Read the World. Discuss the World. Understand the World.
Explore the world one book at a time. Great books help us explore cultures, history, diplomacy, conflict, innovation, and the human experience. The AKWorld Book Club brings curious Alaskans together to read globally, think critically, and engage in meaningful conversations.
AKWorld Book Club meets on the second Tuesday of each month, alternating between Eagle River and Anchorage, and is open to anyone who enjoys good books and great conversation. Whether you’re a lifelong reader or just looking for a reason to pick up something new, this is a welcoming space to share ideas, ask questions, and connect with fellow globally minded Alaskans.
WHY JOIN?
Engage with international ideas through thought-provoking books.
Connect locally with others who are curious about the world.
Discover new perspectives that challenge and inspire.
everyone is welcome
Whether you’ve finished every page, have only read the first chapter, or are simply curious about the topic, you’ll find a welcoming discussion and diverse perspectives. No expertise required—just curiosity and an open mind.
Join AKWorld Book Club
No spam! Just reminders of upcoming meetings and last minute weather-cancellations, plus the occasional survey to make sure we are all on the same page!
Upcoming Gatherings & Book List
Tuesday, October 13, 2026
Where: Corks & Hops, eagle river
When: 6-8pm
Book: The Barn by Wright Thompson
Wright Thompson uses his family’s history to explore race, memory, identity, and the complicated legacy of the American South. He invites us to consider how the past continues to shape the present.
As you read, some questions to consider:
1. How does The Barn challenge us to think differently about the relationship between personal memory and historical truth?
2. How do the places and stories we inherit shape our understanding of who we are?
3. What responsibilities do we have to confront difficult parts of that history?
Tuesday, November 10, 2026
Where: Crimson @ Wild birch hotel, 239 W 4th Ave, Anchorage
When: 6-8pm
Book: The Ugly American BY Eugene burdick & william lederer
The Ugly American offers a provocative look at how the United States is perceived abroad—and what happens when good intentions are undermined by arrogance, cultural misunderstanding, or a failure to listen. More than 60 years after its publication, its questions about American leadership and global engagement remain surprisingly relevant.
As you read, some questions to consider:
1. What does The Ugly American suggest makes an American “ugly” abroad—and are those lessons still relevant to Americans today?
2. The book contrasts military and political power with cultural understanding and relationship-building. Which approach do you think is more effective in advancing a country’s interests, and why?
3. What responsibility do Americans have to understand the people and cultures affected by U.S. foreign policy?
Tuesday, December 8, 2026
Where: Corks & Hops, Eagle River
When: 6-8pm
Book: Escaping the russian onslaught: A Family’s Story of Fleeing the Russian army after Hitler’s Nazi Regime by Dorlies von Kaphengst Meissner Rasmussen
Escaping the Russian Onslaught offers a deeply personal account of a family fleeing war and upheaval in Europe, connecting the experiences of one family to the larger forces of history, conflict, and displacement. It invites us to consider what we can learn from the past as we watch history unfold in Ukraine today.
1. What can a personal family story teach us about war and history that we might miss in a traditional historical account?
2. How do ordinary people make decisions about when to stay, when to flee, and where to go when conflict threatens their homes?
3. What lessons from this family’s experience do you think are still relevant to understanding refugees and displacement today?
Join us as we read across borders, explore new perspectives, and discover how books help us better understand our rapidly changing world.
Looking for some interesting books, here are some of our previous AKWorld Book Club picks:
