Reading Groups

Contemporary Lesbian Fiction with Natalie Adler

5 Sessions Tuesdays, 6:30 pm EDT - 8:00 pm EDT February 3 to April 28, 2026

The Center for Fiction

The ‘With Books’ option includes the titles required for this group at a 10% discount from our Bookstore.

Meeting Dates:
2/3, 2/24, 3/17, 4/7, 4/28
In Person at The Center for Fiction

In this reading group, we will explore fiction in which loving a woman is both a problem and a solution. Lately known as “sapphic lit,” these stories are authored by queer people of varied genders and sexualities and are devoured by all. Together, we will discuss how these novels formally and stylistically experiment with tropes, including the lesbian “urge to merge,” the late-in-life revelation, and problematic age gaps. We will also consider how these novels engage with butch/femme dynamics and the straight world.

Reading List:

Session I: Sunburn by Chloe Michelle Howarth; recommended additional reading, “Ground Fighting” by Venita Blackburn (a copy will be emailed upon registration)
Session II: Mrs. S by K. Patrick
Session III: Playboy by Constance Debré
Session IV: Paradise Rot by Jenny Hval; secondary reading, “Infect Your Friends and Loved Ones” by Torrey Peters (a copy will be emailed upon registration)
Session V: My Lesbian Novel by Renee Gladman

What to read in advance of the first meeting: Please read Sunburn by Chloe Michelle Howarth in its entirety before the first meeting.

What to expect from this reading group: A brief introduction placing each novel in the historical context of lesbian literature, followed by a mostly participant-driven conversation with gentle guidance. All are welcome and no prior knowledge is required.

Natalie Adler’s debut novel, Waiting on a Friend, is forthcoming from Hogarth in May 2026. She has an MFA in Fiction from Brooklyn College and a PhD in Comparative Literature from Brown University. She is an alumna of The Center for Fiction / Susan Kamil Emerging Writer Fellowship and an editor at Lux magazine.

Pricing inclusive of sales tax if applicable.

Led by

Natalie Adler

Natalie Adler

Natalie Adler’s debut novel, Waiting on a Friend, is forthcoming from Hogarth in May 2026. She has an MFA in Fiction from Brooklyn College and a PhD in Comparative Literature from Brown University. She is an alumna of The Center for Fiction / Susan Kamil Emerging Writer Fellowship and an editor at Lux magazine.

About this series

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Whether you’re looking to catch up on great novels or you’re interested in exploring a new writer or literary period, our reading groups offer high-level literary discussion led by experts in the field.

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