Blind Book Swap : Gothic (part 1)

Blind Book Swap : gothic edition

A lot of gothic stories have been getting highlighted recently with many movie adaptations getting popular. And The Netherlands in winter can kind of fit that gothic, moody atmosphere (at least, with the fog and lack of sun). So, let's embrace it this year by getting to know a new book (and friend).

Gothic can be a broad genre and has heavy atmosphere associated with it as well as many classic stories born from it. You can take this theme however you want, choosing a book that fits the atmosphere in any way. It does not have to be a classic or textbook definition of the genre, it's just a general theme. It could also be a retelling of a classic gothic story or something heavily influenced.

The idea with the blind swap is that you will be partnered with someone at random. You two will introduce yourselves and what book you brought. Explain a bit about why you brought this book - why do you like it? Is it something you'd like to share and talk with someone about? Get to know both each other and the books :)

Afterwards, swap your books to complete reading them and it will be optional per group how often you want to stay in touch between or if you both want to chat together after finishing the books to discuss.

The general structure of the meetup day will be:

- Meetup, get a coffee, introduction, chatting
- Pairs will be assigned
- Get to know your partner and their book
- Silent reading time to get started with the shared books
- Discussion / first impressions

We'll meetup again in February and everyone can share with the group their experiences and what they thought of the books and the experience as a whole.

If people like this general meetup, I will make more with different themes :)

The goal: meet new people and bond over books 📖

Book requirements:
- The theme of "gothic" is just a general theme to make the randomness of a completely blind swap a little less intimidating (you can at least somewhat know if you will like the book). You can choose anything in the theme or vibe (modern retellings, classic gothic, horror, mystery, etc)
- fiction books
- English

• tip: if you choose a very classic or popular book, maybe bring a 2nd backup option in the event your partner already has read it (you can choose to re-read a book as well, if it has been a while)
  - If your book has intense themes, please have some trigger warnings prepared, in case your partner asks for it