What we’re about
Welcome to Cologne Book Club!
Who is the club for?
Are you a book lover? Do you often wish you had someone to discuss a book with after reading it? If so, then the Cologne Book Club is for you. Whether you're an avid reader or just looking to explore new books and meet new people, we invite you to join us.
Not sure if the book club is right for you? Consider the following scenarios:
- You finish reading a book and desperately want to share your thoughts with someone, but none of your friends have read it.
- You feel like you're stuck in a reading rut and want to discover new and exciting books.
- You're curious about other people's interpretations of a book and want to discuss it further.
- You want to engage in stimulating conversations that go beyond the weather and other small talk.
How does it work?
- We meet once a month to discuss a book that has been chosen by the group. If you have a book you'd like to suggest, pitch it to the group and we may select it for a future meeting.
- The person who recommended the chosen book will kick off the discussion with a brief introduction and explanation of why they chose it.
- During our meetings, we'll explore what aspects of the book stood out to us, welcoming both positive and negative comments. Don't worry about being a literary expert - everyone is encouraged to participate in the discussion, and there are no limits to what we can explore. While the discussion typically lasts around 1.5 hours, it can vary depending on the book. Even if you haven't finished the book, you're still welcome to join us - just be aware that we'll discuss plot points and may reveal spoilers during the conversation.
- After the book discussion, we'll talk about potential books to read for the next meeting and make our choice.
- Finally, for those who want to stick around, we'll enjoy some drinks and casual conversation.
We look forward to meeting you and sharing our love of books!
Book
In the next meeting of the Cologne book club, we will be discussing "East of Eden" by John Steinbeck.
East of Eden is a sweeping, multi-generational novel set in California’s Salinas Valley.
Published in 1952, it is often regarded as Steinbeck’s magnum opus. The novel intricately weaves the stories of two families—the Trasks and the Hamiltons—against the backdrop of early 20th-century America, exploring universal themes of good and evil, love and betrayal, and the complexities of human nature.
At the heart of East of Eden is a retelling of the Biblical story of Cain and Abel, with its central theme of sibling rivalry and moral conflict. Steinbeck delves into deep philosophical questions about free will, destiny, and the capacity for redemption. His richly developed characters—particularly the enigmatic and sinister Cathy Ames, and the morally torn brothers, Cal and Aron—drive the novel’s exploration of the struggle between light and darkness within each individual.
Steinbeck’s lyrical prose and vivid descriptions of the Californian landscape immerse readers in a world that feels both timeless and deeply personal.
East of Eden is a novel that examines the forces that shape human identity, the choices we make, and the legacies we leave behind.
East of Eden is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that resonates with readers long after the final page. Its exploration of human nature and moral ambiguity makes it a timeless work and a compelling choice for discussion.
More information about “East of Eden“:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4406.East_of_Eden
How is the next book chosen?
At the end of each session, everyone attending gets the chance to recommend a book. Then, we take a vote, and the book with the most votes will be chosen. If you are attending the meet up, you will be able to decide on the next book.
Venue
We will meet at Kulturraum 405, a wonderful space that provides a cozy and inspiring environment for our book club gatherings. As a small community initiative, they kindly request a voluntary donation of approximately €3 per person to support their ongoing efforts in maintaining the location and ensuring consistent meet ups for us.
For more information check out https://kulturraum405.de
Organiser
Participation for this event is free of charge.
We will start at 11:30. Please arrive a bit earlier to settle in comfortably.
Your contribution towards the venue is greatly appreciated and will help us maintain a dedicated space for our book club meetings. However, if you are unable to donate, please don't let that discourage you from joining us. Your presence and participation are what truly matter.
Let's make this event inclusive and enjoyable for everyone. If you know that you cannot attend, please update your RSVP status accordingly.
Please be aware that if you sign up for an event and either fail to show up or cancel at the last minute without notice more than three times consecutively, priority will be given to individuals on the waiting list instead of you.
Upcoming events (1)
See all- East of Eden by John SteinbeckKulturraum 405, Köln
Book
In the next meeting of the Cologne book club, we will be discussing "East of Eden" by John Steinbeck.
East of Eden is a sweeping, multi-generational novel set in California’s Salinas Valley.
Published in 1952, it is often regarded as Steinbeck’s magnum opus. The novel intricately weaves the stories of two families—the Trasks and the Hamiltons—against the backdrop of early 20th-century America, exploring universal themes of good and evil, love and betrayal, and the complexities of human nature.
At the heart of East of Eden is a retelling of the Biblical story of Cain and Abel, with its central theme of sibling rivalry and moral conflict. Steinbeck delves into deep philosophical questions about free will, destiny, and the capacity for redemption. His richly developed characters—particularly the enigmatic and sinister Cathy Ames, and the morally torn brothers, Cal and Aron—drive the novel’s exploration of the struggle between light and darkness within each individual.
Steinbeck’s lyrical prose and vivid descriptions of the Californian landscape immerse readers in a world that feels both timeless and deeply personal.
East of Eden is a novel that examines the forces that shape human identity, the choices we make, and the legacies we leave behind.
East of Eden is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that resonates with readers long after the final page. Its exploration of human nature and moral ambiguity makes it a timeless work and a compelling choice for discussion.
More information about “East of Eden“:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4406.East_of_EdenHow is the next book chosen?
At the end of each session, everyone attending gets the chance to recommend a book. Then, we take a vote, and the book with the most votes will be chosen. If you are attending the meet up, you will be able to decide on the next book.Venue
We will meet at Kulturraum 405, a wonderful space that provides a cozy and inspiring environment for our book club gatherings. As a small community initiative, they kindly request a voluntary donation of approximately €3 per person to support their ongoing efforts in maintaining the location and ensuring consistent meet ups for us.
For more information check out https://kulturraum405.deOrganiser
Participation for this event is free of charge.
We will start at 11:30. Please arrive a bit earlier to settle in comfortably.
Your contribution towards the venue is greatly appreciated and will help us maintain a dedicated space for our book club meetings. However, if you are unable to donate, please don't let that discourage you from joining us. Your presence and participation are what truly matter.Let's make this event inclusive and enjoyable for everyone. If you know that you cannot attend, please update your RSVP status accordingly.
Please be aware that if you sign up for an event and either fail to show up or cancel at the last minute without notice more than three times consecutively, priority will be given to individuals on the waiting list instead of you.
