Book Swap

📚 Do you love reading, but wish you had a structure and a community to share your insights with? Join our small circle of curious minds (just 4 members per gathering) as we come together for an hour of focused reading—in the calm setting of a library or the cozy atmosphere of a café. Here’s how it works: First part: Quiet reading on your own—bring a book you’re exploring, whether it’s philosophy, history, psychology, literature, or anything meaningful to you. Second part: We regroup and each person shares key takeaways, insights, or questions sparked by their reading. This sparks a structured yet free-flowing conversation around ideas, perspectives, and personal reflections. Why join? Add structure to your reading habit. Discover new books, authors, and ideas through others’ choices. Build real connections by sharing and listening deeply. Socialize around something meaningful instead of small talk.

We will begin our new book "French Short Stories" by Dylane Moreau for the beginner reader. Come join us every Wednesday at 8 PM until sometime in April, 2026. This is a collection of 32 short stories in English and French with questions at the end. Then share your ideas for immersing yourself in the French language whether it's listening to music, watching movies, taking a class, or whatever you do. If interested, please RSVP for the events you would like to join in. I will send out the Zoom link, Meeting ID, and Passcode to everyone who RSVPs either on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, so remember to check your email including the spam folder. We are a casual group, there is no studying or commitment. This is a fun way to practice reading and speaking in French and all levels are welcome.

To secure your spot, purchase your ticket from the Eventbrite link ([https://www.eventbrite.com/e/new-years-eve-masquerade-royale-gala-at-la-vie-tickets-1976786234842](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/new-years-eve-masquerade-royale-gala-at-la-vie-tickets-1976786234842)). RSVPing only on the Meetup page, doesn't allow you to attend the Event. ABOUT THE EVENT Almost 632 years ago, in 1393; Charles VI of France held the first masquerade gala in the world. Since then the Masquerade Gala began as part of Europe’s carnival season. Less high society and more cirque du célébration, villagers would gather in masks and costumes to take part in elaborate pageants and glamorous processions. Quickly spreading across France like wildfire, some of the most notorious balls of the day would be held to celebrate Royal Entries: the grand occasion of welcoming kings and queens into their cities. LET US WELCOME OUR KINGS AND QUEENS TO LA VIE! What better way to welcome 2026 than with an ALL-INCLUSIVE party in the stunning elegance of La Vie? The resplendent grandeur, one of most dramatic spaces at The Wharf! Join us for an enchanting New Year’s Eve filled with breathtaking views, lively entertainment, dancing, and midnight surprises. Be prepared to be awe-inspired as you revel in the decadence and splendor of the night. The stage is set for a timelessly magical New Year’s Eve experience like never seen before in DC. ***DRESS CODE :*** We expect gentlemen to range from creative black tie to tuxedo, while ladies range from stylish cocktail attire to flax dresses and gowns. Bonus points for a Masquerade. What to look forward to: * EXCLUSIVE ACCESS TO LA VIE's NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY * MULTIPLE OPEN BAR STATIONS * LIVE ENTERTAINMENT & DJS * HORS D'OEUVRES (VIP) * MULTIPLE PARTY AREAS * PHOTO BOOTH * PARTY FAVORS * MASSIVE MIDNIGHT CELEBRATION & CHAMPAGNE TOAST * LIVE STREAMING OF NYC BALL DROP *\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-* Ticket Options: 1\. General Admission: * Access to the Annual La Vie's NYE * 2 1/2-hour open bar (10:00pm-12:30am) * Live Entertainment * Passed Hors d'oeuvres * Champagne Toast * Party Favors 2\. VIP Admission: * Access to Annual La Vie's NYE * 3 1/2-hour open bar (9:00pm-12:30am) * Early check-in and VIP line * Upgraded drinks + VIP Room * Live Entertainment * Champagne Toast * Party Favors \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- FAQ/CONTACT US: For any event related questions, please email [info@merevents.com.](http://info@merevents.com./) We may have already answered one of your questions, see our FAQs below: IDs: *You must be at least 21 years of age to enter the event. Every attendee must have a valid, government issued photo ID with DOB or Official Foreign Passport ONLY! NO EXCEPTIONS.* Will there be a coat check? *Coat check will be available for $10 per coat. Limited Availability.* What is the dress code? *Refer above. We want you looking your best.* What kind of music can I expect to hear? *You can expect to hear all genres of music throughout the night, including top40/mashups/old school and anything in between*. What is the seating situation? *This is a cocktail-style event with limited seating to maximize event space and provide a comfortable crowd flow.* What is the refund policy? *No refunds, all tickets are final purchase. You may transfer tickets* What are my transport/parking options getting to the event? *Street parking is a challenge and garage parking is a bit expensive. On top of that the events involves drinking. We encourage our guests to use ride share OR taxi services to attend the event and leave safely. DRINK RESPONSIBLY.* *How long will the passed Hors d’oeuvres serve until?* *Passed Hors d’oeuvres will end at 11pm.* Event is 21+ **Ticket Price is subject to a substantial increase. Try to grab your's before then!** *Payment Instructions :* 1\. Login to see the 'Get Tickets' button\, after RSVPing\. Then hit the button\. 2\. Verify correct dollar amount for number of people you're paying for\. **3\. If you don't have a Paypal account\, click "Pay with a Debit or Credit Card"\.** 4\. If you have a Paypal account\, simply log in\, and pay as you normally would via Paypal\. **How to Unblock the Pop-up Blocker on Your Phone** Many of our patrons advised us that they have a Pop-up Blocker on their iPhones and it hinders them from buying tickets. To unblock, please follow the following steps : For Safari Users : 1\. Go to Settings\. 2\. Scroll down to Safari and click on it\. 3\. Select Block Pop\-ups and turn it off\. For Google Chrome Users : 1\. Open Google Chrome\. 2\. Click on the three dots and you will see many options\. 3\. Click on Settings\. 4\. Scroll down to content settings\. 5\. Select Block Pop\-ups and turn it off\. Refund & Ticket Resell Policy All sales are final. We only refund the full amount, if the event is canceled. If it is rescheduled, we will send an email to ticket holders advising that. A full refund will be given to those that let us know within 2 calendar days of the update email, if you are unable to make it on the new date. No refunds will be given after that time. However, you can sell your ticket to someone else if you are unable to attend. Please, feel free to post in the comment box for the event, that you have a ticket for sale. Work out payment between yourselves, and have the seller only send the organizer a message letting us know the full name and contact details of the person taking your spot. You must let us know two hours before the RSVP close time, on the day of the event. \****For further info, refer the Eventbrite Invite. We may have already answered one of your questions, see our FAQs.***

To secure your spot, purchase your ticket from the Eventbrite link ([https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bootleggers-new-years-eve-gatsby-ball-tickets-1974955713704](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bootleggers-new-years-eve-gatsby-ball-tickets-1974955713704)). RSVPing only on the Meetup page, doesn't allow you to attend the Event. ABOUT THE EVENT Prepare for an enchanted New Year’s Eve escape into a bygone era of sensational glamor, decadence and revelry reminiscent of the roaring 20s. The party will be so extraordinary and so magnificent that it beckons all to join in celebration. Step inside history for the **Bootleggers Ball**. The historic National Union Building spans 27,000 square feet, including 7 stories (a secret speakeasy) and 10 party rooms. Wander through history and treat yourself to an exquisite experience. **WANT TO JOIN? Purchase Tickets Now Before They Sell Out** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **FAQ/CONTACT US:** For any event related questions, please email [info@merevents.com.](http://info@merevents.com./) We may have already answered one of your questions, see our FAQs below: **IDs:** *You must be at least 21 years of age to enter the event. Every attendee must have a valid, government issued photo ID with DOB or Official Foreign Passport ONLY! NO EXCEPTIONS.* **Dress code:** Attire: Step back-in-time when fashion was full of fringe, feathers, and shiny embellishments. Gentlemen are encouraged to wear formal attire (black-tie optional) and women are encouraged to wear Twenties-Era appropriate attire. **Seating:** This is a cocktail-style to maximize event space and provide a comfortable crowd flow. *This is a cocktail-style event with limited seating to maximize event space and provide a comfortable crowd flow.* What is the refund policy? *No refunds, all tickets are final purchase. You may transfer tickets* What are my transport/parking options getting to the event? *Street parking is a challenge and garage parking is a bit expensive. On top of that ,the event involves drinking. We encourage our guests to use ride share OR taxi services to attend the event and leave safely. DRINK RESPONSIBLY.* Still have questions: *Please TEXT at (202) 368-1878. Text only:)* Event is 21+ **Ticket Price is subject to a substantial increase. Try to grab your's before then!** *Payment Instructions :* 1\. Login to see the 'Get Tickets' button\, after RSVPing\. Then hit the button\. 2\. Verify correct dollar amount for number of people you're paying for\. **3\. If you don't have a Paypal account\, click "Pay with a Debit or Credit Card"\.** 4\. If you have a Paypal account\, simply log in\, and pay as you normally would via Paypal\. **How to Unblock the Pop-up Blocker on Your Phone** Many of our patrons advised us that they have a Pop-up Blocker on their iPhones and it hinders them from buying tickets. To unblock, please follow the following steps : For Safari Users : 1\. Go to Settings\. 2\. Scroll down to Safari and click on it\. 3\. Select Block Pop\-ups and turn it off\. For Google Chrome Users : 1\. Open Google Chrome\. 2\. Click on the three dots and you will see many options\. 3\. Click on Settings\. 4\. Scroll down to content settings\. 5\. Select Block Pop\-ups and turn it off\. Refund & Ticket Resell Policy All sales are final. We only refund the full amount, if the event is canceled. If it is rescheduled, we will send an email to ticket holders advising that. A full refund will be given to those that let us know within 2 calendar days of the update email, if you are unable to make it on the new date. No refunds will be given after that time. However, you can sell your ticket to someone else if you are unable to attend. Please, feel free to post in the comment box for the event, that you have a ticket for sale. Work out payment between yourselves, and have the seller only send the organizer a message letting us know the full name and contact details of the person taking your spot. You must let us know two hours before the RSVP close time, on the day of the event. \****For further info, refer the Eventbrite Invite. We may have already answered one of your questions, see our FAQs.*** http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/e/9/d/a/600_445079866.jpeg http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/e/8/e/8/600_445079624.jpeg WISHING YOU ALL A HAPPY & PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR!!! http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/1/7/600_445080023.jpeg http://photos4.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/1/9/b/600_445080411.jpeg

No meeting tonight. Happy New Year - stay safe - and see you next year!

Join us for a (belated) **Holiday Nonfiction Book Lovers Meetup** where we'll be organizing a **nonfiction book exchange**! Here's how it'll work (and many thanks to Alexis W. for this fun idea!): * Everyone wraps a book (or books) in brown paper (or any leftover wrapping paper!) and writes a brief description of the book (without giving it all away). * Everyone will have a few minutes to look over the books at the beginning. * Then we'll draw numbers and take turns selecting books, white-elephant style (with stealing allowed). Join us for a blind date with a book / white elephant-style non-fiction book exchange. Used books (in good condition) are encouraged. **The only rule is that the book(s) you bring must be nonfiction!** Happy New Years!

🎉 **Puzzle Palooza: PUZZLES OF ALL KINDS WELCOME at the Board Room! 🧩** Join us for **Puzzle Palooza** in our puzzle swap series! Whether you're into jigsaw puzzles, crossword puzzles, sudoku, logic puzzles, or brain teasers, this event is for you. Bring any type of puzzle—whether it’s a challenging 1000-piece jigsaw, a captivating 3D puzzle, a fun puzzle book, or a unique brain-bending game—and swap it with fellow puzzle lovers. Let’s share the joy of solving and discover new puzzles to enjoy! 📅 **Date:** Sunday January 4, 2025 🕒 **Time:** 3:00 PM 📍 **Location:** [Board Room DC](https://boardroomdc.com/), 1737 Connecticut Avenue NW, WDC 20009, in the mezzanine. **Event Highlights:** 🌐 **Networking:** Connect with fellow puzzle enthusiasts over a game and some delicious drinks. It's a perfect blend of puzzles, games, and great company. 🧩 **Puzzle Swap Extravaganza:** Immerse yourself in a sea of puzzles as we transform the Board Room into a Puzzle Paradise. Bring your puzzles to trade, and discover hidden gems for your collection. 🎲 **Board Game Delights:** Enjoy the fantastic selection of board games available at the Board Room. Take a break from puzzles and explore a world of strategic challenges and social fun. **Agenda:** * 3:00 pm - 3:30 pm - check in and chat! * 3:30 pm - 4:00 pm - introductions and swap * 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm - social puzzling **How to Join:** 1. **Save the Date:** This is your ticket to Puzzle Paradise. Mark your calendar and get ready for an afternoon of puzzling delight. 2. **Location:** Board Room DC, known for its vibrant atmosphere and extensive game collection. [1737 Connecticut Avenue NW, WDC 20009](https://boardroomdc.com/) 3. **Spread the Word:** Invite your friends and fellow puzzle lovers. Let's make this Puzzle Paradise an unforgettable experience! \*\*\*Please note that if your puzzle is not swapped, you are still responsible for taking it home. **This is not a swap where you will be able to drop off puzzles and leave**\*\*\* For all of our Swap Series, please prioritize community safety. Ensure you're vaccinated before joining us. Your commitment creates a secure space for our shared love of cooking and good times. See you responsibly at the meetup!

Lovers of books, banter, beverages, bites... Let's kick off the new year by gathering at the spacious Life Cafe and bistro for our book chat! Meet inside. Ask for the table with Eddie. When: Friday, Jan. 2, 5:30 pm Where: *Life Cafe, 1440 N Edgewood St. Arlington, VA 22201*. Conveniently located a couple of blocks from the Clarendon metro stop and down from the Barnes & Noble bookshop. What: Bring a book, paper copy or on your cell, to briefly discuss. Grab a beverage or snack or slice. Everyone will take turns with their own book. Then general conversation about literature and related stuff. Invite your friends to come along, for beverages and books! Giving thanks, for great authors. Happy reading!

We will meet outside as long as the weather is nice. If not, we will move inside. Look out for a comment the morning of each meeting with our exact location. As we are meeting in person, please remember to bring something to read as we usually spend some time sharing our current reads and/or reading when meeting in person. As a reminder, there is no assigned reading; please bring whatever you are currently working on. This group is super casual, sometimes we read and sometimes we talk the whole time. **** NO SHOW POLICY: Due to the high number of members on the waitlist recently we are having to reinstate our no-show policy. If you sign up and no-show to 2 events you will be removed from the group. Reminders are provided weekly to change your RSVP to allow those on the waitlist a chance to come to the meet-up, no 3rd chances with be given. Please be considerate to your fellow members. Thank you! I look forward to reading you!

This meeting will be dedicated to talking about the entirety of "Hunger" by Knut Hamsun We will be meeting in the National Portrait Gallery Atrium. To stay up to date with events and discuss meetings or books, you can join our Whatsapp group. Please message me to get added.

Hey Poetry Lovers! This group is on a roll. Here’s the gist: We meet at the **Capital One Café in Chinatown** from **12pm - 2pm** every other week. For enrichment, we start by reading and reflecting on a **“published poem”**, suggested by someone in the group. No advance preparation is necessary. But feel free to check out some of the poems we’ve read [here](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/e/2PACX-1vSyE_wCLQCPHRrKmN5F9tOIeeRQUZESxjRXGVBoCF2uU8Gm0_d0uECiCBCQXEy6ksxfsBOhtRIOpW3T/pubhtml?gid=0&single=true&widget=true&headers=false%22%3E%3C/iframe%3E). Or submit suggestions for future meetings [here](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSexGc2Z2Kp6bZW0D3_hfJ7NUUkfNHf7TXX-43FglCeBd9EF2Q/viewform?usp=send_form). Next, we **share our work and offer feedback**. Depending on attendance, everyone gets \~10 minutes to use as they like. (No need to share, though; you’re welcome to come even if you prefer just to listen.) We maintain a **Discord server** to help share our work and communicate outside our bi-weekly meet-ups. If you haven’t used Discord before, take a moment to download it and create an account before arriving. When we meet you on Saturday, we will add you to our server, the “DC Poetry Workshop”, and can help you navigate the app if you have questions. Finally, if you plan on sharing a poem, consider how you will do so. Some options include: * Print 5-10 copies to distribute in person * Take and share screenshots in the Discord chat. * Copy the poem into a google doc, change sharing settings to “anyone with link”, and copy the google doc link into the Discord chat. Most importantly, we’re excited to meet you! Catch you on Saturday, Diego / Ian / Cayden / Nate / Otasha / Lia / An

Join us for our January Book Club gathering where we will come together to discuss *Can't Spell Treason Without Tea* by Rebecca Thorne in a safe and welcoming environment. Make new friends who share your passion for books and connect with fellow LGBTQ book enthusiasts.

Join us for Slow Horses and a Book Exchange! In addition to our usual chat about the book, we’ll be exchanging books. Bring two books you’re willing to part with and we’ll exhange books. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Welcome to the thrilling and unnervingly prescient world of the slow horses. This team of MI5 agents is united by one common bond: They've screwed up royally and will do anything to redeem themselves. This special tenth-anniversary deluxe edition of a modern classic includes a foreword by the author, discussion questions for book clubs, and an exclusive short story featuring the slow horses. London, England: Slough House is where washed-up MI5 spies go to while away what's left of their failed careers. The "slow horses," as they're called, have all disgraced themselves in some way to get relegated there. Maybe they botched an Op so badly they can't be trusted anymore. Maybe they got in the way of an ambitious colleague and had the rug yanked out from under them. Maybe they just got too dependent on the bottle-not unusual in this line of work. One thing they have in common, though, is they want to be back in the action. And most of them would do anything to get there-even if it means having to collaborate with one another. When a young man is abducted and his kidnappers threaten to broadcast his beheading live on the Internet, the slow horses see an opportunity to redeem themselves. But is the victim really who he appears to be?

**Our January novel is: Once Upon a Wardrobe by Patti Callahan** **This month's featured novel is a 20th-century biographical fiction, coming-of-age, historical romance, women’s fiction, world literature, student biography, heartfelt, magic, and feel-good novel. The book is 311 pages in print and 7 hours and 8 minutes on audiobook.** 1950: Margaret Devonshire (Megs) is a seventeen-year-old student of mathematics and physics at Oxford University. When her beloved eight-year-old brother asks Megs if Narnia is real, logical Megs tells him it's just a book for children, and certainly not true. Homebound due to his illness, and remaining fixated on his favorite books, George presses her to ask the author of the recently released novel The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe a question: "Where did Narnia come from?" Despite her fear about approaching the famous author, who is a professor at her school, Megs soon finds herself taking tea with C. S. Lewis and his own brother Warnie, begging them for answers. Rather than directly telling her where Narnia came from, Lewis encourages Megs to form her own conclusion as he shares the little-known stories from his own life that led to his inspiration. As she takes these stories home to George, the little boy travels farther in his imagination than he ever could in real life. After holding so tightly to logic and reason, her brother's request leads Megs to absorb a more profound truth: "The way stories change us can't be explained. It can only be felt. Like love."

I don't usually pick romance but I really wanted to do a Hanukkah book. It's a bit on the longer side but hopefully a quick read. The library only has 5 audiobooks so please try to remember to "release it" when you're done. Columbus libraries: [https://cml.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S105C3503238](https://cml.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S105C3503238) Location: The Goat Riversouth [219 South High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215](https://www.google.com/maps?q=219%20South%20High%20Street%2C%20Columbus%2C%20Ohio%2043215%2C%20United%20States) [Menu](https://static1.squarespace.com/static/686d3ed16745133042482c5f/t/68ff654dbb03b96875430bde/1761568077220/all_brunch-20250311.pdf) Book summary: Rachel Rubenstein-Goldblatt is a nice Jewish girl with a shameful secret: she loves Christmas. For a decade she’s hidden her career as a Christmas romance novelist from her family. Her talent has made her a bestseller even as her chronic illness has always kept the kind of love she writes about out of reach. But when her diversity-conscious publisher insists she write a Hanukkah romance, her well of inspiration suddenly runs dry. Hanukkah’s not magical. It’s not merry. It’s not *Christmas*. Desperate not to lose her contract, Rachel’s determined to find her muse at the Matzah Ball, a Jewish music celebration on the last night of Hanukkah, even if it means working with her summer camp archenemy—Jacob Greenberg. Though Rachel and Jacob haven’t seen each other since they were kids, their grudge still glows brighter than a menorah. But as they spend more time together, Rachel finds herself drawn to Hanukkah—and Jacob—in a way she never expected. Maybe this holiday of lights will be the spark she needed to set her heart ablaze.

We’ll be reading Brigands and Breadknives by Travis Baldtree this month! We recommend readingading “Bookshops and Bonedust” and “Legends and Lattes” before reading Brigands and Breadknives.