What we’re about
Our monthly book discussion evening, usually on the second Tuesday, is when we share views and gain new insights into our chosen book. This is a moderated discussion, and everyone has the chance to contribute. The discussion is often lively, but never gets personal. All views and opinions are respected.
We love to socialise and new members are always welcome. There's plenty of time to get to know the rest of the group before, during and after the meeting. There are some notes to help you here.
As well as our book discussions, we have occasional theatre nights and social events. Suggestions for nights out are always welcome.
Anyone who loves reading books and talking about them should join us. Books are always chosen by a democratic vote. This often leads us to some surprising places, but everyone finds it rewarding to read books that they might not have otherwise picked up.
For a list of the books we have read so far, look here. Although there is a wide variety, we mostly read fiction of a middle- to highbrow quality.
If you'd like some ideas for books to suggest, here is a list of the Booker Prize winners and here is a (controversial) list of the 100 greatest books of all time. (We've marked where we have already read them.)
Books should be available in paperback and ideally no longer than 350 pages.
There is no charge for our meetings but if you'd like to make a voluntary contribution to the costs of running the group you can do so here. If everybody donated £1 per meeting attended that would more than cover it.
Upcoming events (3)
See all- Theatre night. 'The Box of Delights’ at Royal Shakespeare Theatre, StratfordRoyal Shakespeare Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon
John Masefield’s ‘Box of Delights’ is a festive favourite at Book Club. And now the RSC are giving it their own special treatment with a magical Christmas production.
All the details are here.
Meet in the Theatre bar from 6.45 pm. The performance starts at 7.15 pm.
Please book your tickets online here. (Registration required.) Once you have your tickets then RSVP from this page. Make sure you book for the evening performance not the matinee! Some of us have got seats in the Circle Row C.
Prices are from £26 - £75
(NB. Everyone is welcome to our social events but we are primarily a book club so we prefer you to attend one or more of our mainstream book discussions before joining us at a social. )
- December Book Discussion - ‘Erasure’ by Percival EverettThe Victoria, Birmingham
About the book:
With your book sales at an all-time low, your family falling apart, and your agent telling you you’re not black enough, what’s an author to do? Thelonius ‘Monk’ Ellison has the answer. Or does he . . . ?
‘Seminal doesn’t even come close. This novel is Everett at his finest, full of trademark protest, humanity and incisive humour, all wrapped up in one hell of a story.’ Courttia Newland
(320 pages)
About the meeting:
Everyone is welcome to our monthly book discussion. We share views and impressions of our chosen book in a moderated discussion. Opinions are often divided, but the debate is always friendly and respectful. The meeting proper begins at 8.00 and lasts two hours with a half-time drinks break. There is more socialising time before and after the meeting.
There is no charge for our meetings but if you'd like to make a voluntary contribution to the costs of running the group you can do so here. If everybody donated £1 per meeting attended that would more than cover it.
- January Book Discussion - ‘Demon Copperhead’ by Barbara KingsolverThe Victoria, Birmingham
About the book:
Set in the mountains of southern Appalachia, this is the story of a boy born to a teenaged single mother in a trailer park, with no assets beyond his dead father's good looks and copper-colored hair, a caustic wit, and a fierce talent for survival.
Many generations ago, Charles Dickens wrote David Copperfield from his experience as a survivor of institutional poverty exploring the damage it did to children in his society. Those problems have yet to be solved in ours. Demon Copperhead is a brilliant updating of Dickens's story which has earned Barbara Kingsolver universal praise.
(546 pages - so don't leave it too late to start. What else are you going to do over the Christmas holidays?)
About the meeting:
Everyone is welcome to our monthly book discussion. We share views and impressions of our chosen book in a moderated discussion. Opinions are often divided, but the debate is always friendly and respectful. The meeting proper begins at 8.00 and lasts two hours with a half-time drinks break. There is more socialising time before and after the meeting.
There is no charge for our meetings but if you'd like to make a voluntary contribution to the costs of running the group you can do so here. If everybody donated £1 per meeting attended that would more than cover it.
