I wrestle with the idea I paid $50,000 for a list of books and people to talk to about those books. I feel as though there might be a more organic alternative.

Great writing. Thank you for sharing. I'll be on the lookout for more.

P.S. The trend towards adjunct/contract profs is eroding higher education. They're way too reliant on the common denominator. It's a pervasive popularity contest leading to lower standards, and less-educated people.