The Intimidating Book Club

Ulysses by James Joyce

Intended for those who have always wanted to read that one classic novel of gargantuan proportions but never did (or didn't finish).

Section by section, this group will read a notoriously lengthy book widely considered a classic, and meet monthly for approximately one and a half hours to discuss the book.

Together, we'll get to the finish line. One word at a time.

Series Seven of The Intimidating Book Club will read Ulysses by James Joyce. All meetings will be virtual. Please email westendlibrary@dc.gov for the link. We will meet on the third Tuesday of each month from October 20, 2026 through July 20, 2027.

There is no preferred edition. Reading assignment paginations are from the 1992 Penguin Classics UK edition featuring the Kiberd introduction. eBook copies are available on Overdrive at dclibrary.overdrive.com. You may also check out a physical copy at a DC Public Library branch.

Below are the reading assignments:

October 20

pg. 1, starting "Stately, plump Buck Mulligan . . ." through pg. 107 " He foresaw his pale body reclined in it at full . . ."

November 17

pg. 107, starting "Martin Cunningham, first, poked his silkhatted . . ." through pg. 208 "Feel as if I had been eaten and spewed."

December 15

pg. 209, starting "Provost's house" through pg. 310 ""His Excellency! Too bad! Just missed that by a hair. Damn it! What a pity!"

January 19

pg. 310, starting "Stephn Dedalus watched through the webbed window . . ." through pg. 411 "The proceedings then terminated."

February 16

pg. 411, starting "Amongst the clergy present were the very rev. William Delany . . ." through pg. 511, "Let the lewd with faith and fervour worship. With will will we withstand, withsay."

March 16

pg. 512, starting "Hereupon Punch Costello dinged with his fist upon the board . . ." through pg. 612 "Mr. Fox!"

April 20

pg. 612, starting "Mother Grogan throws her boot at Bloom" through pg. 703 "A white lambskin peeps out of his waistcoat pocket.)"

May 18

pg. 704, starting "Preparatory through anything else Mr. Bloom brushed off the greater bulk . . ." through pg. 804 "She disliked umbrella with rain, he liked woman with umbrella . . . She carried umbrella with new hat."

June 16

pg. 805, starting "Accepting the analogy implied in his guest's . . ." through pg. 906 "my side piano quietly sweeeee theres that train fair away . . . One more song"

July 20

pg. 906, starting “that was a relief where you be let your wind go free" through pg. 933 "all perfume yes and his heart . . . Yes I said yes I will Yes."

Upcoming events