Major Ponds Book Club

Each month, the community chooses a theme to explore together. themes can draw from Stan’s novel Major Ponds Traveling Chautauqua, his 9 published books, his 200+ articles, or anything connected to his his 50 years of work with people navigating aging, loss, guilt, forgiveness, caregiving, and other equally difficult transitions.

Stan writes a short piece exploring the chosen theme from his professional practice and personal experiences.”

The community discusses it. At the end of the month, Stan hosts a live Zoom conversation. Can’t make the time? Don’t worry, it’s recorded and, as a subscriber, will be available at your convenience.

You don’t need to have read any of his books to participate. You just need to care about the questions they ask.

Research shows that loneliness is one of the greatest health risks facing older adults, as damaging as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. But the opposite is also true: belonging to a community where you feel heard, valued, and connected can transform how you experience aging, loss, and change.

Reading together, talking honestly, and showing up for each other is not just good for the soul. It’s good for the body and mind. That’s what this book club is built on.

What makes a place feel like home? In Major Ponds, a San Francisco bar becomes a living room for people not quite ready to fit in anywhere else. The unspoken rule: no matter how wild the story, accept it, and we’ll do the same for you.

This month, Stan explores why connection matters more than we think, what loneliness really costs us, and how showing up for each other, even in small ways, can change everything. Because as Stan has learned through 50 years of sitting at bedsides, writing, and living through his own challenges: joy doesn’t come from avoiding pain. It comes from not being alone in it.

A monthly community newsletter written by Stan exploring one theme in depth. A live monthly conversation with Stan and the community. Recordings of past sessions available to members. Community discussions where members share their own stories and support each other. A voice in choosing the next month’s topic. At least once a month, you’ll receive a “Eureka Bit,” a quick, practical idea that Stan felt was too useful to the community to wait sharing.

$10/month. Cancel anytime.

Or become a founding member: $60 for six months. Founding members get everything above plus their name listed on this page as a community contributor, the ability to help shape the larger scope of Stan’s future work and projects, and a personal audio message from Stan.

Or just write to us at majorponds@stangoldbergwriter.com and we’ll take care of everything for you.