August 2025 Social Theory Book Club

Welcome to the August 2025 Social Theory Book Club!

Come join us for an engaging discussion on:

The Heat Will K*ll You First: Life and Death on a Scorched Planet by Jeff Goodell

The Heat Will K*ll You First explores the extreme ways in which our planet is already changing due to rising global temperatures, and how this can affect human health. Goodell's work serves as a critical reminder of the challenges we face due to extreme heat and its consequences for life on Earth.

Jeff Goodell is an environmental journalist who focuses on energy and environmental issues. The book details the historic and ongoing devastation of heat waves, and how poorly our constructed worlds are built to manage increasingly swealtering temperatures.

Whether you're a skilled reader or just starting out, this is a space to delve into thought-provoking ideas and connect with others wanting to engage in political and social theory.

This meeting is in person, to nurture vibrant conversations and a dynamic exchange of ideas to foster a sense of community.

We encourage you to review what the text is saying as you work through the book on your own. Take notes on what you're unsure of, what you think the author is trying to say, and what you agree or disagree with.

Every person's understanding and input during the meeting will help shape the dialogue and create value out of our discussion. You will never be the only person who might be confused or who finds the text difficult. If you find the book too challenging and you do not finish, it is still encouraged that you come to the meeting. It's okay if you think you don't understand it, because you'll come to book club and learn as much as you can! If you have interest in the topic, you most likely have experiences or knowledge that would still be a welcomed addition to the conversation.

Additional readings:

The Water Will Come: Rising Seas, Sinking Cities, and the Remaking of the Civilized World by Jeff Goodell

The Great Displacement: Climate Change and the Next American Migration by Jake Bittle

What If We Get It Right?: Visions of Climate Futures by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson

Additional readings will be included for each month if people want to expand their understanding and knowledge on a particular topic. If possible, other types of media may be shared as well. None of the additional materials will be necessary to understand the discussion at the book club meeting and are purely supplemental for members to further one's own knowledge on topics.

Mark your calendars and get ready for our August meeting for the Social Theory Book Club!

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