Pursuing Truth, Beauty, and Goodness through Great Literature

Join Bruce Etter for discussions and
teaching on books, history, theology, and more.

Get the education you wish you had.

Parents: you’ve been telling me for YEARS that you want to read and discuss these books. This is your chance!

As a member of the Alyosha Society, you’ll learn to interact with great works of literature in a meaningful way - no matter your education or experience.

This isn’t your high school English class. This is the education you wish you had.

 

Each week, we tackle questions like:

  • How can we learn how to read a book for maximum enrichment and enjoyment?

  • What do you need to know before diving into this book?

  • How much can we learn about one single author and his/her work?

  • How does the worldview of the author impact how we view the world around us?

  • How does this work line up with biblical truth?

My goal is to come alongside folks like you who may not have received a classical education, and assist you in your pursuit of truth, beauty and goodness as we study great books together.

Join for just $40/mo.

 

More than just books.

Literature. Philosophy. Murder. Scandal. Debate. Discussion. (And Tea).

 
 

Weekly Book Club

Once a week, we’ll grab our notebooks and tea and meet over Zoom for fun, lively discussions on great books like Crime and Punishment, Gilead, Frankenstein, and more. New books each season!

Once a week, we’ll grab our notebooks and tea and meet over Zoom for fun, lively discussions on great books like Crime and Punishment, Gilead, Frankenstein, and more. New books each season!

Discussion Boards

Can’t get enough discussion in our weekly meetings? Chat it up with friends new and old in our online discussion boards on philosophy, theology, and literature (and murder, stealing, and scandal!)

Can’t get enough discussion in our weekly meetings? Chat it up with friends new and old in our online discussion boards on philosophy, theology, and literature (and murder, stealing, and scandal!)

 
  • “Many thanks to Bruce Etter. He has enabled aging eyes to see eternal truths penned in classic literature. As adults who bring seasoned lives to the 'classroom', we are consistently blessed by Bruce's faithful, wise, and engaging instruction. Bruce’s experience, passion, and insight illuminate the collision of the great literary works of the past with the all-encompassing Biblical narrative and masterfully exposits applicable lessons for our lives, the lives of our children, and the generations that follow. May we never stop learning...and may Bruce never stop teaching!”

    — Tess & Jeff

  • As an English teacher and homeschool educator, I treasure the epiphany moments that come from discussions of excellent literature. The Alyosha Society is an effortless meeting of minds - a convenient circle of kindred spirits, all there simply for the joy of learning. We delight in words, celebrate connections, recognize humanity, and deepen our own faith. It is a joy akin to family reunion.”

    — Leslie

  • “Bruce makes great literature come alive by bringing historical & cultural context into focus and uncovering significance in symbolism I otherwise would have missed - all while keeping the biblical framework in view. Most importantly, the question ‘Why does this book matter?’ is always enjoyably and satisfactorily answered in Bruce’s class. A literature class with Bruce Etter is time well spent!”


    — Susan

What is the Alyosha Society?

Bruce shares what the Alyosha Society is, who it’s for, what to expect, and everything else you need to know to join the society!

Being a member of the Alyosha Society has enriched my life immensely. As a mom of two small children, I don't have a lot of time for myself, so it’s not easy to regularly fulfill my intellectual needs. Bruce has given me a beautiful and unique opportunity to be thoughtfully guided through a book, critique that book from a Christian viewpoint, and have stimulating conversations with like-minded adults, all from the comfort of my own home. The Alyosha Society has been such a blessing to me and I treasure every moment of it. Thank you, Bruce!”

- Brynne

FAQs

 

When will we meet?

Each group meets on Zoom once a week from 8 - 9:30pm EST. When you sign up, you’ll be free to choose between Tuesday evenings or Thursday evenings.

When does it start?

Though our book studies last 6-24 weeks, you’re welcome to join in any time!

Who is the Alyosha Society for?

The Alyosha Society is for anyone who desires to learn about philosophy, history, and worldview through the lens of great authors. If you’re looking to pursue truth, beauty, and goodness through literature, you’ve come to the right place.

How much does it cost?

Join the Alyosha Society for just $1 for your first month, then $40/mo. Your membership includes exclusive access to all future studies.

Are the books included?

No, books are not included in your subscription. Visit the Society Bookstore to purchase your books

Do you have a statement of faith?

I am an elder at Wheatland Presbyterian Church, PCA. The tenets of my faith mostly line up with the Apostle’s Creed, the Nicene Creed and the Westminster Confession of Faith.

 

Hi! I’m Bruce.

I LOVE discussing books with friends! I enjoy the art of a skilled writer (like, for example, Virginia Woolf) and I appreciate considering the worldview perspective of a writer who is also a philosopher (Dostoevsky is a good example). I am mesmerized by the superhuman intellect of authors like Homer and James Joyce. Laughing is my favorite pastime so I can’t get enough of Jane Austen and Charles Dickens and Flannery O’Connor! Bottom line, I do love books.

 

“Bruce taught all three of my children in multiple Great Books classes. To say he has had an impact on our family would be a vast understatement! He has been a significant force in the shaping of my children, and we are all the better for it.”

— Anne

“As adults who bring seasoned lives to the 'classroom', we are consistently blessed by Bruce's faithful, wise, and engaging instruction”

— Tess & Jeff

“Bruce Etter is the epitome of what a teacher should be. Devotion to God, passion for reading, love for his students, and enthusiasm in imparting knowledge and wisdom in his classroom define him as an educator.”

— Karen

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“Bruce Etter has influenced our family for generations. Each of our 3 children (now grown) say he shaped their education and overall worldview training in positive, life-changing ways. When our kids were in his class discussions, I always found myself listening in and learning with them. Bruce is knowledgeable, thoughtful, wise, and engaging.

At one point my daughter was lamenting other teachers not living up to the quality of Mr. Etter's teaching and our son suggested she reset the bar for all future teachers or be perpetually disappointed as no other teacher would ever meet the bar set by Bruce. The fact that he is now offering book discussions for adults has our whole family excited for more learning with Mr. Etter.”

— Karen

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Why Alyosha?

In his magnum opus, The Brothers Karamazov, Fyodor Dostoevsky introduces the reader to several characters whose words and actions represent particular worldviews. Ivan wrestles with atheism, as he cannot fathom that there could be a good God in light of such evil in the world. Dmitri struggles with hedonism as he seeks to bridle his passions. Their younger brother, Alyosha, carefully considers the teachings of his mentor, Father Zosima, and chooses the road less traveled, the road of faith and incarnation. 

The Alyosha Society is a group of curious bibliophiles who seek to hear the counsel of the many Zosimas of the past.

Our goal is to consider what the great minds have pondered through the art of literature and philosophy and discuss how we might be faithful disciples of the true and living God. 

Each of our initiatives align with our core commitment to hearing other perspectives and holding to our own with conviction, just like Alyosha in BK, who heard his brothers out, loved them, and lived out his own faith with firm conviction.

“Don’t think about it - just sign up for this class. You don’t want to miss the energy, fun and education that you will receive from Bruce Etter!”

— Alison