Welcome to the Detention Book Club
At Detention Book Club, we believe every story has layers waiting to be uncovered. Our mission is to help you slow down, zone in, and truly listen to the stories we read—and the ones you hold within yourself.
What is Detention Book Club?
Detention is a space to:
- Read with intention: Discover books in a whole new way by unpacking subtext, context, and hidden layers.
- Listen deeply: Train your eye to become an ear, picking up what’s being said between the lines.
- Engage thoughtfully: Join conversations that connect books to lived experiences.
We aim to enrich the way you read and relate to stories—both on the page and in your life.
Why is it Called Detention?
Detention book club is for two main types of book lovers.
- Those who love to read, but as soon as reading becomes homework, they just can’t get themselves to finish the book, let alone pick it up.
- Book lovers who hate when they show up to their local book club and nobody has read the book. (Everybody just wants to sip wine and gossip about the drama in their life.)
We’ve found these two groups can find common ground through focussed discussion. There’s two types of people out there, those rebels who had teachers who took the time to sit down with them and pull them out of their gutter of their anxiety and feelings.
And those who fell in love with their teachers because the teacher was the one who was passionate about their work. Passionate in a way that sparked their own passions.
We are those teachers. We are those friends.
If you don’t have time to read the book, that’s okay, take your Detention. If you read the book and you can’t wait to dig into the themes, topics, and how it relates to society and your life? Our expert hosts are right there with you and we will guide the discussion inclusively so the stragglers add to it, rather than distract.
How It Works
- Join the Community
Start by signing up and gaining access to our private Discord, where members connect, share insights, and dive into discussions. - Get the Books
Each cycle, we carefully select thought-provoking books to inspire meaningful dialogue. We provide everything you need to get started. - Read, Reflect, and Discuss
Participate in guided reading sessions designed to enhance understanding and foster deep listening. - Receive Personalized Coaching
As part of our mission to support storytelling, every member receives access to a free 1-on-1 storytelling session with Dan Boyd, helping you craft your personal narratives.
Why Join Us?
- Richer Reads: Go beyond surface-level skimming to unlock the deeper messages in every story.
- Community Connections: Share your thoughts with a vibrant, supportive group of readers.
- Storytelling Growth: Discover how close reading can help you tell your own story with greater impact.
At Detention Book Club, reading becomes a practice of discovery—of the world and yourself.
Start Your Story With Us Today
Ready to join a book club like no other? Sign up now to access our community, get your first book, and start your journey into deep listening.
Detention Book Club is powered by Story Luck, a nonprofit dedicated to creating, telling, and listening to transformative stories.
Our Philosophy
Zoning In, Not Out
Most of us read to escape, but Detention flips the script. Our experts are reading between the lines to find subtle nuances, subtext, and deeper meaning behind the picks. Detention is about guiding you on becoming an active participant in the storytelling process.
Why It Matters
Slowing down to engage with stories builds empathy, sharpens critical thinking, and fosters connections. The skills you gain here don’t just make you a better reader—they make you a better listener, communicator, and storyteller in every area of life.
What’s Included
When you join the Detention Book Club, you’ll get access to:
- Exclusive Community Access
Join our private Discord server, where you can connect with fellow readers, share ideas, and participate in meaningful discussions. - Carefully Curated Book Lists
Every cycle features books selected to challenge, inspire, and spark conversation. - Guided Reading Tools
Receive prompts, insights, and resources to deepen your understanding of each book. - A Personalized Gift
Enjoy a free 1-hour storytelling coaching session with Dan Boyd, helping you craft your personal stories with skill and confidence.
Live Events and Workshops
Participate in interactive events that bring books to life and connect you with like-minded individuals.
Meet the Team
Daniel Andrew Boyd
Founder, Story Luck | Storytelling Coach
Dan is a passionate storyteller and educator who has led over 1,000 one-on-one storytelling sessions. His vision for Detention Book Club is to combine the power of close reading with the transformative art of storytelling.
Juliet Wamuyu
Community Builder | Project Manager
Juliet brings her expertise in creating engaging communities to ensure Detention Book Club is a welcoming space for everyone. From crafting onboarding experiences to nurturing vibrant discussions, she ensures your journey with us is seamless and rewarding.
Allison Barrett: The Poetic Pilferer
Once upon a time, Allison’s pockets were full of book titles from her college bookstore job. Now, with three kids and a full-time gig, she’s mastered the art of speed-reading at library book sales. An MFA in poetry means she can wax lyrical about weird short stories faster than you can say “magical realism.”
Ashar Foley: The Academic Accomplice
Ashar’s brain is a dusty pop culture treasure trove with a Ph.D. in 19th-century boredom (yes, really). When she’s not corrupting young minds at Fordham University, she’s probably reading about dental hygiene or devastating German novels. Expect non-fiction picks that’ll make your neurons high-five.
Daniel Andrew Boyd: The Narrative Ne’er-do-well
Daniel’s spent more time in detention than you have, and he’s got the stories to prove it. When he’s not helping people spin yarns about their lives, he’s hosting shows and podcasts. He’s here to dissect narratives faster than you can say “unreliable narrator.”
Upcoming Events
January Book: Doppelganger by Naomi Klein
Dive into a thought-provoking exploration of Doppelganger by Naomi Klein. The discussions goes live on Monday January 13th 2025.
February Book: Exhalation by Ted Chiang
A collection of short mind expanding science fiction.
Monday February 24th.
Live Workshop: Storytelling for Connection
Join Dan Boyd for an exclusive session on crafting compelling personal narratives. Book your slot here.
FAQ
What kinds of books do you read?
We read books that challenge conventional thinking and spark deep discussions. Expect a mix of fiction, non-fiction, and short stories.
How much does it cost to join?
Detention Book Club membership is $60, which gives you access to both audio and soft copy books. As part of Story Luck’s mission, we aim to make deep listening and storytelling accessible to everyone.
Do I need to be a great reader to join?
Not at all! Our guided reading tools and supportive community will help you get the most out of every book, no matter your starting point.
How do the storytelling sessions work?
Once you sign up, you’ll receive a link to schedule your free one-hour session with Dan Boyd. It’s a chance to workshop a personal story, improve your storytelling skills, or just explore an idea you’ve been wanting to share.
Contact Us
Have questions? We’d love to hear from you.
Email us at Support@storyluck.org or connect with us on Instagram or Facebook.
