since I read Love in the Ruins, so it’s
time. It would be great for a group read here. The last time I read it was
with a book group where no one was familiar with Percy, so reading it with
this group I know would bring out different insights. I remember it as being
one of Percy’s funniest books.
>>
>> I will be on vacation the last half of June, so depending on the timeline
will chime in less those couple weeks and will catch up. Always good to see
activity on the Percy-L when it comes for the summer slow read.
>>
>> John
>>
>>
>>> On May 22, 2026, at 5:24 PM, RHONDA MCDONNELL <rhonda_mcdonnell AT msn.com>
wrote:
>>>
>>> Hello Percy-L!
>>>
>>> I'm in for the summer read, and I'm glad to volunteer my services, such as
they are, for introductory posts/discussion questions.
>>>
>>> Love in the Ruins is next chronologically, and perhaps that's what makes
sense — to work through the list chronologically. We would read each book
every six years (or every seven if we include Lost in the Cosmos). It would
simplify decision making, and we would know what comes next each year.
>>>
>>> '24 Moviegoer
>>> '25 The Last Gentleman
>>> '26 Love in the Ruins
>>> '27 Lancelot
>>> '28 The Second Coming
>>> '29 Thanatos Syndrome
>>>
>>> If Lost in the Cosmos is included, it would be in '29 with Thanatos in
'30.
>>>
>>> Just a thought!
>>>
>>> R—
>>>
>>> Rhonda McDonnell
>>>
>>> "You live in a deranged age, more deranged than usual, because in spite of
great scientific and technological advances, man has not the faintest idea of
who he is or what he is doing." ~Walker Percy~
>>>
>>>
<mailto:percy-l-request AT lists.ibiblio.org> <percy-l-request AT lists.ibiblio.org
<mailto:percy-l-request AT lists.ibiblio.org>> on behalf of Henry P. Mills III
<wppdirector AT gmail.com <mailto:wppdirector AT gmail.com>>
>>> Sent: Thursday, May 21, 2026 9:40 PM
>>> To: Percy-L: Literary and Philosophical Discussion
<percy-l AT lists.ibiblio.org <mailto:percy-l AT lists.ibiblio.org>>
>>> Subject: [percy-l] INVITATION: Join this summer's Walker Percy Slow
Reading Group - (Starts Friday, June 5)
>>>
>>> Dear Percy-L Community and friends,
>>>
>>> As in previous summers, we’ll be forming a slow reading group around a
Percy novel, to be chosen by the group in the next few days. This year’s
discussion will begin two weeks from today, Friday, June 5, and continue for
six weeks. Typically, we cover 60 pages a week, depending on your edition of
the novel we choose.
>>>
>>> If our past groups have shown anything, it is that reading Percy together
-- and responding in writing -- continually opens new layers of collective
insight and fresh meaning. The slower pace of email discussion allows time for
reflection and more thoughtful responses to one another.  Last summer, we
enjoyed a close reading of the Last Gentleman after reading the Moviegoer the
preceding summer.
>>>
>>> If you’d like to participate, please announce your interest now, as well
as indicate your preference for this summer's novel. Feel free to share your
background thoughts about your choice, and we will come to a group consensus
in the next few days.
>>>
>>> If you’d be willing to volunteer a short opening post or discussion
questions one Friday, it would also be helpful to know that at this time.
Volunteers are not expected to lead discussion beyond their post to the group
for their week.
>>>
>>> Please forward this invitation to friends, colleagues, and family members
who may be interested in discovering Percy’s writings, even if they only wish
to listen in. I look forward to another rewarding summer of reading Percy
together, and I hope you’ll join us.
>>>
>>> Best wishes in Percy,
>>> Henry Mills
>>> walkerpercyproject.org <http://walkerpercyproject.org/>
>>>
>>>
>>> --
>>> READING GROUP LINKS
>>>
>>> Join Percy-L Discussion:
>>>
>>> Read Past Slow Reading Group Discussions (Previous Novels):
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> __
>>> Henry P. Mills III
>>> Director, The Walker Percy Project
>>> walkerpercyproject.org <http://walkerpercyproject.org/>
>>> wppdirector AT gmail.com <mailto:wppdirector AT gmail.com>
>>> ----------------------------------
>>> USING PERCY-L
>>> * Read Percy-L Charter and Policies:
>>> * Manage Your Membership: https://lists.ibiblio.org/sympa/info/percy-l
>>> * Submit a Post to Percy-L: percy-l AT lists.ibiblio.org
<mailto:percy-l AT lists.ibiblio.org> (Members only)
>>> * Contact the Listserv Manager: percy.listserv.manager AT gmail.com
<mailto:percy.listserv.manager AT gmail.com>
>>>
>>> LISTSERV ARCHIVES
>>> * View Percy-L Discussion Archives:
>>>
>>> THE WALKER PERCY PROJECT
>>> * Visit The Walker Percy Project website: https://www.ibiblio.org/wpercy
>>>
>>> ----------------------------------
>>> USING PERCY-L
>>> * Read Percy-L Charter and Policies:
>>> * Manage Your Membership: https://lists.ibiblio.org/sympa/info/percy-l
>>> * Submit a Post to Percy-L: percy-l AT lists.ibiblio.org
<mailto:percy-l AT lists.ibiblio.org> (Members only)
>>> * Contact the Listserv Manager: percy.listserv.manager AT gmail.com
<mailto:percy.listserv.manager AT gmail.com>
>>>
>>> LISTSERV ARCHIVES
>>> * View Percy-L Discussion Archives:
>>>
>>> THE WALKER PERCY PROJECT
>>> * Visit The Walker Percy Project website: https://www.ibiblio.org/wpercy
>>
>> ----------------------------------
>> USING PERCY-L
>> * Read Percy-L Charter and Policies:
>> * Submit a Post to Percy-L: percy-l AT lists.ibiblio.org (Members only)
>> * Contact the Listserv Manager: percy.listserv.manager AT gmail.com
>>
>> LISTSERV ARCHIVES
>> * View Percy-L Discussion Archives:
>>
>> THE WALKER PERCY PROJECT
>> * Visit The Walker Percy Project website: https://www.ibiblio.org/wpercy
>>


------------------------------
Date: Sat, 23 May 2026 00:13:14 -0400
From: Karey Perkins <kareyperkins AT gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [percy-l] INVITATION: Join this summer's Walker Percy Slow
Reading Group - (Starts Friday, June 5)

Hi Leonard—

It was my introduction to Percy as well!  All entering Wake Forest University
freshmen in 1977 were required to read “Love in the Ruins” for some kind of
small group discussions (ostensibly to engage with and get to know a few of
our fellow freshmen as we began our university career).  I remember starting
it one night that '77 summer and couldn’t put it down, staying up all night
(into the morning) to finish reading it!

I now say my academic career began with Percy and ended with him (my
dissertation on him).

KP

> On May 22, 2026, at 11:34 AM, Leonard <leonardh6363 AT gmail.com> wrote:
>
> Henry and the gang:
>
> I'm on board too!
>
> I go along with Doug..."Love in the Ruins" was my introduction to Walker
Percy, and I love it. It's also next in line chronologically.
>
> Whatever we read, it'll be fun.
>
> --Leonard Hughes
>
> On Fri, May 22, 2026 at 8:53 AM Doug Brown <wply1223 AT gmail.com
<mailto:wply1223 AT gmail.com>> wrote:
>> Hi Henry,
>>
>> Count me in. The last two slow reads have been wonderful experiences. You
are exactly right - the pace of the reading and the nature of using email for
sharing our thoughts work beautifully. Ah, to slow down for summer!
>>
>> 1) I am drawn to the idea of continuing Percy's novels in order. I vote for
reading Love in the Ruins next. All of Percy's novels are funny. This one
stands out to me as one of his most outright comic novels, although it's
Percy, so there is plenty of bite to the comedy and meaningful substance to
the characters. It's one of my favorites.
>>
>> 2) I volunteer to take on one week of offering up an opening and questions.
Mine will come from a place of enthusiasm and curiosity rather than
scholarship, but I think that approach suits this group well.
>>
>> Looking forward to hearing from previous and new participants. It is not
true that great minds think alike, but it is true that great minds like a
think!
>>
>> Doug Brown
>> Asheville, NC
>>
>> On Fri, May 22, 2026 at 7:56 AM <lowry.charles AT gmail.com
<mailto:lowry.charles AT gmail.com>> wrote:
>>> 
>>> 
>>> Thanks for sending this, Henry.  The “slow reads” are a great way to
deepen our connection with Percy, and with each other.  They are as sure a
sign of summer as the frustration of being a Mets fan.  This leads to two
notes:
>>>
>>> (1) I would be happy with the selection of any of the four remaining
novels for our exercise.  The Second Coming intrigues me because it always
seemed a little more light hearted than the others.  Lancelot was always my
least favorite aesthetically, but I wonder if that lack of enthusiasm is in
this case at all justified.  In short, I shall cheerfully go along with
whatever novel is chosen.
>>>
>>> (2) To the extent that contributions are welcome from the dreaded “general
reader,” though one with a profound love for Percy, I volunteer to serve one
week to post questions, observations, etc. to get the discussion started, for
whatever section our perspicacious moderator will choose.
>>>
>>> Thank you, Henry, for taking steps to continue this interesting facet of
our electronic Percy gathering.  I look forward to participating.
>>>
>>> Chuck Lowry
>>> Brooklyn, New York
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>> On May 22, 2026, at 12:40 AM, Henry P. Mills III <wppdirector AT gmail.com
<mailto:wppdirector AT gmail.com>> wrote:
>>>>
>>>> 
>>>> Dear Percy-L Community and friends,
>>>>
>>>> As in previous summers, we’ll be forming a slow reading group around a
Percy novel, to be chosen by the group in the next few days. This year’s
discussion will begin two weeks from today, Friday, June 5, and continue for
six weeks. Typically, we cover 60 pages a week, depending on your edition of
the novel we choose.
>>>>
>>>> If our past groups have shown anything, it is that reading Percy together
-- and responding in writing -- continually opens new layers of collective
insight and fresh meaning. The slower pace of email discussion allows time for
reflection and more thoughtful responses to one another.  Last summer, we
enjoyed a close reading of the Last Gentleman after reading the Moviegoer the
preceding summer.
>>>>
>>>> If you’d like to participate, please announce your interest now, as well
as indicate your preference for this summer's novel. Feel free to share your
background thoughts about your choice, and we will come to a group consensus
in the next few days.
>>>>
>>>> If you’d be willing to volunteer a short opening post or discussion
questions one Friday, it would also be helpful to know that at this time.
Volunteers are not expected to lead discussion beyond their post to the group
for their week.
>>>>
>>>> Please forward this invitation to friends, colleagues, and family members
who may be interested in discovering Percy’s writings, even if they only wish
to listen in. I look forward to another rewarding summer of reading Percy
together, and I hope you’ll join us.
>>>>
>>>> Best wishes in Percy,
>>>> Henry Mills
>>>> walkerpercyproject.org <http://walkerpercyproject.org/>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> --
>>>> READING GROUP LINKS
>>>>
>>>> Join Percy-L Discussion:
>>>>
>>>> Read Past Slow Reading Group Discussions (Previous Novels):
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> __
>>>> Henry P. Mills III
>>>> Director, The Walker Percy Project
>>>> walkerpercyproject.org <http://walkerpercyproject.org/>
>>>> wppdirector AT gmail.com <mailto:wppdirector AT gmail.com>
>>>> ----------------------------------
>>>> USING PERCY-L
>>>> * Read Percy-L Charter and Policies:
>>>> * Manage Your Membership: https://lists.ibiblio.org/sympa/info/percy-l
>>>> * Submit a Post to Percy-L: percy-l AT lists.ibiblio.org
<mailto:percy-l AT lists.ibiblio.org> (Members only)
>>>> * Contact the Listserv Manager: percy.listserv.manager AT gmail.com
<mailto:percy.listserv.manager AT gmail.com>
>>>>
>>>> LISTSERV ARCHIVES
>>>> * View Percy-L Discussion Archives:
>>>>
>>>> THE WALKER PERCY PROJECT
>>>> * Visit The Walker Percy Project website: https://www.ibiblio.org/wpercy
>>>>
>>>
>>> ----------------------------------
>>> USING PERCY-L
>>> * Read Percy-L Charter and Policies:
>>> * Manage Your Membership: https://lists.ibiblio.org/sympa/info/percy-l
>>> * Submit a Post to Percy-L: percy-l AT lists.ibiblio.org
<mailto:percy-l AT lists.ibiblio.org> (Members only)
>>> * Contact the Listserv Manager: percy.listserv.manager AT gmail.com
<mailto:percy.listserv.manager AT gmail.com>
>>>
>>> LISTSERV ARCHIVES
>>> * View Percy-L Discussion Archives:
>>>
>>> THE WALKER PERCY PROJECT
>>> * Visit The Walker Percy Project website: https://www.ibiblio.org/wpercy
>>>
>>
>> ----------------------------------
>> USING PERCY-L
>> * Read Percy-L Charter and Policies:
>> * Submit a Post to Percy-L: percy-l AT lists.ibiblio.org
<mailto:percy-l AT lists.ibiblio.org> (Members only)
>> * Contact the Listserv Manager: percy.listserv.manager AT gmail.com
<mailto:percy.listserv.manager AT gmail.com>
>>
>> LISTSERV ARCHIVES
>> * View Percy-L Discussion Archives:
>>
>> THE WALKER PERCY PROJECT
>> * Visit The Walker Percy Project website: https://www.ibiblio.org/wpercy
>>
>
> ----------------------------------
> USING PERCY-L
> * Read Percy-L Charter and Policies:
> * Submit a Post to Percy-L: percy-l AT lists.ibiblio.org (Members only)
> * Contact the Listserv Manager: percy.listserv.manager AT gmail.com
>
> LISTSERV ARCHIVES
> * View Percy-L Discussion Archives:
>
> THE WALKER PERCY PROJECT
> * Visit The Walker Percy Project website: https://www.ibiblio.org/wpercy
>


------------------------------
Message-ID:
<CACX9nLOExFwdbCbPz8jmVQ=776pAf3g7E3hGjVak0_EjNJCROw AT mail.gmail.com>
Date: Sat, 23 May 2026 10:56:03 -0400
Subject: Re: [percy-l] INVITATION: Join this summer's Walker Percy Slow
Reading Group - (Starts Friday, June 5)

Karey--

Thank you! Maybe the best thing about the Slow Reads (beside the appeal of
reading slowly, which is all I am able to do) are the occasional anecdotes
about other slow Percy readers. Yours really struck a chord. My whole way
of thinking was illuminated in the '70s as well when University of Maryland
Prof. Lewis Lawson assigned "Love in the Ruins," making fun at the
romance-novel cover of the Dell paperback with the same wry humor he shared
with Percy himself.

Percy eventually was my dissertation subject too, but too many zany
distractions kept me from writing beyond an outline (I managed to get "the
first chapter" published a few years back). I'd love to hear more about
your paper, and look forward to your comments, and everyone's reactions
to whichever book we're going to read slowly this summer.

--Leonard

On Sat, May 23, 2026 at 12:13 AM Karey Perkins <kareyperkins AT gmail.com>
wrote:

> Hi Leonard—
>
> It was my introduction to Percy as well!  All entering Wake Forest
> University freshmen in 1977 were required to read “Love in the Ruins” for
> some kind of small group discussions (ostensibly to engage with and get to
> know a few of our fellow freshmen as we began our university career).  I
> remember starting it one night that '77 summer and couldn’t put it down,
> staying up all night (into the morning) to finish reading it!
>
> I now say my academic career began with Percy and ended with him (my
> dissertation on him).
>
> KP
>
> On May 22, 2026, at 11:34 AM, Leonard <leonardh6363 AT gmail.com> wrote:
>
> Henry and the gang:
>
> I'm on board too!
>
> I go along with Doug..."Love in the Ruins" was my introduction to Walker
> Percy, and I love it. It's also next in line chronologically.
>
> Whatever we read, it'll be fun.
>
> --Leonard Hughes
>
> On Fri, May 22, 2026 at 8:53 AM Doug Brown <wply1223 AT gmail.com> wrote:
>
>> Hi Henry,
>>
>> Count me in. The last two slow reads have been wonderful experiences. You
>> are exactly right - the pace of the reading and the nature of using email
>> for sharing our thoughts work beautifully. Ah, to slow down for summer!
>>
>> 1) I am drawn to the idea of continuing Percy's novels in order. I vote
>> for reading *Love in the Ruins* next. All of Percy's novels are funny.
>> This one stands out to me as one of his most outright comic novels,
>> although it's Percy, so there is plenty of bite to the comedy and
>> meaningful substance to the characters. It's one of my favorites.
>>
>> 2) I volunteer to take on one week of offering up an opening and
>> questions. Mine will come from a place of enthusiasm and curiosity rather
>> than scholarship, but I think that approach suits this group well.
>>
>> Looking forward to hearing from previous and new participants. It is not
>> true that great minds think alike, but it is true that great minds like a
>> think!
>>
>> Doug Brown
>> Asheville, NC
>>
>> On Fri, May 22, 2026 at 7:56 AM <lowry.charles AT gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>>> 
>>> 
>>> Thanks for sending this, Henry.  The “slow reads” are a great way to
>>> deepen our connection with Percy, and with each other.  They are as sure a
>>> sign of summer as the frustration of being a Mets fan.  This leads to two
>>> notes:
>>>
>>> (1) I would be happy with the selection of any of the four remaining
>>> novels for our exercise.  The Second Coming intrigues me because it always
>>> seemed a little more light hearted than the others.  Lancelot was always
my
>>> least favorite aesthetically, but I wonder if that lack of enthusiasm is
in
>>> this case at all justified.  In short, I shall cheerfully go along with
>>> whatever novel is chosen.
>>>
>>> (2) To the extent that contributions are welcome from the dreaded
>>> “general reader,” though one with a profound love for Percy, I volunteer
to
>>> serve one week to post questions, observations, etc. to get the discussion
>>> started, for whatever section our perspicacious moderator will choose.
>>>
>>> Thank you, Henry, for taking steps to continue this interesting facet of
>>> our electronic Percy gathering.  I look forward to participating.
>>>
>>> Chuck Lowry
>>> Brooklyn, New York
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> On May 22, 2026, at 12:40 AM, Henry P. Mills III <wppdirector AT gmail.com>
>>> wrote:
>>>
>>> 
>>> Dear Percy-L Community and friends,
>>>
>>> As in previous summers, we’ll be forming a slow reading group around a
>>> Percy novel, to be chosen by the group in the next few days. This
>>> year’s discussion *will begin two weeks from today, Friday, June 5, and
>>> continue for six weeks.* Typically, we cover 60 pages a week, depending
>>> on your edition of the novel we choose.
>>>
>>> If our past groups have shown anything, it is that reading Percy together
>>> -- and responding in writing -- continually opens new layers of
>>> collective insight and fresh meaning. The slower pace of email discussion
>>> allows time for reflection and more thoughtful responses to one another.
>>> Last summer, we enjoyed a close reading of the *Last Gentleman* after
>>> reading the *Moviegoer* the preceding summer.
>>>
>>> If you’d like to participate, *please announce your interest now**,* as
>>> well as *indicate your preference for this summer's novel.* Feel free
>>> to share your background thoughts about your choice, and we will come to a
>>> group consensus in the next few days.
>>>
>>> If you’d be willing to* volunteer a short opening post or discussion
>>> questions one** Friday**, *it would also be helpful to know that at
>>> this time*.* Volunteers are not expected to lead discussion beyond their
>>>  post to the group for their week.
>>>
>>> *Please forward this invitation* to friends, colleagues, and family
>>> members who may be interested in discovering Percy’s writings, even if
>>> they only wish to listen in. I look forward to another rewarding summer
>>> of reading Percy together, and I hope you’ll join us.
>>>
>>> Best wishes in Percy,
>>> Henry Mills
>>> walkerpercyproject.org
>>>
>>>
>>> --
>>> READING GROUP LINKS
>>>
>>> Join Percy-L Discussion:
>>>
>>> Read Past Slow Reading Group Discussions (Previous Novels):
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> __
>>> Henry P. Mills III
>>> Director, The Walker Percy Project
>>> walkerpercyproject.org
>>> ----------------------------------
>>> USING PERCY-L
>>> * Read Percy-L Charter and Policies:
>>> * Manage Your Membership: https://lists.ibiblio.org/sympa/info/percy-l
>>> * Submit a Post to Percy-L: percy-l AT lists.ibiblio.org (Members only)
>>> * Contact the Listserv Manager: percy.listserv.manager AT gmail.com
>>>
>>> LISTSERV ARCHIVES
>>> * View Percy-L Discussion Archives:
>>>
>>> THE WALKER PERCY PROJECT
>>> * Visit The Walker Percy Project website: https://www.ibiblio.org/wpercy
>>>
>>> ----------------------------------
>>> USING PERCY-L
>>> * Read Percy-L Charter and Policies:
>>> * Manage Your Membership: https://lists.ibiblio.org/sympa/info/percy-l
>>> * Submit a Post to Percy-L: percy-l AT lists.ibiblio.org (Members only)
>>> * Contact the Listserv Manager: percy.listserv.manager AT gmail.com
>>>
>>> LISTSERV ARCHIVES
>>> * View Percy-L Discussion Archives:
>>>
>>> THE WALKER PERCY PROJECT
>>> * Visit The Walker Percy Project website: https://www.ibiblio.org/wpercy
>>>
>>> ----------------------------------
>> USING PERCY-L
>> * Read Percy-L Charter and Policies:
>> * Submit a Post to Percy-L: percy-l AT lists.ibiblio.org (Members only)
>> * Contact the Listserv Manager: percy.listserv.manager AT gmail.com
>>
>> LISTSERV ARCHIVES
>> * View Percy-L Discussion Archives:
>>
>> THE WALKER PERCY PROJECT
>> * Visit The Walker Percy Project website: https://www.ibiblio.org/wpercy
>>
>> ----------------------------------
> USING PERCY-L
> * Read Percy-L Charter and Policies:
> * Submit a Post to Percy-L: percy-l AT lists.ibiblio.org (Members only)
> * Contact the Listserv Manager: percy.listserv.manager AT gmail.com
>
> LISTSERV ARCHIVES
> * View Percy-L Discussion Archives:
>
> THE WALKER PERCY PROJECT
> * Visit The Walker Percy Project website: https://www.ibiblio.org/wpercy
>
>
> ----------------------------------
> USING PERCY-L
> * Read Percy-L Charter and Policies:
> * Submit a Post to Percy-L: percy-l AT lists.ibiblio.org (Members only)
> * Contact the Listserv Manager: percy.listserv.manager AT gmail.com
>
> LISTSERV ARCHIVES
> * View Percy-L Discussion Archives:
>
> THE WALKER PERCY PROJECT
> * Visit The Walker Percy Project website: https://www.ibiblio.org/wpercy
>
>


------------------------------
Message-ID:
Date: Sun, 24 May 2026 23:23:41 +0000
From: "Ketner, Kenneth" <Kenneth.Ketner AT ttu.edu>
Subject: Re: [percy-l] INVITATION: Join this summer's Walker Percy Slow
Reading Group - (Starts Friday, June 5)

Greetings Henry and folks
I hope you will add me to the list group

Ken Ketner



Kenneth Laine Ketner
P.W. Horn Distinguished Professor
Institute for Studies in Pragmaticism Texas Tech University
Lubbock, TX 79409-0002
School of Nursing
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
________________________________
behalf of Karey Perkins <kareyperkins AT gmail.com>
Sent: Friday, May 22, 2026 11:13:14 PM
Cc: Karey Perkins <kareyperkins AT gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [percy-l] INVITATION: Join this summer's Walker Percy Slow
Reading Group - (Starts Friday, June 5)

This email originated outside TTU. Please exercise

Hi Leonard—

It was my introduction to Percy as well!  All entering Wake Forest University
freshmen in 1977 were required to read “Love in the Ruins” for some kind of
small group discussions (ostensibly to engage with and get to know a few of
our fellow freshmen as we began our university career).  I remember starting
it one night that '77 summer and couldn’t put it down, staying up all night
(into the morning) to finish reading it!

I now say my academic career began with Percy and ended with him (my
dissertation on him).

KP

On May 22, 2026, at 11:34 AM, Leonard <leonardh6363 AT gmail.com> wrote:

Henry and the gang:

I'm on board too!

I go along with Doug..."Love in the Ruins" was my introduction to Walker
Percy, and I love it. It's also next in line chronologically.

Whatever we read, it'll be fun.

--Leonard Hughes

On Fri, May 22, 2026 at 8:53 AM Doug Brown
<wply1223 AT gmail.com<mailto:wply1223 AT gmail.com>> wrote:
Hi Henry,

Count me in. The last two slow reads have been wonderful experiences. You are
exactly right - the pace of the reading and the nature of using email for
sharing our thoughts work beautifully. Ah, to slow down for summer!

1) I am drawn to the idea of continuing Percy's novels in order. I vote for
reading Love in the Ruins next. All of Percy's novels are funny. This one
stands out to me as one of his most outright comic novels, although it's
Percy, so there is plenty of bite to the comedy and meaningful substance to
the characters. It's one of my favorites.

2) I volunteer to take on one week of offering up an opening and questions.
Mine will come from a place of enthusiasm and curiosity rather than
scholarship, but I think that approach suits this group well.

Looking forward to hearing from previous and new participants. It is not true
that great minds think alike, but it is true that great minds like a think!

Doug Brown
Asheville, NC

On Fri, May 22, 2026 at 7:56 AM
<lowry.charles AT gmail.com<mailto:lowry.charles AT gmail.com>> wrote:


Thanks for sending this, Henry.  The “slow reads” are a great way to deepen
our connection with Percy, and with each other.  They are as sure a sign of
summer as the frustration of being a Mets fan.  This leads to two notes:

(1) I would be happy with the selection of any of the four remaining novels
for our exercise.  The Second Coming intrigues me because it always seemed a
little more light hearted than the others.  Lancelot was always my least
favorite aesthetically, but I wonder if that lack of enthusiasm is in this
case at all justified.  In short, I shall cheerfully go along with whatever
novel is chosen.

(2) To the extent that contributions are welcome from the dreaded “general
reader,” though one with a profound love for Percy, I volunteer to serve one
week to post questions, observations, etc. to get the discussion started, for
whatever section our perspicacious moderator will choose.

Thank you, Henry, for taking steps to continue this interesting facet of our
electronic Percy gathering.  I look forward to participating.

Chuck Lowry
Brooklyn, New York



On May 22, 2026, at 12:40 AM, Henry P. Mills III
<wppdirector AT gmail.com<mailto:wppdirector AT gmail.com>> wrote:


Dear Percy-L Community and friends,

As in previous summers, we’ll be forming a slow reading group around a Percy
novel, to be chosen by the group in the next few days. This year’s discussion
will begin two weeks from today, Friday, June 5, and continue for six weeks.
Typically, we cover 60 pages a week, depending on your edition of the novel we
choose.

If our past groups have shown anything, it is that reading Percy together --
and responding in writing -- continually opens new layers of collective
insight and fresh meaning. The slower pace of email discussion allows time for
reflection and more thoughtful responses to one another.  Last summer, we
enjoyed a close reading of the Last Gentleman after reading the Moviegoer the
preceding summer.

If you’d like to participate, please announce your interest now, as well as
indicate your preference for this summer's novel. Feel free to share your
background thoughts about your choice, and we will come to a group consensus
in the next few days.

If you’d be willing to volunteer a short opening post or discussion questions
one Friday, it would also be helpful to know that at this time. Volunteers are
not expected to lead discussion beyond their post to the group for their week.

Please forward this invitation to friends, colleagues, and family members who
may be interested in discovering Percy’s writings, even if they only wish to
listen in. I look forward to another rewarding summer of reading Percy
together, and I hope you’ll join us.

Best wishes in Percy,
Henry Mills
walkerpercyproject.org<http://walkerpercyproject.org/>


--
READING GROUP LINKS

Join Percy-L Discussion:

Read Past Slow Reading Group Discussions (Previous Novels):



__
Henry P. Mills III
Director, The Walker Percy Project
walkerpercyproject.org<http://walkerpercyproject.org/>
wppdirector AT gmail.com<mailto:wppdirector AT gmail.com>
----------------------------------
USING PERCY-L
* Read Percy-L Charter and Policies:
* Submit a Post to Percy-L:
percy-l AT lists.ibiblio.org<mailto:percy-l AT lists.ibiblio.org> (Members only)
* Contact the Listserv Manager:
percy.listserv.manager AT gmail.com<mailto:percy.listserv.manager AT gmail.com>

LISTSERV ARCHIVES
* View Percy-L Discussion Archives:

THE WALKER PERCY PROJECT
* Visit The Walker Percy Project website: https://www.ibiblio.org/wpercy

----------------------------------
USING PERCY-L
* Read Percy-L Charter and Policies:
* Submit a Post to Percy-L:
percy-l AT lists.ibiblio.org<mailto:percy-l AT lists.ibiblio.org> (Members only)
* Contact the Listserv Manager:
percy.listserv.manager AT gmail.com<mailto:percy.listserv.manager AT gmail.com>

LISTSERV ARCHIVES
* View Percy-L Discussion Archives:

THE WALKER PERCY PROJECT
* Visit The Walker Percy Project website: https://www.ibiblio.org/wpercy

----------------------------------
USING PERCY-L
* Read Percy-L Charter and Policies:
* Submit a Post to Percy-L:
percy-l AT lists.ibiblio.org<mailto:percy-l AT lists.ibiblio.org> (Members only)
* Contact the Listserv Manager:
percy.listserv.manager AT gmail.com<mailto:percy.listserv.manager AT gmail.com>

LISTSERV ARCHIVES
* View Percy-L Discussion Archives:

THE WALKER PERCY PROJECT
* Visit The Walker Percy Project website: https://www.ibiblio.org/wpercy

----------------------------------
USING PERCY-L
* Read Percy-L Charter and Policies:
* Submit a Post to Percy-L: percy-l AT lists.ibiblio.org (Members only)
* Contact the Listserv Manager: percy.listserv.manager AT gmail.com

LISTSERV ARCHIVES
* View Percy-L Discussion Archives:

THE WALKER PERCY PROJECT
* Visit The Walker Percy Project website: https://www.ibiblio.org/wpercy


----------------------------------
USING PERCY-L
* Read Percy-L Charter and Policies:
* Submit a Post to Percy-L: percy-l AT lists.ibiblio.org (Members only)
* Contact the Listserv Manager: percy.listserv.manager AT gmail.com

LISTSERV ARCHIVES
* View Percy-L Discussion Archives:

THE WALKER PERCY PROJECT
* Visit The Walker Percy Project website: https://www.ibiblio.org/wpercy


------------------------------
Message-ID:
Date: Thu, 28 May 2026 23:06:03 -0500
From: "Henry P. Mills III" <wppdirector AT gmail.com>
Subject: [percy-l] Slow Reading Group - Love in the Ruins - First week's
reading, pp. 1-70 for Friday, June 5 questions

*Dear Slow Reading Group members:*


Congratulations! The consensus for this year's summer reading is *Love in
the Ruins**,* Percy's third novel from 1971. We have *12 members this
time,* which
is the most we have had before, so I'm certain we can look forward to
some excellent discussion over the next six weeks.


*This coming week's reading will cover pages 1-70* in preparation for
the first post of *discussion questions on Friday, June 5* (a week from
today). Thank you, Rhonda! We will discuss her questions through June 12.


Please know *members are always welcome to join back **in **at any time* if
you fall behind in your reading. You may also re-engage previous questions
from past weeks no matter what pages are being discussed.


If you don't have a copy of the novel, *you can purchase the Picador
version from Amazon* for a nominal cost, though any book edition is fine.
The Library of America version is available in hardback on Amazon also, but
be prepared for a smaller text size.


I will send additional information in time, but this announcement should
get everyone started. You can always contact me directly with any questions.

Happy Percy reading and discussion for this summer!

Best, Henry

--
AMAZON LINK FOR THE NOVEL





--

Henry P. Mills III

Director, The Walker Percy Project

walkerpercyproject.org



------------------------------

*********************************************

End of percy-l Digest Fri, 29 May 2026



  • Re: [percy-l] percy-l Digest Fri, 29 May 2026 (1/1), brian jobe, 05/30/2026

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