Off The Record

OFF THE RECORD.

Good fiction. Unfiltered opinions. Great company.

You know that feeling when you finish a book and immediately need somebody to talk to about what just happened?

Yeah. We get it.

Welcome to Off the Record, a fiction book club for people who love a good story and aren't afraid to have an opinion about it.

We're bringing together a small, eclectic mix of readers from Smithfield, Selma, Clayton, and surrounding Johnston County communities for good books, interesting perspectives, and conversations worth showing up for.

We're into stories that make us think, question, laugh, gasp, or occasionally wonder what on earth the author was thinking.

Psychological thrillers? Absolutely. Historical fiction? Bring it. Mysteries, literary fiction, fantasy, complicated characters, questionable decisions, and endings that deserve a full investigation? We're here for all of it.

HERE'S THE DEAL.

We actually read the books.

We discuss the characters, debate the decisions, unpack the twists, and occasionally disagree about everything. Respectfully, of course.

No lectures. No literary snobbery. No pressure to have the smartest answer in the room.

Just real people having really good conversations about fiction.

THE DETAILS

Who: Adults 21+. All backgrounds, identities, perspectives, and reading experiences are welcome.

Where: Johnston County, North Carolina. Our gatherings will take place in the Smithfield, Selma, and Clayton area.

When: The second Saturday of each month, 2:00–3:30 PM.

The crowd: Small by design. We're keeping gatherings around 8–10 people because good conversations deserve room to breathe.

The reading list: One fiction selection each month, with opportunities for members to help shape what we read next.

A FEW THINGS WE BELIEVE

Different opinions make better discussions.

You don't have to love every book we choose.

A good plot twist deserves to be talked about.

Everyone should have a chance to be heard.

And sometimes the best part of finishing a book is discovering how differently someone else experienced it.

Our first gathering is planned for Saturday, February 13, 2027.

So, if you've been looking for a reason to read more, meet interesting people, and have conversations that go beyond the usual small talk, consider this your invitation.

OFF THE RECORD.

The book ends. The conversation doesn't.