What we’re about
This is the book club for those of us who love to read and want to discuss books, but have been intimidated to do so - maybe because we didn’t study English Lit or because we aren’t sure that what we have to say is insightful, relevant or articulate enough. I am one of those people and I would love to chat about books once a month with people who are similar minded; I think we all have something interesting to say!
When we meet:
We meet the first Monday of each month (with the exception of Bank Holidays). Currently we meet at Ye Old Black Bull in Stratford. We always send a message of where we are sitting so you know where to find us if you are new.
How the group runs:
Read the set book beforehand (however if you are part way through and happy to hear spoilers, please feel free to join the discussion). Have a quick think about what you liked or didn’t like about the books and why.
The meeting will start at 19:30 with some brief introductions around the group and a few words about if you liked the book or not. To start things off, the organizer will raise a topic or ask a question and then the floor is then open for discussion and will move in the direction the group takes it. All views and opinions will always be respected.
How we choose the books:
Each month will have a different genre chosen by the hosts (though please let us know if you have a burning desire). Then members suggest books in the Meet Up page and we vote on the book. Books are ideally under 400 pages.
WhatsApp:
We also have a WhatsApp group for this Meet Up. If you are interested in joining this, please message the hosts with your phone number or ask us at the Meet Up.
Past Books:
2024
November 4th: Books adapted to film theme - A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
October 7th: Horror theme - Misery by Stephen King
September 2nd: Debut novels by female authors - Piglet by Lottie Hazel
August 5th: Bestseller lists - Yellowface by R.F. Kuang
July 1st: Classic adventure theme - Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne
June 3rd: Your Favourite Book theme -On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong
May 13th: Comedy theme - The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
April 8th: Prize Winners 2023 theme - The Prophet Song by Paul Lynch
March 4th: Thriller theme - Strangers on a Train by Patricia Highsmith
February 5th: Romance theme - The Flatshare by Beth O'Leary
January 8th: Classics theme - Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
2023
December 4th: Biography theme - Van Gough, the Life by Naifeh and Smith
November 6th: Kim Jiyoung, Born 1982 by Cho Nam-Joo
October 2nd: The Quiet at the End of the World by Lauren James
September 4th: Ties that Tether by Jane Igharo
August 7th: The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
July 3rd: Open Water by Caleb Azumah Nelson
May 2nd: The Stranger by Albert Camus
April 3rd: The Stillwater Girls by Mika Kent
March 6th: Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
