Demon CopperheadBarbara Kingsolver
8 of 12 seats taken. One more and it's confirmed. Booking closes Thu.
The ringed seat is the next one open. It could be yours.
How it works
A good conversation, set up to work.
Everything about Sympozia is built to make sure the people at the table read the book, want to talk about it, and get a fair turn.
Booking
Sessions run when the table fills.
Every session has a booking deadline, needs nine readers to confirm, and seats up to twelve. Book a seat and you're charged right away through secure card checkout, which keeps everyone's seat real. If nine seats are taken by the deadline, the session is confirmed. If not, everyone gets a full refund and the book rolls over to another night.
You can see how full each session is, so you can pick the one closest to confirming. Popular books get several sessions across a week or two, so there's usually one soon.
Why nine?
Life happens, and someone almost always drops out at the last minute. A great conversation needs at least six people in the room, so we wait for nine sign-ups before a session runs. That way the table is still full even if a few people can't make it.
What a session is like
Two hours that go by fast.
A few days before, your host sends a handful of questions so you can collect your thoughts, and everyone shares one thing they noticed. That's how the table knows everyone has read it. On the night, you join a Zoom call from home with your host and five to eleven other readers. The host opens with a question, draws people in, keeps things on the book, and makes sure nobody runs away with the evening.
How to get the most from it
- Finish the book. It's the one thing everyone at the table can count on.
- Bring one thing you noticed. A line, a scene, a question. That's all you need.
- Leave room. Say your piece, then let someone else say theirs.
- Disagree kindly. Push on ideas, not people. Lively disagreement, kindly done, makes for the best sessions.
Our promise
Fair to you, and fair to everyone who showed up.
A full table of people who read the book and showed up.
We can't run it
If a session doesn't fill by its deadline, or we have to cancel for any reason, you get a full refund to your card, usually within 5–10 business days. Not a credit.
You cancel early
Cancel while a session is still filling and you get a credit for any future session. Your seat goes back on offer with plenty of time to fill.
You cancel on the day
We offer your seat to the waitlist. If someone takes it, you get a credit. If nobody does, there's no refund or credit, because the readers who showed up were counting on a full table.
No membership
Come once, or come often.
There's no membership to keep up. Everyone who joins a table is a full member from the first session.
Questions
Frequently asked
Do I need a literature background?
No. If you've read the book and want to talk about it, you belong.
Do audiobooks count?
Yes. Listening is reading. Jot down a moment or two as you listen, and you'll be ready.
I'm quiet. Will I enjoy this?
We hope so. There's no pressure to talk. Tables are small, questions arrive ahead of time, and hosts never cold-call.
What if I don't say much?
That's fine, especially your first time. Typing in the chat counts, and so does listening closely. Speak up when you're ready.
Is there a break?
Yes, a short one about halfway through.
Where do sessions happen?
On Zoom, from wherever you're comfortable. No driving, no parking, no hosting. You'll get a link when your session confirms. Cameras optional: keep yours off if you like. Come ready to join the conversation, by voice or in the chat.
How many people are in a session?
Up to twelve readers, plus the host. A session confirms once nine people sign up, so there are always at least six at the table even if someone can't make it.
Do I really have to finish the book?
Yes. Spoilers are fair game, and the conversation works because everyone has read the same thing.
Do I have to come every month?
No. Every session stands on its own, on your schedule. Come when there's a book you want to talk about.
What time zone are sessions in?
Times are listed in Eastern Time at launch, with sessions spread across mornings, evenings and weekends, so shift workers can find a time too. Your booking shows your local time.
Can I suggest a book?
Please do. Tell us on the waitlist form. The most-requested books go on the next season's list.