Bellevue Book Club

📍 Location: Bellevue Downton Park
Head to this maps pin or find us near the northwest side of the park, by the west parking lot. Look for a group with picnic blankets and a Bellevue Book Club painting easel next to them.

Bring your own picnic blanket, chair, or mat to sit on - we'll also have a few extras to share. Dress for the weather. The forecast says it'll be cloudy, with temperatures between 67 and 71 F.

🥐🥗🍥 Optional: Bring snacks to share

Join us for our July Bellevue Book Club Meetup as we dive into a lyrical and moving story about love, loss, memory, and identity set against the backdrop of conflict and displacement. Whether you’ve finished the book, read a few chapters, or just want to listen in, you’re warmly welcome.

📝 Brief Book Summary (from Goodreads):
The Island of Missing Trees follows two teenagers - one Greek Cypriot and one Turkish Cypriot - who meet and fall in love on the divided island of Cyprus. Years later, their story is carried forward by their daughter in London, alongside an unusual narrator: a fig tree that bears witness to generations of love, trauma, and resilience. The novel beautifully explores themes of belonging, war, exile, and the healing power of nature and storytelling.

🗓 Agenda
11:00 – 11:30 AM: Meet & Greet
11:30 – 12:30 PM: Book discussion
12:30 – 1:00 PM: Socialize and connect with fellow members

🚗 Free Parking Options

• West Parking Lot 100th Ave NE
• Southern Parking Lot, or
• Bellevue Square Parking

🚉 Public Transport

• Light rail to Bellevue Downtown and then walk or take BellHop shuttle
• Sound Transit buses

Please be considerate of members in the waitlist and update your RSVP if you’re unable to attend.

📍 Location: Bellevue Downtown Park
(Should weather conditions prove unfavorable, the event location may be relocated indoors; please monitor for further updates)

Exact pin will be shared in comments or look for a group with picnic blankets with Bellevue Book Club painting easel next to them.

Bring your own picnic blanket, chair or mat to sit on - we’ll also have a few extras to share. Dress for the weather.

🥐🥗🍥 Optional: Bring snacks to share

Join us for our August Bellevue Book Club Meetup as we explore A Quiet Life by Ethan Joella - a beautifully written and deeply moving novel about love, loss, hope, and the quiet moments that connect us. Whether you've finished the book, read a few chapters, or simply want to listen in, you're warmly welcome.

📝 Brief Book Summary
A Quiet Life follows three ordinary people whose lives unfold in unexpected ways as they navigate change, relationships, and the challenges of everyday life. With warmth, compassion, and memorable characters, Ethan Joella explores how small acts of kindness and human connection can leave a lasting impact.

Content Note: This novel explores themes of grief and loss, loneliness, divorce, depression, and a missing child. While these topics are emotionally significant, the book is not graphically violent and is ultimately a hopeful story about connection, resilience, and healing.

Agenda
11:00 – 11:30 AM: Meet & Greet
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM: Book Discussion
12:30 – 1:00 PM: Socialize and connect with fellow member

🚗 Free Parking Options:

• Parking Lot 100th Ave NE
• Southern Parking Lot
• Bellevue Square Parking

🚉 Public Transport

• Light rail to Downtown Bellevue and walk/hop on to BellHop shuttle
• Sound Transit buses

Please be considerate of members in waitlist and update your RSVP asap if you’re unable to attend