Halloween-ish book choice: Carrie (1974) by Stephen King

Stephen King's legendary (and relatively short) debut - "a story about bullying, repression, and the monstrous consequences of neglect. It’s horror with heart, rage with reason... written with such precision and empathy that it transcends genre."

Written from multiple - but gradually converging - perspectives, this supernatural horror classic depicts many 1970s attitudes along with descriptions of bullying, body shaming, child abuse, racism, violence, blood and sexual assault. Don't forget you can try this free online preview before deciding to attend: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Carrie-Stephen-King-ebook/dp/B0037TPMOU/?asin=B0037TPMOU&revisionId=e6a84516&format=1&depth=1

If you've been before and would like to help pay for the Meetup group, you can contribute "£1-2" per meeting (now collected around Dec & Jun). This optional payment does not apply to your first meeting and no-one is turned away for lack of funds.

General plan: by 7pm some of us should be in the upstairs room at the pub but we usually start by discussing books to read in future in case anyone arrives late. Typically we'll talk about the book until after 8pm, when there's a short break to go to the bar, then any further discussion till after 9, though of course you can leave at any point.

The Shirker's Rest takes cards, not cash, and serves a range of soft drinks, wine and spirits in addition to their beer and cider selection [https://theshirkersrest.co.uk/drinks/ ](https://theshirkersrest.co.uk/drinks/)- they don't have a kitchen but encourage you to order from https://yardsalepizza.com/menu/ ..!

COVID-19 safety measures
This is indoors though we should be able to open at least one window. Please do not attend if you feel unwell, or have a positive Covid test/symptoms - you are encouraged to a) be as vaccinated as you can, b) wear a mask if you prefer, c) follow current Covid precautions, especially if you're at risk of passing on or catching the virus.