About us
Welcome to The Carmel-by-the-Sea Book Nook!
Whether you're a lifelong bibliophile or looking to rebuild your reading habit, this group is a welcoming space for anyone in the local area and beyond who loves getting lost in a good book and sharing insights.
What We Do:
We meet bi-weekly/monthly at local spots around town to dive deep into our current pick. We focus on thought-provoking reads across various genres—ranging from captivating fiction and memoirs to impactful non-fiction—and engage in open, friendly discussions.
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.
Let's grab a cup of coffee/wine, bring your copy, and join us for our next chapter!
Upcoming events
10
Oct 2026 Book discussion
Anton & Michel Restaurant, Mission Street, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA, USOctober Book: The Pirate Queen
The Pirate Queen (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
7 attendees
Nov 2026 Book discussion
Location not specified yetNovember Book: Theo of Golden (Allen Levi)
A heartwarming character portrait set in the small town of Golden, Georgia. An elderly, gentle stranger named Theo arrives quietly with two simple routines: drinking coffee at a local diner and secretly purchasing original art from local residents using cashier's checks. As the community uncovers his identity, his quiet generosity transforms fractured lives across town.
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
6 attendees
Virtual Bonus Dec 2026 Book discussion
·OnlineOnlineBonus 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
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.
1 attendee
Past events
2
