Women's Book Club

**[BUY THE BOOK HERE](https://backstorybookshop.shop/product/two-left-feet/)** Love, laughter, and happily-ever-afters! Our Romantic Comedy Book Club is a celebration of witty banter, swoon-worthy moments, and feel-good stories that leave you smiling. **This month we have a special author visit! Kallie Emblidge with her debut romance *Two Left Feet*** **Kallie Emblidge** works for The Washington Post and is a former co-chair of the paper's union. She lives and writes in New York City. Two Left Feet is her first novel, but she's been a football fan forever. *A Premier League football star must defend his roster spot—and his heart—when a threateningly talented and handsome midfielder joins his team in this utterly charming debut romance, a profound love letter to the world’s most popular sport.* Oliver Harris is football royalty in London. Ordinarily the star of the Camden Roses is calm, cool, and collected, keeping his club relevant with his prowess in the midfield and his mighty left foot. But this season, the threats abound: There’s Camden’s management to contend with—complete with a prickly new Dutch coach, eager for better results—and a midseason injury, which sidelines him when his team needs him most. When a recruit is called up to fill in, Oliver fears he’ll be replaced. If he can mentor this younger talent, then they might just have a chance at winning, together. After a string of lackluster performances in his native Spain, Leonardo Davies-Villanueva is looking for one last shot with the club he always dreamed of, where he once played in the youth academy. Oliver immediately finds confident, eager Leo irritating. He can barely go through the motions, let alone coach him, without outright hostility. When he comes to admire Leo’s skill and warms to his humor and energy, though, he begins to see Leo as a friend—and then, to his mounting horror, as something more. Leo craves Oliver’s attention and partnership; Oliver can’t afford to fall in love with his teammate. He’s always kept a tight lid on his sexuality in a league that’s never had a player come out. As the season heats up, a lot more than football hangs in the balance. Can Oliver—and Leo—win when it counts most? “An exuberant heart-squeeze of a book . . . *Two Left Feet* is the kind of joyful, hopeful story the romance genre was made for.”—Rachel Lynn Solomon, author of What Happens in Amsterdam **Instructions** 1. Swing by the shop to pick up a copy of your book 2. Read it 3. Come discuss it

Les esperamos el próximo lunes 20 de abril a las 19h en la presentación de la editorial guatemalteca @orbitaeditorial que realizará @memerodas. Esta charla propone un recorrido por el ecosistema literario de Quetzaltenango (Xela). A través de Órbita Editorial, exploraremos cómo la gestión independiente ha permitido descentralizar la cultura y dar voz a una generación que escribe desde la altura, el frío y la periferia. MANUEL RODAS MÉNDEZ (Quetzaltenango, 1992) Escritor, editor y librero. Es el fundador de la Feria Internacional del Libro en Xela. Del 2011 al 2017 colaboró con la organización del Festival Internacional de Poesía de Quetzaltenango. Ha publicado el libro 'Extracción breve de la soledad' (Serie Periferia, 2021). Sus textos se encuentran incluidos en diversas antologías de Guatemala y el extranjero. Actualmente dirige el proyecto independiente Órbita Editorial; y también colabora con Bosques Ambulantes Editorial. ¡Larga vida a la literatura centroamericana! 🇬🇹❤️

**🇬🇧 The Language Exchange Meetup in Barcelona 🌍** Are you ready for an evening filled with language practice, new friendships, and tons of fun? Join our vibrant community in Barcelona where language enthusiasts gather to enhance their proficiency in various languages and expand their social circles. Embark on a linguistic adventure with us! Our language exchange sessions take place in the heart of the city, within the unique atmosphere of Space Cowboy 🤠 🗓️ **When**: Every Monday at 7pm 📍 **Where**: Space Cowboy: 31 Carders street (5 minutes from Jaume I or 8 minutes from Arc de Triomf station) 🆓 **Admission: Free**, with a friendly request to support the venue by ordering a minimum drink (€4). Please, remember that SIGNING UP IS MANDATORY for all the events, thus we can bring enough stickers for everyone. This inclusive event welcomes everyone, so come and mingle with us! (Participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.) 📸 We'll seek your permission before capturing any moments on camera. Agreeing to be in a photo means you're okay with us sharing it on social media. 🗣 A friendly host will hand you a sticker with your name, native language, and the language you're eager to practice. Feel free to stick to your mother tongue if you prefer. Let's make language learning a joyous journey! 😊 Our events are published on various platforms so there are always more attendees than those confirmed. **Stay Connected**: 📸 Follow us on [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/barcelonalanguageexchange/)! 👍 Like our [Facebook page](https://www.facebook.com/thefridaylanguageexchange) to see all the albums! 🌐 Discover more about us on [our website](https://speakquick.es). 📱 **Connect on WhatsApp**: [Join the group here](https://chat.whatsapp.com/D3UQm1CAFECGyE5RknlvXQ) See you there for an evening of laughter, language, and lasting friendships. **Come alone, leave with friends!** 🌍🗣️ \-\-\- 🇪🇸 **¡El Intercambio de Idiomas de Barcelona!** 🌍 ¿Estás listo para una velada llena de práctica de idiomas, nuevas amistades y mucha diversión? Únete a nuestra animada comunidad en Barcelona, donde entusiastas de los idiomas se reúnen para mejorar su nivel y ampliar sus círculos sociales. ¡Embárcate en una aventura lingüística con nosotros! Nuestras sesiones de intercambio de idiomas tienen lugar en el corazón de la ciudad, en el ambiente único de Space Cowboy 🤠 🗓️ **Cuándo**: Todos los lunes a las 19h. 📍 **Dónde**: Space Cowboy: calle Carders 31 (a 5 minutos del metros Jaume I o a 8 min de Arc de Triomf) 🆓 **Entrada Gratuita**, solo te pedimos que tomes una consumición mínima (4€). Por favor, recuerda que LA INSCRIPCIÓN ES OBLIGATORIA para todos los eventos, para que podamos llevar suficientes pegatinas para todos. Este evento inclusivo da la bienvenida a todos, así que ¡ven y únete a nosotros! (Los participantes menores de 18 años deben ir acompañados por un adulto.) 📸 Pediremos tu permiso antes de capturar cualquier momento en cámara. Al aceptar estar en una foto, nos permites compartirla en las redes sociales. 🗣 Un anfitrión te entregará una pegatina con tu nombre, idioma nativo y el idioma que deseas practicar. Siéntete libre de hablar en tu lengua materna si lo prefieres. ¡Hagamos del aprendizaje de idiomas un viaje lleno de alegría! 😊 Nuestros eventos se publican en varias plataformas por lo que siempre hay más asistentes que los que aparecen confirmados. **Mantente Conectado**: 📸 ¡Síguenos en [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/barcelonalanguageexchange/)! 👍 ¡Dale 'me gusta' a nuestra [página de Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/thefridaylanguageexchange), para ver todos los álbumes! 🌐 Descubre más sobre nosotros en [nuestra web](https://speakquick.es). 📱 **Conéctate en WhatsApp**: [Únete al grupo aquí](https://chat.whatsapp.com/D3UQm1CAFECGyE5RknlvXQ) Nos vemos para una tarde de risas, idiomas y amistades duraderas. **¡Ven solo, márchate con amigos!** 🌍🗣️

VIP Table RESERVATION(NIGHT CLUB@Barcelona) You can book a VIP table with us without additional costs. There is no need to make any payment in advance for a table booking. You pay the bill directly in the club at the entrance. The VIP table price includes 1 bottle of liquor and 10 soft drinks (Coca-Cola, Sprite, Tonic & Red Bull). We will give you all the information you need without commitment and will book your VIP table at no additional cost. Contact us by WhatsApp at +34665605282 (send your request) [https://wa.me/819034360634?text=](https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwa.me%2F819034360634%3Ftext%26fbclid%3DIwAR1bEI19_XdMg-nDhCiAdfEq6idAxrK7fUlnpyL2Ah3HG9ao9YEQwikn_w8&h=AT2qnp0C5vp1Z6w6v7xyOSHO-Eay9uPa0WEvBfmrRDbqwq3TVpqzzITpHai5EtxBavL6j05WKmmYbnqTEIGEbLrJ8mBA_3fJtp6fC_ZLfPC4k2tJBPhg1BfNsldQELNaOsok&__tn__=-UK-R&c[0]=AT2QqJRIlNxP9M5biuJ7y4HG6aTcn7qph2n4_wJLIqIVNLr3YXUgDyL-vzAvrGogSmaWTaeRSGUOP5en4Uuo8U9ZEInjKoouTSJIYq5cg14pnTKmSJoUqlgAH70Ll1SP2hRbIeSdDYvbGtEgPzm1VnNr4w4dlF9Qtd_E03U) IG for more party info [https://www.instagram.com/partykazubcn/](https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fpartykazubcn%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR2_IRAzN2nDIxKVi1_Yv2xNl9n5s-94bp5Pacz2FVQIzUhJ5hjvUzzaVfM&h=AT37lK5oDwacejkz8yOvXQ2VTZi8GYE2r5L2slOg9wXf_1XrMaP5-0jkZ7Hr9aSXQyp1Y5J0E2tQeOtFvwGe6lNQeYiYvyGrqwxUa365ZwDjbf2BIhGaBbYAj39fE3sdxDnd&__tn__=-UK-R&c[0]=AT2QqJRIlNxP9M5biuJ7y4HG6aTcn7qph2n4_wJLIqIVNLr3YXUgDyL-vzAvrGogSmaWTaeRSGUOP5en4Uuo8U9ZEInjKoouTSJIYq5cg14pnTKmSJoUqlgAH70Ll1SP2hRbIeSdDYvbGtEgPzm1VnNr4w4dlF9Qtd_E03U) The Best Party@Opium Barcelona Opium Barcelona. International nightclub with the best night parties in Barcelona with good music!! Pg. Marítim de la Barceloneta, 34, 08003 Barcelona Ticket & VIP [https://www.fourvenues.com/es/kazu-opium](https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fourvenues.com%2Fes%2Fkazu-opium%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR3E-tC1rRysLrTDI40nPo2DuvisJm5moXGPOgGUQ5c2TtqRMwltQ1ULKJ8&h=AT0b94w1BN3b7G-lGDb8wJx7l0asuPfIrD-47EBrabdHCwPD-XtrbqypcKqxA685XEXb4hplHf0nT8Kd6LvcenmDdUkCtoKLW0B9VqkBFdEBU1vEEIAqF9-EGhWWT_jnTAZI&__tn__=-UK-R&c[0]=AT2QqJRIlNxP9M5biuJ7y4HG6aTcn7qph2n4_wJLIqIVNLr3YXUgDyL-vzAvrGogSmaWTaeRSGUOP5en4Uuo8U9ZEInjKoouTSJIYq5cg14pnTKmSJoUqlgAH70Ll1SP2hRbIeSdDYvbGtEgPzm1VnNr4w4dlF9Qtd_E03U) Shoko Barcelona Pg. Marítim de la Barceloneta, 36, 08005 Barcelona Shôko, awarded to one of the Top 100 Best Clubs in the World, invites you to have an incredible experience in Barcelona. When night falls, Shôko becomes one of the most seductive and cosmopolitan clubs in the city. Daily sessions, international artists and a VIP created to live unique experiences on the seafront. Pacha Barcelona C/ de Ramon Trias Fargas, 2, 08005 Barcelona Pacha Barcelona is located in a privileged and unique location, on the seafront, in the most important leisure area of the city.Open every day of the week, with a strong commercial bet, betting on each of the days for different musical styles, to bring to Barcelona the best Deejays and Artists (national and international) of the music scene of the moment. Ticket & VIP [https://xceed.me/.../club/pacha-barcelona/channel--kazu](https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fxceed.me%2F...%2Fclub%2Fpacha-barcelona%2Fchannel--kazu%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR1gYdE4Zb7n4jGV_yUIJ_tT1czcF-i4j7wBdP7EmQggNVxZpo8WIc2UXlY&h=AT1_4oeDJqEHRQ_53FfjNqFOlsmJXqaX24YtjJka1uV9zI37ggJBO3wUaOIUYfCLfpwJCbMhK9r1Xy5sFTAH-45aEX_Y4zf0PzPm5-wYuDsLAAZU892_2j3UUsyffaiS7o-c&__tn__=-UK-R&c[0]=AT2QqJRIlNxP9M5biuJ7y4HG6aTcn7qph2n4_wJLIqIVNLr3YXUgDyL-vzAvrGogSmaWTaeRSGUOP5en4Uuo8U9ZEInjKoouTSJIYq5cg14pnTKmSJoUqlgAH70Ll1SP2hRbIeSdDYvbGtEgPzm1VnNr4w4dlF9Qtd_E03U) Sutton Barcelona Carrer de Tuset, 13, 08006 Barcelona Sutton is one of the most iconic nightclubs in the city. Sutton World Tour has been offering parties at the best international nightclubs for several years. [https://xceed.me/.../club/sutton-barcelona/channel--kazu-1](https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fxceed.me%2F...%2Fclub%2Fsutton-barcelona%2Fchannel--kazu-1%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR3FlTkqlj7qSAGTA-JD8IF__wYwFq4GGuIl0SVWBAvUcZSJQgmnvQpYMfo&h=AT0qdXtadrW6ajXH_Cy7LMIg_ghSCFeZ4sdb2DSy63kH9PYiiMFDFK5U2CEMi8vGfAc0G6cS9b81MgDwDWjWtjmIALNHka4U6A0GPVJqrhdVNPFf7cMag6qBL0qrQRKA47KS&__tn__=-UK-R&c[0]=AT2QqJRIlNxP9M5biuJ7y4HG6aTcn7qph2n4_wJLIqIVNLr3YXUgDyL-vzAvrGogSmaWTaeRSGUOP5en4Uuo8U9ZEInjKoouTSJIYq5cg14pnTKmSJoUqlgAH70Ll1SP2hRbIeSdDYvbGtEgPzm1VnNr4w4dlF9Qtd_E03U) Bling Bling Barcelona Carrer de Tuset, 8-10, 08006 Barcelona Bling Bling Barcelona nightclub is one of the most famous nightclubs in the city of Barcelona The decoration of the Bling Bling Barcelona nightclub is elegant and glamorous where there is no corner of the nightclub where there is no lighting: dance floor, bars, lights, ceiling

🤰🏽 Heavenly Mamas every Monday in Heaven! Now with Pilates! Monday March 20th we will be creating this fun paradise for pregnant moms and moms with newborns with the wonderful company of @arantxadoula and @feher_zsano to guide us with the best recommendations and support possible 💜💜💜. At 10:00 we start with a Pilates class for pregnant women at the price you set so you can try it! 🍲 Then we open a big group meeting so everyone can chat and get to know each other, but we'll also split into a Spanish-speaking group and an English-speaking group so you can get easily understandable advice and support from our doula in the language of your choice. There will be tea and light snacks for a reasonable price and optional mini-massages for a donation to help the body adapt during maternity. On the last Monday of every month we'll have a flea market and item exchange to help you clean out the cupboards or earn a few bucks for the baby related stuff you're ready to part with! March 27 is next! Once a month we will also have lunch after the group with different professionals who will delve into specific topics that interest us. After Easter, we will enjoy a workshop with nutritionist @carolinanutritionbaby : knowledgeable, endearing, fun, and with a ton of useful information! We are also preparing a baby massage course with an experienced reflexologist (and so much more!) Amanda O'shea from @theserendipityexperience ! Write us with your ideas and concerns and we will bring the best team to answer your questions and give you the support you need. It takes a village! 🗣️ Please share with pregnant friends and new moms and come to Heaven to co-create your community for this exciting time in life! 💜🌺

Looking for some laughs to shake off the Monday blues? Come join us at **The Clubhouse: Laietana** at **7:30pm every Monday** to start your week with a spark! Come by early to get your seat and to grab a drink and some comfort food from Nikki's to enjoy during the show. 🔥Coming in Hot 🔥 is a **fun** **&** **free** **open mic comedy** show in Barcelona featuring hot new material from a curated lineup of local and traveling comedians. Hosted by BCN-based comedians Clarice and Maggie, Coming in Hot serves up fresh jokes, fire comedians, and a room ready to ignite. Follow us at **@cominginhot.comedy** and reach out if you’d like to perform! **Coming in Hot** * **Mondays 7:30pm** * **Free** * **English** * **Stand-up comedy open mic** * **The Clubhouse: Laietana** * **@cominginhot.comedy** More info (reserve your spot or just show up!) https://thecomedyclubhouse.es/events/coming-in-hot-open-mic-monday/

Hello cinema lovers! 🎦 🍿 I'm back!🥳🤗 Join us for the screening of Simón Mesa Soto's tragi-comedy about an ageing poet who finds purpose mentoring Yurlady, a talented teen. His own poetic pursuits led nowhere, leaving him a stereotypical obscure writer. As usual, I'll get to the cinema around 20h. Feel free to text if you're early! 👇 WhatsApp 🔗 https://chat.whatsapp.com/LsmWc1A7RhF9UjFHrovm4W 🗓 Monday 20th April UN PPOETA V.O.S. 📍 Renoir FLORIDABLANCA 🕒 20h25 ⚠ Duration: 2h13 Trailer: 🎦 https://youtu.be/xtNAHmzyo9E?si=PSWiB74Wg0BXKukz Ticket link: 🎫 https://www.pillalas.com/pase/1064570/ 💺 I'm F6 B1 💺 See you on Monday! Have a lovely week!☀️

SIGN UP HERE: https://www.letsfizzy.com/plan/a7e6e06d-cebc-46d2-a0f0-4acd9aaf19ff Got a book during San Jordi and can't wait to dive in? Join us for a silent reading party in the park, followed by a picnic to mingle and meet fellow readers. SCHEDULE 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM - silent reading 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM - picnic and chat WHAT TO BRING 📚 A book to read! 🧺 Snacks and drinks (bonus points for sharing!) 🌱 A blanket or something to sit on ABOUT US Difficult Women Book Club is a global book club reading books by women authors. ​Founded in Barcelona in 2023, we’ve since grown to 74 cities around the world, all reading the same book each month. We meet once a month, and everyone is welcome! Any questions? Come say hi on Instagram ([https://www.instagram.com/difficultwomenbookclub/)](https://www.instagram.com/difficultwomenbookclub/)

Studying rook endgames for beginners and above

Join us in April for a book club discussion of *Outline* by Rachel Cusk, followed by coffee or drinks nearby for anyone who feels like staying. First published in 2014, *Outline* is the first novel in Cusk’s acclaimed trilogy. Sharp, introspective, and gripping, it’s a book that invites reflection while remaining deeply readable. Set in Athens during a summer writing course, the novel follows a writer through a series of conversations and encounters. Through these exchanges, Cusk explores love, marriage, freedom, identity, and the ways we make sense of life through the stories we tell — and the stories others tell us. The discussion will be held in English, but you’re welcome to read the book in any language. We’ll meet at Backstory Bookshop (downstairs). We’ll continue the evening with a casual get-together over coffee or drinks nearby. New readers are always welcome!

**Poorna Bell** talks about the big themes from her latest non-fiction book *She Wanted More*, which looks at a wide range of issues from relationships to ageing, success to sex, adventure to autonomy, across a sub-section of women in their 40s, 50s and 60s who are redefining life according to their goals, not other people's expectations. It is for anyone of any age, however! She will be joined in conversation by author and journalist Priya Joi. *About the author* **Poorna Bell** is an award-winning journalist and author, having working in journalism for 23+ years and having published 6 books. Her third non-fiction book Stronger won a Sunday Times Sports Book award. *About the book* ***[She wanted more](https://backstorybookshop.shop/product/she-wanted-more/)*** The new book for women who want to live differently - featuring interviews with fascinating, inspirational women from all walks of life When Poorna Bell found herself at the height of grief in her mid-thirties, she spent each day just trying to survive. As her new self began to emerge back into the world, she realised she had spent a lifetime playing by the rules that had been set for women. But who set these rules? And why? In her powerful, inspirational new book, Poorna Bell asks you to reimagine your future. To know that you can write your own story - to find the confidence to live exactly as you want to, and reclaim your joy. To discover that if you want more, you can get it. Join Poorna as she paves the way for a new future, including interviews with Marian Keyes, Asma Khan, Hollie McNish, Mariella Frostrup, Heidi Clements, Luisa Dunn, Cindy Gallop, Seema Anand, Catherine Gray, Sam Baker, Jennifer Cox and more.

📚 Blind Date with a Book – Special Sant Jordi Edition 🌹 This Sant Jordi, our Book Club is celebrating reading in a different and exciting way… with a Blind Date with a Book! How does it work? ✨ Bring a book you love ✨ Wrap it so no one can see the cover ✨ Add a few clues or key words to describe it (no spoilers!) ✨ Exchange it and discover a new story chosen just for you It’s all about sharing the joy of reading, recommending meaningful books, and enjoying the surprise of picking a story without judging its cover. Let yourself be surprised this Sant Jordi and fall in love with a new book! ❤️

Most professional events feel like a job interview. Most social hangouts feel like aimless small talk. **We are here to do the opposite!** 🌟 WHY JOIN? At the **Women’s Coffee Network**, we offer a non-traditional experience where you don't have to fight for your voice, perfect an elevator pitch, or navigate a room of strangers alone. We created this circle because **we don't believe in the hustle; we believe in the power of a steady anchor.** This is a facilitated experience, not just a meeting. We don’t just book a table; we curate a journey. Working with the precision of a designer and the empathy of a coach, we’ve built this soft sanctuary where **the superficial is skipped** and **the high-fidelity connection begins**. We're here to share personal stories and build professional alliances. 👉 [To secure your spot, please register via our Luma page](https://luma.com/nkpca26r) 🎀 WHO IS THIS FOR? ⋆☕︎ ˖ It's a **female-only community** because we have our unique way to express ourselves, struggles in the business world, and jokes only other women can understand. ⋆☕︎ ˖ If the idea of a meetup with 50 people makes you want to stay home, this circle is for you! We gather in **small, intimate groups** — to meet enough new people to have a deep conversation, but not so many that you feel anxious or overwhelmed. ⋆☕︎ ˖ Whether you are leading a corporation, building a creative empire, or navigating the quiet uncertainty of a career transition, you have a seat at our table. The **diversity of professional backgrounds** makes our circle special with shared wisdom. ⋆☕︎ ˖ Our **soft-flow dialogue** ensures that no bravery is required to be heard. You don’t have to be the loudest in the room to be the most impactful. Here, your silence is respected, and your voice is gently invited. WHAT TO EXPECT? * A **guided start** where every woman is seen and heard. You introduce yourself saying whatever you feel like sharing in a way that is comfortable to you. * We use our **custom-designed materials** to move past titles and discover the humans behind the roles. * A **verified circle** of women where you can be professionally ambitious and personally vulnerable at the same time. * Leave with **full batteries**, meaningful new professional bridges, and the support of women who truly *get it*. THE DETAILS 🕒 Date & Time: Saturday\, April 26th\, 2026 \| 2:00 PM 🎟️ Registration: To protect the intimacy and quality of our circle, seats are strictly limited. 👉 **If you feel called to create real connection in Barcelona within a female-only community, we can’t wait to welcome you.** 💜 \-\-\- Stay in the loop, stay connected! 👇 [​LinkedIn ](https://www.linkedin.com/groups/17220029/)\| [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/womenscoffeenetwork) \-\-\- 🛡️ Membership & Privacy Rules To ensure a safe and transparent environment for all, we only approve registrations from profiles with a full name and a clear face phot

A casual (but coordinated) coffee break to meet new friends, take a Zoom break, and get your AM caffeine fix. Stop by for a few minutes or stay the whole time. Bring a friend or wander in solo. Come for the coffee and company, or just bring a book to read while surrounded by other in-real-life, community-seeking humans. Come by every Friday, or just when you happen to be in town. Make it whatever you need it to be that week. It's not an \*event\* per se, but we hope these Friday meet-ups can become a fixture of the bookshop! Gathering spot will be in the downstairs area of the bookshop (near the Community Library). Coffee and tea are 1.50€ and can be purchased at the cash register upstairs. Find more info on our Instagram (@backstorybookshop) or website (www.backstorybookshop.com).

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! 📖

Welcome, readers! Our May read is **_Kindred_ by Octavia E. Butler.** The story follows Dana, a Black woman living in 1976 California, who is suddenly pulled back to a Maryland plantation before the Civil War. She learns her survival is tied to a white slaveholder’s son. Forced to move between centuries, she must endure the brutal realities of slavery while fighting to hold on to her identity. Tense, intimate, and unforgettable, Kindred explores how the past refuses to stay buried. 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! 📖

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.

Join us for a cozy evening of books and conversation. 🗓 Tuesday\, May 12 \| 6:30 p\.m\. Hilliard Branch \| 4500 Hickory Chase Way Schedule 6:00 p.m. – Book sale opens 6:30 p.m. – Author talk 7:15 p.m. – Audience Q&A 7:30 p.m. – Book signing It’s a great chance to pick up a new book, hear an author’s perspective, and share the experience with a community of readers.

Join us for lunch/tea at Asterisk Supper Club to discuss our May book "Under the Oak Tree" by Suji Kim Lady Maximilian is the daughter of the powerful Duke Croyso, but she is rarely allowed outside her family’s sprawling castle for fear that her stutter will tarnish their noble name. When she is forced to marry Sir Riftan, a lowborn knight caught in one of her father’s schemes, Maxi doesn’t dare hope for happiness, let alone love. Her stumbling communication and his gruff manner sour their relationship before it can begin, and Riftan leaves without a word the morning after their vows are exchanged. Now, three years after their disastrous wedding night, Riftan has returned as a war hero. To Maxi’s surprise, despite rumors that he was offered marriage to Princess Agnes, a beautiful and renowned sorceress, Riftan still wants Maxi for his wife. And when he comes to claim her, his longing becomes a desire that bewilders Maxi, even as she is overcome by the scorching heat that Riftan’s presence ignites within her. As she learns to navigate the intricacies of her new life, Maxi will find herself and her courage, and discover that she is anything but powerless.

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