**October Book: The Pirate Queen**

**[The Pirate Queen](https://www.amazon.com/Pirate-Queen-Novel-Ariel-Lawhon/dp/0385550340/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.8OD71M2AXcvFUuCiFL1IF4T7xwRftfwmP78-2ATK5ua8zp10LYSSUE-lUkpgKkTFTn4Tp-fQI13KkZKgjSZqC5x0Zag7nl3Pc3oYAxu_MUtA2CeW7A3jBJTFEdKNxx6uDgCm0j7IK16Y1R4mGp8SRqyMKp9grNKzFXLu_epuF1af1saY8JCSBPf3d7YJJPlmr-RHh92C2IONt_Ec2KxCkfUvdU867Gl97o0W6UWZxrg.zVPD3CWnDzLQEcAiax-14geSOw7H_EUw6tnA6Aay2xk&dib_tag=se&keywords=The+Pirate+Queen&qid=1790642787&sr=8-1) (Alan Gold / various historical accounts, notably featuring Grace O'Malley) A biographical historical novel recounting the life of Grace O'Malley (Granuaile), the legendary 16th-century Irish chieftain and seafaring warrior. The narrative chronicles her rebellion against English expansion into Ireland, her seafaring raids across the Atlantic coast, and her historic face-to-face negotiation with Queen Elizabeth I.**

**What to Expect:**

* **Thoughtful Discussions:** Go beyond "Did you like it?" and explore character arcs, themes, and big ideas.
* **Relaxed Vibe:** No pressure, no quizzes—just genuine connection with fellow storytellers and readers.
* **Local Connections:** A great way to meet neighbors, discover new perspectives, and make lasting friends.

**Location**:

TBD

The Carmel-by-the-Sea Book Nook

Rosalyn Bb

Lisa 

SHANTI

James Davis

Yvonne

Brenda Inman

Jazmin

Oct 2026  Book discussion

Anton & Michel Restaurant

***Bonus Book:*** East of Eden
**Tagline:** An epic California saga of family rivalry, moral inheritance, and the freedom of human choice.

Set against the sweeping backdrop of California’s Salinas Valley at the turn of the twentieth century, John Steinbeck’s magnum opus, *East of Eden*, traces the intertwined destinies of the Trask and Hamilton families across generations. A modern, deeply human retelling of the Cain and Abel story, the novel explores the timeless conflict between good and evil, the wounds of parental rejection, and the power of inherited trauma. At its heart lies the empowering concept of *timshel*—"thou mayest"—a reminder that regardless of lineage or circumstance, every individual possesses the free will to choose their own moral destiny.

**Amazon:** [East of Eden on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/0142004235/?bestFormat=true&k=east%20of%20eden&ref_=nb_sb_ss_w_scx-ent-bk-v2_k0_1_4_de&crid=23E330OPZ17M&sprefix=east)

**What to Expect:**

* **Thoughtful Discussions:** Go beyond "Did you like it?" and explore character arcs, themes, and big ideas.
* **Relaxed Vibe:** No pressure, no quizzes—just genuine connection with fellow storytellers and readers.
* **Local Connections:** A great way to meet neighbors, discover new perspectives, and make lasting friends.

**Location**: Virtual

Link will be provided closer to date.

Virtual Bonus Dec 2026  Book discussion

Online event

***Bonus Book:*** *Building 903*

In the tradition of *The Giver*, Lois Lowry’s *Building 903* presents a chilling dystopian reality where security and comfort come at the cost of intellectual freedom and collective memory. The story follows twins Tessa and Theo, who live under the illusion of a peaceful, tightly controlled society until the hidden truth behind their state’s systematic censorship begins to unravel. Centered on the subversive power of literature and storytelling, the novel serves as a timely allegory on complicity, independent thought, and the courage required to question an engineered paradise.

**Purchase link:** [Building 903 on Amazon](https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.amazon.com/dp/0063515105)

**What to Expect:**

* **Thoughtful Discussions:** Go beyond "Did you like it?" and explore character arcs, themes, and big ideas.
* **Relaxed Vibe:** No pressure, no quizzes—just genuine connection with fellow storytellers and readers.
* **Local Connections:** A great way to meet neighbors, discover new perspectives, and make lasting friends.

**Location**: Virtual

Link will be provided closer to date.

Virtual - Bonus Jan 2027  Book discussion

Groups

{PRO_NETWORK_NAME} is on Meetup Pro with more than {PRO_MEMBER_COUNT} members across {PRO_GROUP_COUNT} Meetups worldwide. Meetup Pro is the professional tool for organizing and communicating a network of users, partners, contributors and members.

The Carmel-by-the-Sea Book Nook

Who we are

Upcoming events

Who we are

Groups