Crossing Party Lines Book Club
A space to explore books that help us better understand ourselves, each other and the world we share.
The CPL Book Club brings members together to discuss books that: Spark curiosity; challenge assumptions; illuminate history, psychology, ethics, and culture; help explain how we form beliefs — and why others see things differently
Why a Book Club?
Many people want to talk about big ideas — but don’t always know where to start.
Books give us a shared reference point, making conversations:
More thoughtful
Less reactive
Easier to enter without feeling exposed
You don’t need to be an expert. You don’t need to agree with the author. You don’t even need to finish the book.
What Book Club Is Like
Facilitated, respectful discussion
Focused on understanding, not critique or debate
Open to multiple interpretations and lived experiences
Designed so everyone can participate at their own pace
You’re welcome to speak, listen, or simply reflect.
What We Read
Members help shape the reading list. Selections often explore:
Political and social history
Moral frameworks and values
Psychology and human behavior
Media, power, and democracy
Stories that humanize difference
How it Works
- We announce our book 1-2 months before the meeting.
- One month before the club reads a book, we provide information about the book and the author, plus questions to consider while reading the book.
- Members do their best to read the book prior to the meeting.
- At our meeting, we spend about 15 minutes sharing thoughts as a group, then move into breakout rooms for a more intimate discussion of the book and the ideas it presents.
Where to Find the Books
Book List
- Track book suggestions
- Announce the current month’s book
- Announce next month’s book.
For a complete listing of ALL CPL Events check out our Calendar of Events.
