Book of the Month
October's pick: "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt
What is it about?: A modern classic, "The Secret History" tells the story of a group of elite students at a New England college who fall under the spell of their enigmatic professor. The novel delves deep into themes of obsession, intellectualism, and betrayal, with a gothic, dark academia tone that keeps readers captivated. As friendships unravel and darker impulses take control, the book’s haunting atmosphere will linger with you long after you’ve turned the last page.
About Us
The Laurel Wreath Book Club is dedicated to lovers of literature, particularly those fascinated by the darker, intellectual side of academia. Inspired by the classic tradition of reading groups, we aim to explore deep, philosophical, and often challenging works, focusing on dark academia themes like mystery, history, and intellectualism.
Founded by a group of like-minded individuals, our mission is to bring together readers who not only seek entertainment but also intellectual stimulation and meaningful conversation. Whether through our monthly picks, member discussions, or literary events, we aim to cultivate a community that values the pursuit of knowledge in all its forms.
Blog
Exploring Dark Academia: A Literary Subculture
Dark academia is a growing literary subculture that focuses on the aesthetics of classical education, scholarly pursuits, and the romanticism of old-world academia. From ivy-clad universities to candlelit libraries, this movement emphasizes the beauty in intellectualism, historical architecture, and melancholic atmosphere.
More than just an aesthetic, dark academia taps into deeper, often darker, themes like the search for meaning in a complex world, the conflict between the individual and society, and the pursuit of knowledge at any cost. Books within this genre explore the fragility of human relationships, moral ambiguity, and the weight of intellectual obsession.
Join us as we explore these themes further in our upcoming blog posts, book discussions, and interviews with authors and academics who contribute to the genre.