Book Club: Solitary Sociables
A solitary sociable is a whale that lives apart from its own species and seeks out contact with humans. These instances, while rare, raise important moral questions about our relationship to the natural world. Are our interactions with these animals shaped by what's truly best for them, or are our choices clouded by what is actually best for us? Through the compelling stories of Springer, Luna, and Keiko, who were all solitary sociable orcas in very different circumstances, we will explore these complex themes over the course of three months. With guest speakers, movie watch parties, and optional creative assignments, this is not your typical book club!
Included with the class are:
9 two-hour virtual Zoom sessions that include group book discussions, lectures, author Q&As, guest speakers, and virtual "watch parties" of curated films
Access to a private Discord server to connect with instructors and build community with other participants
A custom class bookmark
*Optional in-person excursion
Not included with the class:
Copies of the 3 books
There are no specific prerequisites other than a willingness to learn and engage with others throughout this educational experience. No specific background is needed; in fact, we anticipate everyone's unique backgrounds, perspectives, and feelings will enrich the experience for all involved. The general expectation is that participants will read each book before the deadline, generate thoughts and questions about each book and/or film, and engage with their peers in lively discussions and Q&As.
"If you are interested in learning more about whales in the Salish Sea and participating in group discussions with other whale lovers, join this book club! It was a wonderful mix of education, discussion, passion and creativity."
"The book club was full of thoughtful discussions, engaging guest speakers, and a community of like-minded people. I loved how the moderators were able to acknowledge the difficult themes of the books while still driving discussion forward and encouraging different points of view. Each meeting was always a safe, thought-provoking forum, and the class was an overall wonderful experience!"
"Whether it’s fellow classmates, or guest speakers, this book club offers the opportunity to connect with folks from around the world who all have one thing in common - a love for whales! If you’re whale obsessed just like the rest of us, I couldn’t recommend this class more!"
From Past Students
Who is this course designed for?
Anyone 18 and older who wants to:
Expand their knowledge and understanding of regional killer whales
Enjoys "deep diving" on topics and considering different perspectives
Can keep an open mind while engaging in respectful conversation
Looks forward to building community with other individuals who share the same passions