4 Reasons to Read War and Peace in 2022

Almost exactly one year ago I launched The Big Read—a paid online book club that has spent 2021 reading Leo Tolstoy’s epic, 1,300-page War and Peace at the pace of one short chapter per day. It’s been so successful that I’m repeating the endeavor in 2022.

Here’s what I sent to The Big Read’s waiting list and I wanted to make sure you had the chance to join in as well (and get 20% off!).

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Welcome to The Big Read 2022!

Reading and discussing the book this year, one chapter per day, has been eye-opening, intellectually stimulating, and immensely rewarding—and I’m really looking forward to another year of it. 

Before we kick off in 2022, I’ll be sending five free introductory emails to set some context for the book, provide a few tips on how to read a really big book, and a couple housekeeping items. 

Starting in January, paid subscribers will get a weekly recap of the reading, historical background and context-setting information, supplemental reading lists, and more. You’ll also get access to the lively comments and discussion features, which will help enhance your understanding and appreciation of War and Peace. 

Before all that happens, though, I’m going to give you 4 reasons why you should read War and Peace in 2022, as well as some testimonials from readers who have been doing it this year.

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If you’re sure you want to join in, you can sign up now for the annual plan and get 20% off (I’ll make sure you have access through the entirety of 2022):

Don’t worry—if at any point you’re not happy with The Big Read, I’m happy to refund you.

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4 Reasons to Read War and Peace in 2022

1. Rebel against your internet-induced shortened attention span.

Reading War and Peace over the course of a year is a great way to just commit to something for the long haul. It will provide an anchor for your days and weeks and give you an incredible sense of accomplishment at the end.

2. Cross War and Peace off of your bookish bucket list.

The idea of picking up a 1,300-page Russian classic is definitely intimidating. Going through it over the course of a year with some accountability is a great way to finally check War and Peace off your lifetime reading list.

3. Become a better, more engaged reader.

Once you’ve read War and Peace, you can read anything. No book will be intimidating. On top of that, you’ll learn that slowing down, understanding the context, looking at the details, and doing all of it in community deepens your appreciation for what you’re reading.

4. Wrestle with the biggest questions that history—and life in general—has to offer.

How is “greatness” defined?

Do people shape events or do events shape people?

How do we view the tides and cataclysms of history when we’ve living in them?

What’s the point of life? What’s the point of love?

The questions are as big as they come and you’re guaranteed to have deeper ideas about war, history, and the meaning of life when it’s all said and done.

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A Few Testimonials, If You Need More Convincing

“It has been a delight to read this book as part of The Big Read. I have especially enjoyed your weekly recaps and found they added so much depth to my understanding and reading experience.” —Pam

“This book has created the experiences of self-reflection, inspiration, and frustration. I am so glad I did this and wish I had read it earlier in life. I will most certainly read this again.” —Levi

“I can say that I have loved the experience of reading the book as part of The Big Read. . . . The experience of reading one chapter a day, with Jeremy’s summaries and everyone’s insights has been an absolute delight. Without The Big Read, I likely wouldn’t have made it through the entire novel. Thankfully, I can always look back on this tremendous experience of slowly enjoying a truly magnificent work of art.” —Lucas 

“These [weekly recaps] have really helped supplement the reading and make sense of everything going on in the book. I have been amazed that Tolstoy is still managing to keep my attention . . . To me, this speaks volumes about his skill as a writer. Even in the less exciting portions of the book, you can find a few lines that just pull you right back into the story.” —David

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If you want to join in, you can sign up now for the annual plan and get 20% off (I’ll make sure you have access through the entirety of 2022):

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Join me in 2022! Please feel free to email me back if you have any questions at all.

-Jeremy