Book Club

This is a live session at The Mitre in Greenwich. Please note that Katie Lumsden will be hosting this session. (katie.lumsden@googlemail.com) Please send extracts and address any queries directly to her. Also, please mail her when you sign up unless you are sure that she already has your e-mail address. The purpose of this meeting is to provide and receive critique on submitted extracts of members' creative writing, whether they're working on a novel, screenplay, poetry, a memoir or short story, etc. We share our extracts via email ahead of the meeting to give us all a chance to read the work in our own time and reflect upon it so as to be able to provide useful critique. If you want to submit an extract mail me at gpatrick66@hotmail.com to book a slot. If you are new to the group we ask that you participate in at least two of the Wednesday critiquing sessions before you submit work for review so that you get to know us and have a good understanding of how we operate. This will help you to get the most from a critique of your own work. Extracts should be approx 3,000 words and the full document (extract plus blurbs, questions etc) should not exceed 3,500 words in total. Extracts must be mailed to Katie Lumsden (katie.lumsden@googlemail.com) at the latest by 9pm on the Saturday before the session so that she can share your work with the rest of the group. We have a limit of 4 extracts per session to give adequate time to review work properly. Feel free to give guidance on any specific areas on which you would like feedback. E.g. Plot, pacing, structure or character development etc. (If you have not received the extracts by the Sunday before the session, mail her.) The group is friendly and relaxed, so please don't feel nervous about sharing your work! We will normally review extracts according to the order in which they are sent to me but if you need a particular slot let me know when you submit your extract and we will try to accommodate that. Please note that all phones MUST be switched to silent mode for the duration of the meeting.

Dear Armchair Detectives, Your missions for this April is to solve these three mysteries. You will be assisted by a dective in each case, but will you be able to find the solution to each crime in time?... We shall see! Peril at End House by Agatha Christie The Double Turn by Carol Carnac Whose Body? by Dorothy L. Sayers

A free event by London Debate. You need to reserve your ticket: [https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/stay-out-of-the-iran-war-should-the-uk-get-involved-victoria-debates-tickets-1985176395037?](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/stay-out-of-the-iran-war-should-the-uk-get-involved-victoria-debates-tickets-1985176395037?) Why Are We Having This Debate? With the 2026 USA-Isreali led war on Iran further escalating with more US troops set to arrive in the region shortly, one question is being asked of all UK politicians. Should we support our historic allies in what could be a new Gulf War or focus on British interests and troubles at home. So We Ask - If you were Prime Minister... What would you do? Articles [https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/mar/11/starmer-attacks-badenoch-and-farage-over-iran-war-support-u-turns-at-raucous-pmqs](https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/mar/11/starmer-attacks-badenoch-and-farage-over-iran-war-support-u-turns-at-raucous-pmqs) [https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c4gqjyk0vx3t](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c4gqjyk0vx3t) [https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx2dyz6p3weo](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx2dyz6p3weo) Come along and have your vote! 3v3 panel debate where members explore the strongest arguments for a given topic. A debate should tell the audience what they need to know and not just what the speakers think. If you feel the same way, then we want to meet you. Agenda 18:30 - 19:00 Arrivals Grab a drink, order food and get to know our voting audience. 19:00 - 19:15 Event Introductions Meeting our teams, and the all important pre-debate audience chat & talking points followed by our starting vote. 19:25 - 20:00 Debate Begins 20:00 - 20:15 Break Grab a cheeky drink and your last chance to order food 20:15 - 20:55 Audience Q&A 20:55 - 21:05 Summary Speeches and Final Vote 21:05 - 21:30 Outro and post-debate social Where the fun truly begins. Hang out Persian Culture members. Make friends, debate ideas and meet new people. Are you interested in reading fiction and non-fiction in French Spanish, and English? -www.meetup.com/gaia-books -www.meetup.com/gaia-libros -www.meetup.com/gaia-livres -Instagram: @persian_culture_ -Persian Culture Whatsapp group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/EZk35ZbJZ6W6wwyHyuxoS2

Artists of all ability are welcome at the All Good Bookshop Art Club. Each session has a theme to inspire creativity but there is no set image to create, allowing attendees to explore their own skills and interests. A range of art materials are supplied, but bringing your own supplies is also welcomed. Suggested donation £5

Get your kids book written! This is an un-hosted meetup for anyone who wants to come and write for a couple of hours in the company of other kids writers. It's a great way to move your project forward in a lovely arty atmosphere. The only rules are to say hello to other writers and leave them to work until 8:30 when you are free to have a chat. If you're by yourself, don't worry. You'll get two hours of writing closer to your goal. Enjoy and Write Write Write!

***This is a group for deep conversation, making friends, discussing philosophy, (good) music, art, poetry, experiences, politics, and building a strong community in London. Bring a little artefact if you wish.*** ***This week we are going to do chalk graffiti and talk about life ( or other sorts of graffiti if you have the resources). I have a packet of chalks so don’t worry if you don’t have any art supplies.*** ***If you have a speaker, bring it.*** **18:00 - 20:30** ***is the club time, but people can and will*** **stay longer** ***for more chatting, and to talk about other groups for you to join.*** **For updates, conversation and our whereabouts on the day check the WhatsApp:** [https://chat.whatsapp.com/LyRmJUaqN5zLJ2x21nIo04](Whatsapp)

Time is precious. Here we value non-boring valuable chats and interactions that are fully engaging, soulfully enriching, inspiring, and leave you a bit wiser than when you arrived. In that spirit (mind the pun!), today’s fully hosted laid back social coffee chat will offer a perfect haven for the inquisitive & curious - those drawn to the mysteries of the universe, life and everything in between. A tasty caffeine infused fun afternoon of thought-provoking causal chats exploring spirituality/consciousness and related interconnected topics spanning **philosophy,** **neuroscience**, **parapsychology,** **paranormal.** **cosmology** and **noetic sciences** over a mug of sweet coffee (or amazin value Chardonnay!) Chaired by me - a former Reuters journalist & published empirical researcher exploring spirituality topics in pursuant of the "truth" since a teenager, there'll be no strict structure - a relaxed friendly space to openly chat, exchange ideas & experiences without judgement, but I'll preside to promote inclusivity and zone in on specifics to avoid people digressing onto unrelated tangents to ensure like all of our events - particpants derive maximum utlity and engagement from attending. We’ll touch on everything from the limits of scientific understanding to exploring the unexplained using practical fun exploratory divination practices drawing on elements of **psychology, metaphysics, epistemology** and **statistical** **probability** of rare events as we do so. Whether you're a practicing "spiritualist", a curious skeptic, or just someone who loves deep conversation on **life’s big questions**, you’ll hopefully walk away more enlightened with some practical tips you can start applying and inspired to explore more! As well as illuminating chats to guide self-reflection, obviously no sprituality event woul be complete without practical tools so there'll be FREE Tarot & I-Ching readings, demonstrations of meditation method to activate super powerful gamma brain waves, and pyschic tests for a bit of fun, laughter & intrigue! **Sample of conversational threads** might include: Are we mere organisms pursuing biological survival or does consciousness exist beyond neurons firing in our brains? What explains peoples' paranormal experiences? What would reality look like If our brains were limitless? Declassified CIA files show that as as well as mind control experiments, the US govt employed mediums and remote viewers. If all mumbo jumbo then why? Is Nirvana just a fantasy of deluded people? Does everything happen for a reason? To clarify - we define spirituality here as an exploration of consciousness, Donald Rumsfeld's unknown unknowns and undiscovered aspects of reality, NOT religion. After all, as my philosophy professor once rightly postulated to me: "If God created Adam, who created God Lucas?" Yep - that inconvenient flaw **debunks every fairytale religion** out there including the oldest religion of them all - paganism - so why is witchcraft still practised outside of **Hogwarts** today? I may also share the latest peer reviewed empirical evidence surrounding **paranormal** and **consciousness** phenomena. **=== POTENTIAL CONVERSATION STARTERS ===** 1. Does consciousness survive death or is Cambridge Astrophysics Professor Brian Cox right in asserting if **ghosts** existed then particle accelerators at CERN would have already detected ghost molecules making Ouija boards kids play? Are Poltergiests 100% hoax? Brain scans indicate thalamocortical circuits in our brain (pathways in the parietal cortex & central lateral thalamus) drive **consciousness -** so how can spirit/mind live on after **brain death**? 2. Is **synchronicity/coincidence** simply randomness disguised in the eye of the beholder or can what Einstein called “spooky action at a distance" (quantum entanglement) explain it? Molecular Biologists have shown that just like plants - our cells give off resonant frequencies between 10 & 180 kilohertz - could this be a source of non-verbal communication like telepathy? 3. Given **neuroscience**'s infancy with much yet undiscovered - could mediation help access functions outside of our BAU alpha & beta brain wave states? Can **Kundalini yoga** boost **DMT** (dimethyltryptamine) naturally vs drugs like ayahuasca, mushrooms, LSDand if so by what mechanism? Do the artifically created neural signatures using magnetic stimulation observed during mystical experiences debunk them? Is the Maharishi Effect real? 4. Are clairvoyants and mediums just good people readers or are they really able to access time and space in non-linear ways? Is Tyler Henry the real deal or just faking it? Was **Abraham Lincolm** precognizant when he dreamt his own fatal assignation? 5. The laws of statistical probability, Drake Equation & common sense tells us there is other non-microbial life out there. So what explains the Fermi Paradox? Was that 1976 WOW signal aliens? How about the recent strange bahaviour of Boyajian's star or Oumuamua/Atlas interstella object that has just entered our solar system? 6. Could metaverse explain deja vu & reincarnation vs theories from the **psychology** literature (Mandela Effect?) or do we just live in a **simulation** as **Elon Musk** proposes? 7. **Stephen Hawking** once said: "The past, like the future, is indefinite and exists only as a spectrum of possibilities" If matter only manifests when observed as the double slit experiments shows, does that mean everything is consciousness? Does the discovery of *quantum superposition /* disappearing neutrons imply **parallel universes**? 8. Do NDEs suggest something beyond physicality? Were Steve Jobs final words "Oh wow. Oh wow. Oh wow" before he died (New York Times) visions of an afterlife or just neurochemical changes / drugs playing tricks? 9. Can photons omitted by our bodies explain auras that people see? 10. Could limits in our understanding of quantum physics, space and time explain paranormal experiences? 11. What existed before the **big bang** \- how do you get something from "nothing"? I believe our reality is the product of a black hole\. What you reckon? ***So how do we get to the "truth"?*** Both in my journalism days and applying the most advanced empirical research techniques in my client consulting work - it becomes clear the truth is often elusive. No matter how much we triangulate evidence - we can only provide part answers. "All models are wrong, but some are useful" George Box What we think we know and reality diverge leading to that great **paradox of knowledge.** And as the boundary between knowns and unknown converge, we end up with cognitive dissonance and more questions. In that spirit - every credible philosopher & scientist acknowledges - we'll never get to the complete truth but could **experimental methods** get us closer to it? A balanced approach guided by Immanuel Kant's pragmatism and Aristotle's deductive reasoning seems the most rationale framework here but are there any other methodologies? How about the **"spirituality"** toolkit? **=== RENDEZVOUS POINT ===** We will meet in the Penderel's Oak. *283–288 High Holborn, Holborn WC1V 7HP* zone 1 central london so very easy to get to. I'll be wearing a **Starwars identifier** and will share mobile hotline just before event start and table number/location Lucas - The Unenlightened Desperately Seeking Answers

In the digital age💻📡📱, do you still like getting a physical book to read? Where do you buy them? Amazon? Waterstone? Blackstone? How about join us for a bookshop crawl, let's try to find some hidden gems of independent bookshops. (Or just tag along for a chat😁) For this west London tour, we will start from Turnham Green Station, walking Chiswick High Road and King Street towards Hammersmith Station. We will do 5 bookshops📚📚📚! Don't worry, it's not a marathon, don't feel under any obligation to finish all the bookshops. The two hour time is just a guidance, some shops take longer and some are less. If you ever want to stay in one shop for longer (I know, been there, done that😂) feel free to do so, you can join us at other shops. (See itinerary below) Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with any of the shops, so you are not obliged to buy any books, just get whatever you like. *** 📚💃🏼 📖💃🏿☕️ ITINERARY ☕️💃🏾🍷💃🏻🍴📚 We will all meet up at Turnham Green Station, don't worry if you are late, join us in along the walks. Then the tour shall begin! 1: Oxfam Bookshop Address: 90 Turnham Green Terrace, Chiswick, London W4 1QN Comment: Always try to have one on the tour, staple for second-hand books. 2: Bookcase London Address: 268 Chiswick High Rd., Chiswick, London W4 1PD Comment: (First time doing west London, will update in the future) 3: Foster Books Address: 14-16 Bury Pl, London WC1A 2JL Comment: (First time doing west London, will update in the future) 4: The Small Library Company Address: 40 Chiswick Ln, Chiswick, London W4 2JQ Comment: (First time doing west London, will update in the future) 5: Everybody Reads Address: 6 Chiswick High Rd., Chiswick, London W4 1TH Comment: (First time doing west London, will update in the future) 6: Books for Amnesty Address: 175 King St, London W6 9JT Comment: Another chained charity bookshop, very much like Oxfam. Generally we finish here, then for people who want to stay we usually find somewhere to have food and further discussions in the afternoon. *** Wow, you made it, hopefully you have found some books that will make you happy🎈🎉✨. For people who likes to have more socials or talk more about books (or just to show off your purchases😆), we can find some place for a cup of coffee or a late lunch. *** Google map link for the bookshops: (TBA)

We will revise the basic grammar of the Arabic language. The book **Arabic Verbs & Essentials of Grammar**, by Jane Wightwick (Third Edition), can be purchased from Foyles or Waterstones or online. https://www.hatchards.co.uk/book/arabic-verbs-and-essentials-of-grammar-third-edition/jane-wightwick/9781260030990 We will cover chapter one. Level: beginners, but you must already be able to read the alphabet. This is a monthly event. Note: to make the most of this session, you should read the chapter before hand. Anything you do not understand, we can discuss during the session

***"In this complex and terrible development which has carried the epoch of class struggles toward new conditions, the proletariat of the industrial countries has completely lost the affirmation of its autonomous perspective and also, in the last analysis, its illusions, but not its being. It has not been suppressed. It remains irreducibly in existence within the intensified alienation of modern capitalism[.]"*** **\- Guy Debord\, *The Society of the Spectacle*** Welcome back readers! By popular request, we're bringing back (for a new generation of LMRG readers) an old favourite: the always-relevant Guy Debord and his masterful *Society of the Spectacle*. This is meeting two, where we'll be reading the fourth, fifth and sixth chapters. Find the classic text here: https://www.marxists.org/reference/archive/debord/society.htm Or an alternative, possibly more readable translation here: [https://files.libcom.org/files/The%20Society%20of%20the%20Spectacle%20Annotated%20Edition.pdf](https://files.libcom.org/files/The%20Society%20of%20the%20Spectacle%20Annotated%20Edition.pdf) Often maligned as theorymaxxed nonsense but little-read, this slim volume is certainly dense with ideas - all of which carry as much relevance today as those half-forgotten postwar years when the Situationist International made its mark on the world, if not more. With the rise of the Internet and social media, the decline of literacy and the closing of the mass mind, the endless doom-loop of doomscrolling and bed-rotting, increasingly performative protest, the commodification of everything, the Epstein-approved culture war, and the theatre of spectacular cruelty that is imperialist colonial policy from Gaza to Venezuela, we really are living an age where everything that was once directly participated in has passed into representation. Every hand-grip one searches for to get some kind of grasp on the world seems to be a mirage; "participation" in anything, from politics to culture, has been reduced to fandom - limited to nothing more than expressing approval or disapproval through totally mediated social media platforms. Above it all stands an utterly corrupt, irresponsible elite class more and more transparent in how it relishes in conspiratorial play, power-games with unlimited stakes for us and no consequences for them. Such a world where power wears a shit-eating grin and keeps us off our balance by endlessly[ "flooding the zone"](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flood_the_zone) (in Steve Bannon's terms) with distractions so intricate they short-circuit the collective brain is exactly what Debord not only predicted but described in frightening detail, with more than a little bit of humour. So let's dig in and find out: just what can we do to unplug from the spectacle? Is the spectacle even un-plug-from-able? Debord haters, cope and seethe: as a much more orthodox Marxist than he ever gets credit for, there really are some strategies in here. We just need to be creative. Take care and happy reading!

Join this last (for now!) reading of the Merton Book Club when we'll discuss a great American classic. On The Road, the most famous of Jack Kerouac's works, is not only the soul of the Beat movement and literature, but one of the most important novels of the century. Like nearly all of Kerouac's writing, On The Road is thinly fictionalised autobiography, filled with a cast made of Kerouac's real life friends, lovers and fellow travellers. Narrated by Sal Paradise, one of Kerouac's alter-egos, this cross-country bohemian odyssey not only influenced writing in the years since its 1957 publication but penetrated into the deepest levels of American thought and culture. -- Acton Lane Look forward to discussing this with you at the Metronome!

In this event, we will discuss about a science or philosophy book chosen by London Science and Philosophy Book Club. The attendees will be divided into groups and each of them will focus on a chapter in the book. This month we will discuss about a fascinating book called Warriors and Worriers by Joyce F. Benenson. If you haven't read the book, it's no problem. I will bring you up to speed with the discussion materials. We will meet in a nice lounge area at 6 p.m for introductions. Please come on time so you will not miss out on valuable discussion midway. If you end up in the waitlist, feel free to show up. Book Description: The question of exactly what sex differences exist and whether they have a biological foundation has been one of our culture's favorite enduring discussions. It should. After a baby is born, a parent's first concern is for its physical health. The next concern is its sex. Only in the most modern societies does sex not virtually guarantee the type of future life a new human being will have. Even in modern societies, one's sex usually plays a large role in the path a life follows. Scientists have published thousands of papers on the subject, with the general conclusion being that men and women are mostly the same, whatever differences exist have been socialized, and what differences exist have to do with women bearing children and men being physically stronger. In Warriors and Worriers, psychologist Joyce Benenson presents a new theory of sex differences, based on thirty years of research with young children and primates around the world. Her innovative theory focuses on how men and women stay alive. Benenson draws on a fascinating array of studies and stories that explore the ways boys and men deter their enemies, while girls and women find assistants to aid them in coping with vulnerable children and elders. This produces two social worlds for each sex which sets humans apart from most other primate species. Human males form cooperative groups that compete against out-groups, while human females exclude other females in their quest to find mates, female family members to invest in their children, and keep their own hearts ticking. In the process, Benenson turns upside down the familiar wisdom that women are more sociable than men and that men are more competitive than women. Agenda: 6 p.m to 6:30 p.m: Introduction and Socializing 6:30 p.m to 9:30 p.m: Book Discussion 9:30 p.m to late night: Drinks, Dinner or Feel free to go home.

Join us for an informal and welcoming book club meetup where we’ll be discussing** Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes. **Whether you’ve finished the book, are halfway through, or just curious, you’re invited. This is a relaxed space to share thoughts, hear different perspectives, and connect with others who enjoy reading. No pressure—just good conversation and an opportunity to meet new people. If you’d like a refresher before joining, you can: Watch the film adaptation (Charly, 1968), available on common streaming platforms or rental services Read a summary here: https://www.sparknotes.com/lit/algernon/summary/

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**Our April novel is: *The Hong Kong Widow* by Kristen Loesch** **This month’s novel blends gothic atmosphere with historical fiction and chilling horror, set against the haunting backdrop of China. The book is 368 pages in print and 10 hours and 42 minutes on audiobook.** In 1950s Hong Kong, Mei is a young refugee of the Chinese Communist revolution struggling to put her past in Shanghai behind her. When she receives a shocking invitation—to take part in a competition in one of the city's most notorious haunted houses, pitting six spirit mediums against one another in a series of six séances over six nights, until a single winner emerges—she has every reason to refuse. Except that the hostess, a former Shanghainese silent film star, is none other than the wife of the man who once destroyed Mei’s entire life. It is promised the winner will receive a fortune, but there is only one prize Mei wants: revenge. Decades later, the final night of that competition has become an infamous urban legend: The police were called to the scene of a brutal massacre but found no evidence, dismissing it as a collective hallucination. Mei knows what she saw, but now someone else is convinced they know what she did. She must uncover the truth about the last night she ever spent in that house—even if the ghosts of her past are waiting for her there. . . .

**🥰 Online Speed Dating Built for First Timers – Real Connections, Zero Pressure!** **⚠️ HEADS UP: Clicking RSVP Is NOT Enough!** You **must** register through one of the links below and complete the short personality quiz to secure your spot. Select your age range and register now – **spots are limited and go fast!** **👇 Pick Your Age Group & Secure Your Spot:** - **Ages 18-32** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=390.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Detroit&groupurlname=kinetic-city-love-rhythm&ar=18-32&face_v=5.0) - **Ages 30-46** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=390.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Detroit&groupurlname=kinetic-city-love-rhythm&ar=30-46&face_v=5.0) - **Ages 40-58** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=390.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Detroit&groupurlname=kinetic-city-love-rhythm&ar=40-58&face_v=5.0) - **Ages 55+** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=390.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Detroit&groupurlname=kinetic-city-love-rhythm&ar=55+&face_v=5.0) --- 😎 **Skip the awkward bar approach.** Try guided online speed dating! Whether you've never speed dated or you've never even been on a proper date, this event is for you. Our friendly format and experienced hosts make everyone feel welcome from minute one. 🎯 **Perfect for:** - People who want to meet local Detroit singles without leaving home - Anyone nervous about traditional dating scenes - People returning to dating after a break who want a gentle start - People seeking meaningful connections in a relaxed setting - Curious first-timers wanting to explore speed dating ⭐ *"I almost didn't sign up because I was scared. So glad I did – best decision ever!"* – First-time speed dater **Event Details** - **Format:** Hosted live on Zoom – guided, fun, and stress-free - **Location:** Your cozy space – meet from wherever you feel most comfortable - **Host:** Supportive facilitator experienced in helping newcomers enjoy speed dating - **Vibe:** Warm, genuine conversations with Detroit locals who are looking for real connection - **Tech:** All you need is Zoom, a webcam, and a smile - **Privacy:** Your contact info is never shared without mutual consent - **Icebreakers:** Fun prompts provided to keep conversations flowing **How It Works** 1. **Register for Your Age Group** – Choose the session that matches your age range above and complete registration. 2. **Finish the Short Personality Assessment** – This helps us optimise your matches for the evening. 3. **Hop on Zoom** – Your host will welcome you and walk you through everything. 4. **Speed Dating Rounds** – Enjoy guided, structured conversations with friendly Detroit singles. 5. **See Who Liked You Back** – Mutual matches sent to your inbox. Your next chapter begins! **Frequently Asked Questions** **Can I attend from my phone?** Yes! Zoom works on any device, though a laptop or tablet gives the best experience. **What happens after the event?** We reveal mutual matches after the event. If you both liked each other, we help you connect! **What if my internet drops?** No worries – our host will help you reconnect. Technical hiccups happen and we're prepared for them! --- ✨ Great connections start with a single conversation. Yours could start tonight! 🌹 ✨

**💞 Virtual Speed Dating – Tailored for Beginners – Meet Columbus Singles This Evening!** **🔴 KEY NOTICE: RSVP ≠ Guaranteed Entry!** You must sign up via your age group link below AND finish the personality quiz. This is required to take part. **Limited places** – register right away to avoid missing out! **🎟️ Age Group Sign-Up Links (Click Yours Now):** - **Ages 18-32** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=390&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Columbus&groupurlname=cobalt-crest-passionate-singles&ar=18-32&face_v=10.0) - **Ages 30-46** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=390&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Columbus&groupurlname=cobalt-crest-passionate-singles&ar=30-46&face_v=10.0) - **Ages 40-58** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=390&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Columbus&groupurlname=cobalt-crest-passionate-singles&ar=40-58&face_v=10.0) - **Ages 55+** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=390&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Columbus&groupurlname=cobalt-crest-passionate-singles&ar=55+&face_v=10.0) --- 😊 **Feeling uneasy about meeting face-to-face?** Totally understandable! Think of it as the most relaxed first date you'll ever have – from your sofa, with a host keeping things lively, and a room of Columbus singles who are just as eager (and perhaps just as nervous) as you. 🎯 **Perfect for:** - Singles who value a guided, hosted dating format - People after meaningful connections in a laid-back setting - First-time speed daters excited to try something different - People wanting to meet local Columbus singles without stepping outside - Anyone who's done with swiping and craves genuine conversation **Event Details** - **Format:** Hosted live via Zoom – guided, enjoyable, and hassle-free - **Location:** From your lounge, study, or anywhere else you fancy - **Host:** Expert moderator who ensures every conversation flows smoothly - **Vibe:** Laid-back conversations with welcoming Columbus singles from the comfort of home **How It Works** 1. **Register** – Click the sign-up link for your age bracket above. 2. **Take the Personality Quiz** – We’ll pair you with compatible Columbus singles for the best evening possible. 3. **Log In & Get Comfortable** – Join the Zoom call and let the evening begin. Your host handles all the logistics! 4. **Meet Your Matches** – Rotate through enjoyable one-on-one rounds with Columbus singles who share your energy. 5. **Match Results** – Find out who you clicked with. If the interest is mutual, we’ll connect you! 💡 **Pro tip:** Have a beverage ready and find a quiet, well-lit area for the best experience. --- ✨ Real people, real conversations, real connections – all from your living room. 🥰 ✨

Welcome, readers! Our April read is **_Martyr!_ by Kaveh Akbar.** The story follows a young Iranian American poet grappling with grief, addiction, and the aching question of what makes a life meaningful. Drawn into an unexpected friendship with a terminally ill artist, he begins to confront faith, love, and the seduction of self-destruction. Lyrical, darkly funny, and emotionally piercing, the novel wrestles with beauty and despair in equal measure. It’s a story about longing—to be seen, to be forgiven, and to matter. Looking forward to discussing with everyone! We will meet at Zaftig Brewing Co in their event room in the back. We are welcome to bring in our own food, but **drinks must be purchased at the bar.** Happy reading! 📖