Testimonials
Luca W. “I got so much out of my time reading at The New Commons. With Lauren's gentle, expert guidance, I engaged with Frankenstein so much more deeply than I could have on my own. Lauren was so good at keeping the conversation flowing in interesting directions, lifting up our responses, and encouraging us to stretch out of our comfort zones to build our skills as readers. Each conversation was genuinely so fun and energizing—the time flew by. I will definitely be coming back.”
Vanessa J. 
Syndee F. “This is a very, very cool learning environment to peel back the layers of a book. I was amazed at how much fun I had! It’s like a mishmash between a book club, a class, and a workshop, and Lauren is so good and thoughtful at how she’s created the space. I especially loved the group agreements upfront — it was so helpful to know that we're probably going to have some moments of quiet as we look for answers in the text, and those moments of silence are okay, and also are what makes this kind of learning space feel inclusive and inspiring. I’m telling my friends about this and can’t wait to do another one.”
Lindsey A. 
“I just had the pleasure of participating in the Frankenstein cohort, where I had the space to step away from everything and simply analyze the text, think critically, and awaken my imagination. The English major in me is always longing for opportunities to basically be in another English class—so for those who love deep discussions and close analysis of text, don’t miss out on this!”
Jessica Z. “I've been having so much fun with the Frankenstein cohort that it really has become something to look forward to every week. I'm SO glad that I stumbled upon The New Commons (thank you Instagram algorithm). I haven't been able to have an experience like this since high school and then college, and I appreciate how Lauren facilitates this space to have us feel comfortable with sharing our thoughts about the book in both the serious/insightful ways and also the silly/fun ways! At the end of each session, I love the incredible feeling I have that comes with getting to appreciate the book a little more and see a different angle that I hadn't considered before. I’m looking forward to the rest of the sessions.”
"I joined the Hamlet cohort because I wanted to engage more deeply with Shakespeare. I was intimidated by the material at first, and I admit the reading proved difficult initially, but the first session put all my fears to rest. Even though I wasn't sure whether I had a lot to offer, the warmth of the participants and clear expectations and goals presented early on meant that I never felt lost or left behind. The group dynamic in The New Commons is really such a fantastic and enriching way to tackle a piece of literature. Lauren's facilitation style was warm and informative, and I looked forward to our sessions every week. I was excited to be challenged in my own opinions and assumptions, and often felt that the differing opinions enriched my own understanding of the text—of its complexities and nuances. I felt that I understood and even loved Hamlet by the end."
Elaine G. “Lauren’s careful instruction and excellent leadership inspired me to think more deeply about literature, language and the ways in which Shakespeare’s Hamlet, specifically, is as relevant today as it was four hundred years ago. I was reminded that literature belongs to me as much as it belongs to the experts, and that reading, exploring and questioning it intentionally, in community, is not merely educational but joyful and applicable to my life and work. I highly recommend The New Commons to book lovers everywhere. Lauren and the team have created something fresh, exciting and deeply meaningful. I can’t wait to return for more!”