Joining Bible Study with Orion Carloto

In a time where it almost feels as though there is a war on solitude, artist and visionary Orion Carloto creates a protected space with her intentional and personal literary choices in Bible Study. A book club filled with praiseworthy reads from Getting Lost by Annie Ernaux to her most recent pick, Água Viva by Clarice Lispector, Bible Study offers a space for individuals to engage with their work and emphasize quiet reflection. It’s simple and intentional, Orion explained, “If I’m going to be taking up anyone’s time and space, I want it with the intention that hopefully those who join can enjoy it.” We began by exploring where her inspiration blossomed during her recent travels. Orion had just returned from her sabbatical in Europe, where she rested and explored. "Solitude was a crucial part of my experience", which was an element brought into Bible Study. “It was important for me to take space in this fast-moving world and create almost a sanctuary for the readers. And I encourage others to do the same.” Carloto described Bible Study as a book club that encourages a "dormant state of thought and silence," allowing individuals to read at their own pace without the pressure of typical book club discussions. The art of learning and exploring thought in silence is a theme Carloto intentionally applied to her lovely community of readers.

We spoke over tea and really got into the books that we fell in love with as well as the ones that messed with our minds. Carloto shared that Bluets by Maggie Nelson was the first book she truly fell in love with. “When I read it in high school, it made me realize the transformative power of books. Although the book has become popular over time, for a period, it felt like a magical, personal discovery for me.” As for a book that shaped her in a metaphysical way, Orion revealed extensional philosopher Sartre's Nausea did a number on her psyche. “Reading that book led to basically a three-month existential crisis, but it did inadvertently lead me to basically only read books written by women.” Carloto reflected on that experience and how it expanded her palette, and how we will always be “students in this life” for as long as we live, constantly evolving our tastes and preferences. For the past five years, Orion explained that she grew a greater interest in not only female writers, but stories that parallel her own life, treating the authors as mentors. Orion shared, “I see myself in the authors and the books I chose, even those with darker themes; they definitely allow me to see more of myself within the narratives.” When asked about other genres that intrigued her, Orion shared, “Lately, I’ve grown a newfound interest in reading—and possibly even writing—in the Southern Gothic genre. Authors like Carson McCullers and Flannery O’Connor create fictional stories that truly feel profoundly human and almost autobiographical.”

In May, Orion’s Bible Study book of choice was Vashti Bunyan’s Wayward: Another Life to Live. “She’s one of the greats,” we both agreed, before getting sidetracked by a discussion of Bunyan’s influence. “Vashti always had the softest words and voice,” Orion said. From there, she started talking about how music and literature overlap for her, and what she’s been into lately. “I’ve been watching a lot of Western-adjacent films like Fool for Love and Urban Cowboy, and listening to the Rolling Stones, Neil Young, and country roots stuff like Townes Van Zandt, Glen Campbell, and Kitty Wells. Basically divorced-dad music.” We both laughed and discussed more about the parallels in her playlist curation and book choices. “It’s clear that each book you choose every month is so carefully picked—and always paired with a beautifully curated playlist,” I said.“Songwriters are the real poets,” Orion explained. “When I’m creating playlists for the book club, I focus a lot on lyricism that reflects the narrator’s feelings in the book.” She added that the process often happened organically: “The playlists kind of came together unexpectedly—like when a song resonated perfectly with whatever I was reading at the time.” Playlist-making, we both agreed, is an art in itself.

I chatted with Carloto about her longing for the comfort of the South, where she is from, versus her craving for new experiences through travel. She explained that she experienced both, attributing it to her astrological placements of being a double Virgo and a Leo moon. "While I have a deep desire to live a solitary life in Georgia like Flannery O'Connor, I also have a hermit nature that makes me feel like I need to leave home to experience new things and people," Orion told me, “I save these trips for every summer.” Although Bible Study emphasizes solitude, Orion talked about the importance of fostering community and how they implement this in Bible Study, noting it's different from the usual idea of a group. "I wanted to create a space where people can enjoy silence and their own thoughts, instead of feeling like they have to constantly share their opinions or agree with others."

We finished by discussing the importance of reading nourishing work and practicing honesty and integrity. Orion’s last sentiment was that “Bible Study has been a powerful influence in this process. It has helped me become more truthful in my writing—I used to hide behind my poetry to protect others and myself, but now I feel more at ease embracing the "messy" and less polished parts of life, finding connection with writers who value the same honesty.” That is exactly what makes Bible Study so meaningful: it’s a gentle reminder that honesty, even when imperfect, is what builds real connection. And as Orion herself reminds us, the greatest act of self-care is silence—a value that Bible Study mirrors by encouraging individual reflection and critical thinking without outside noise.