Inspirational Book Club

Welcome, readers! Our April read is **_Martyr!_ by Kaveh Akbar.** The story follows a young Iranian American poet grappling with grief, addiction, and the aching question of what makes a life meaningful. Drawn into an unexpected friendship with a terminally ill artist, he begins to confront faith, love, and the seduction of self-destruction. Lyrical, darkly funny, and emotionally piercing, the novel wrestles with beauty and despair in equal measure. It’s a story about longing—to be seen, to be forgiven, and to matter. Looking forward to discussing with everyone! We will meet at Zaftig Brewing Co in their event room in the back. We are welcome to bring in our own food, but **drinks must be purchased at the bar.** Happy reading! 📖

This month we’ll be reading Assassin’s Apprentice by Robin Hobb. Feel free to come even if you don’t finish the book!

Join us for our April Book Club gathering where we will come together to discuss *[Stop Me if You've Heard This One](https://www.kristenarnettwriter.com/stopmeifyouveheardthisone)* by [Kristen Arnett](https://www.kristenarnettwriter.com/about) in a safe and welcoming environment. Make new friends who share your passion for books and connect with fellow LGBTQ book enthusiasts.

From birth, human beings are learning. Before we are able to hold concrete memories, we are being shaped and impacted by everything about our lives and situations. From the point that we become capable of cognizant thought and memory, our lives could be summed up as a series of our responses to our circumstances, whether for good or for ill. Dr. Joe Dispenza sees a deep need for human beings to live *on purpose*. Rather than just living life in reaction mode, he challenges people to live intentionally, to seek to change the negative that we have encountered and to pursue the positive through purposeful steps in a different and healthy direction. His study and work seek to demonstrate the changes that can be made from the inside out. Join us as we take a look at new ways to grow at **6:30 pm,** **Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at True Food Kitchen, Easton Town Center, Columbus**. Get your tickets on [EventBrite](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/breaking-the-habit-of-being-yourself-columbus-ohio-tickets-1984662515008)! Connect with us on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/events/973088205892754)! Check out our updated website [LocalCA](https://localca.org/)!

Posting this early because seemingly all Sundays in May are holidays or busy! I picked a shorter thriller that's hopefully a fast read/listen. [Columbus library link to book](https://cml.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S105C3458940) Location: Grandview Cafe, *1455 W. 3rd Ave*, Columbus, OH 43212 [Menu](https://www.grandviewcafe.com/menu) Book summary: Daniel leads a rich life in the university town of Athens, Georgia. He's got a couple close friends, a steady paycheck working for a regional airline, and of course, for a few glorious days each Fall, college football tailgates. He considers himself to be a mostly lucky guy -- despite the fact that he's suffered from a debilitating disease since he was a small child, one that has left him unable to speak or to move without a wheelchair. Largely confined to his home, Daniel spends the hours he's not online communicating with irate air travelers observing his neighborhood from his front porch. One young woman passes by so frequently that spotting her out the window has almost become part of his daily routine. Until the day he's almost sure he sees her being kidnapped.

Let’s meet and share our thoughts about Carson McCullers’ novella, The Ballad of The Sad Café.