Compassionate Houston’s Book studies
Compassionate Houston offers four seasonal book studies throughout the year facilitated by our amazing book study champions and dedicated volunteers Marlin Murdock, board member, and Pam Lewis, board president.
Meet people of our rich community once a week over a 4-week period, bringing together a multitude of perspectives on topics aimed to foster a greater understanding of compassion, kindness, respect and identify personal and public ways to practice it regularly.
Our book studies are conducted virtually as they offer several benefits compared to in-person meeting such as comfort and convenience, cost-effectiveness as participants can save on transportation costs and troubles driving through Houston’s traffic, larger outreach, and easy accessibility.
Our book studies are always free of charge. Offering them is part of our mission to cultivate compassion in Greater Houston.
If you are able to make a donation to our nonprofit 501 (c) (3) at any time, that kind act is most appreciated.
Final Seasonal Book Study 2025
AWE: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life
Join us this fall for a soul-stirring exploration of wonder, connection, and transformation through AWE: The New Science of Everyday Wonder and How It Can Transform Your Life by Dacher Keltner.
Keltner, a professor of psychology at UC Berkeley and founding director of the Greater Good Science Center, is one of the world’s leading researchers on emotion, compassion, and human connection.
In AWE, he blends cutting-edge science with personal stories to reveal how moments of wonder—whether sparked by nature, music, moral courage, or shared experience—can calm our nervous systems, deepen our relationships, and expand our sense of purpose.
This book study invites us to rediscover awe as a vital force in our lives—one that uplifts, connects, and inspires us to act with compassion in a divided world.
Logistics
Dates: Thursdays, October 9, 16, 23, 30
Time: 7:00–8:30pm CT
Facilitators: Pam Lewis and Marlin Murdock
Registration Deadline: October 7
Space is limited to 20 participants!
Did you know that reading and discussing books on hope and resilience with others can boost your mood and sense of connection? Come and experience it firsthand—join us for AWE and see for yourself!
““We need more awe in our lives, and Dacher Keltner has written the definitive book on where to find it.” ”
BUY AND SUPPORT LOCAL
Blue Willow Bookshop—a cherished local gem and vendor for two consecutive years at our annual luncheon—is partnering with us for our seasonal book studies. They are offering 15% off our seasonal books to all book study participants!
Here’s how to get your copy:
In-store: Just mention you’re part of the Compassionate Houston book study.
Online: Order → here. Be sure to write “Compassionate Houston book study” in the comments section to receive your discount.
Pickup or shipping available!
Let’s read together, grow together, and support local while we’re at it. 💙
Reflections, insights, and testimonials
““The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.””