Book Swap

From occult author Duncan Barford comes The Going Down, a compelling and haunting esoteric novel about friendship, relationships, and the power of the underworld to heal. When longtime friends Bailey and Steve perform a final ritual in a house they once shared, the dead and the underworld haunt their lives and challenge their friendship. And when Steve's girlfriend is drawn in, a dark secret binding Bailey finally comes to light. Expertly written, *The Going Down* is not just a work of beautiful fiction but also a transformative work of magical dreaming. “The Going Down is more than a novel: it is a necromantic spell, a feat of psychic surgery performed on a civilization, a bold affirmation of a world that enchantment never lost. Not “magic realism,” but the magic of the real, in prose as clear as ice, the better to see the depths beneath.” —J.F. Martel, author of Reclaiming Art in the Age of Artifice and co-host of the Weird Studies podcast.

Welcome back to *No, Really: What Is to be Done?*, our deep-dive series on Lenin, Leninism, and the theory of the revolutionary party. You may be wondering when and if we're ever actually going to read WITBD itself, the actual text. Rest assured we will. For now, we're going to keep on psyching ourselves up with another one of the foundational documents of Leninism, one which feels grimly relevant right now: *Imperialism, the Highest Stage of Capitalism.* Find the text here: [https://www.marxists.org/archive/lenin/works/1916/imp-hsc/](https://www.marxists.org/archive/lenin/works/1916/imp-hsc/) Feel free to read as much as you like, but we'll focus on the **Preface and Chapters 1, 3, 6, 7 and 8. These are:** [I. CONCENTRATION OF PRODUCTION AND MONOPOLIES](https://www.marxists.org/archive/lenin/works/1916/imp-hsc/ch01.htm) [III. FINANCE CAPITAL AND THE FINANCIAL OLIGARCHY](https://www.marxists.org/archive/lenin/works/1916/imp-hsc/ch03.htm) [VI. DIVISION OF THE WORLD AMONG THE GREAT POWERS](https://www.marxists.org/archive/lenin/works/1916/imp-hsc/ch06.htm) [VII. IMPERIALISM AS A SPECIAL STAGE OF CAPITALISM](https://www.marxists.org/archive/lenin/works/1916/imp-hsc/ch07.htm) [VIII. PARASITISM AND DECAY OF CAPITALISM](https://www.marxists.org/archive/lenin/works/1916/imp-hsc/ch08.htm) It's often claimed that Lenin's identification of imperialism as capitalism's "highest stage" is a textbook example of Marxist hubris. How can capitalism have reached its highest stage in the year 1916, when Lenin was writing? Surely technofeudalism, or neocolonialism, or monopoly corporatism - take your pick - represents a higher stage? Without giving too much away, let's say this much, at least by way of starting a debate: the confronting truth is that capitalism did indeed reach its highest stage with the exact kind of monopolist, oligarchic, feudalistic (when *Imperialism* was published, literal crowned heads still ruled much of Europe by decree), militarised imperialism Lenin describes in this work. If that suggests that nothing has really changed in the 100+ years since, except perhaps to get worse, it's because nothing has. A century of "progress" and we haven't progressed at all. Still wage slaves, still debt peons, still cattle for a rapist ruling class. And it all still runs on the blood and oil of the Global South. So let's not kid ourselves: *Imperialism* is as relevant today as when it was written. Don't believe me? Join us and see for yourself! We'll discuss Lenin's framework of analysis, his concrete conclusions and strategic recommendations and break down whether we think these insights are applicable to our times in all their brutality. Take care and happy reading! \-\-\-\- A bit about the *NRWITBD* series: [Fade in] The year is 2026. Picture this: industrial-scale war on multiple continents. Cities in ruins, millions dead and millions more made refugees - starvation, disease, mutilations, deportations, pogroms, genocides, dispossessions. Across every land, a working class on its knees before an ever-shrinking class of oligarchs with an ever-growing pile of treasure, weapons and slaves - determined to pit brother against brother in endless wars for resources that can only end when the whole earth is a toxic wasteland. And what they call "peace" is not much better. This is the brutal present, a [Second Gilded Age,](https://fortune.com/article/gilded-age-coming-back-layoffs-pay-inequality-labor-unions-ceos-billionaires-worker-pay/) but we could travel back a hundred years and describe more or less the exact same scene. In the century since Lenin lived and walked the earth, less has changed than the eternal optimists - Panglossian techno-liberals like Steven Pinker and the other intellectuals of the Epstein class - would like us to think. Really, we're back where it all began in the *First* Gilded Age of the late 19th and early 20th century: on the outside looking in, asking the age-old question: what is to be done? Things are really getting quite bad. No, really - what is to be done!!? In our gatherings of late, we've been tinkering around the edges of a few answers. Prior Lenin readings as well as our exploration of the Yan'an Forum and our whistle-stop tour through the last twenty years of street protests with Vincent Bevins have given us some things to chew on. Now there's been a clamour from plenty of regulars, as well as a few newcomers, that we continue to pull at the vital thread that seems to be running through all our discussions and see where it might lead us: namely, the revolutionary theories of Lenin. This will be a series of readings running every other Thursday night in Whitechapel. With *No, Really: What is to be done?,* we'll be taking a deep dive into revolutionary Marxism with a read-through of texts like Lars Lih's *Lenin rediscovered: what is to be done? in Context,* non-standard biographies like Carter Ellwood's *Non-Geometric Lenin: Essays on the Development of the Bolshevik Party 1910-1914* as well as some articles, essays and discussion prompts which most readers likely won't have encountered before.

We will be at the Alternative Book Fair on Thursday 9th April to see the brilliant Natasha Brown speak on Creative Marketing for Books. Tickets are free and bookable from the Alternative Book Fair website, but there will be walk-in availability too. We'll then be going to the The Lamb pub next door for a social. Everyone is welcome! Here's what Natasha will be speaking on: In this special session for the Alternative Book Fair, Booker Prize-longlisted and Granta Best of British Young Novelists author Natasha Brown speaks about the creative marketing strategies behind her novel Universality. Moving beyond traditional publicity, Natasha developed a suite of unconventional, in-world promotional materials — including a fictional magazine, an investigation board, and bespoke social media and podcast assets — all created on a shoestring budget and without the use of AI!

*This event is supported by [languagecalendars.com](https://www.languagecalendars.com/)* Get **£5 off** their language calendars, posters & tees 👉 use code **HOLA5** or click this link: [https://www.languagecalendars.com/discount/HOLA5](https://www.languagecalendars.com/discount/HOLA5) **🌍 Connecting locals and internationals in London 🌍** Join us every Thursday evening in Tooting for the London Language Exchange, where over 20 people gather each week to practice new languages, share cultures, and make new friends. See pics of our previous events on our [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/babblelondon), and chat to other members who are coming via our [whatsapp group](https://languagexchanges.com/whatsapp/). **🙋 Who is this for?** All languages and levels are welcome, and we are inclusive of all ages, races, religions etc. Whether you're a polyglot, a beginner just starting with Duolingo Spanish, or you just want to come and socialise, you will be welcomed to our community of language learners and international friends. **🙌 What to Expect:** * **Language Practice:** Whether you’re fluent in Spanish, Italian, English, Arabic, Russian, Mandarin, or any other language, our hosts will help you connect with people who match your language interests. * **Friendly Hosts:** Our hosts will greet you at the entrance, give you a label where you can write the language(s) you speak and the ones you’d like to learn or practice. * **Inclusive Atmosphere:** We welcome all languages and levels, and make sure everyone feels comfortable—especially if you're coming alone! It’s a relaxed environment perfect for making new friends and practising languages at your own pace. * **Socialising:** Coming alone or with friends, this is a great opportunity to meet new people in the city. Unlike some other meetup ‘groups’, we do not fill our events with fake members, and you can check how many people attend each week and what languages were practised via our [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/babblelondon). **👋 How does it work?** * **Arrive!** No need to register, just come to our event any time between 7-9pm and our event host will welcome you. They will have an orange lanyard and will be sitting next to our sign. * **Write your ‘Language Label’.** Here you can write your name, the languages you are learning, and the languages you can help others with. * **Pay.** Our £1 event fee pays for our lovely event hosts and keeps the event going. Card only please. * **Get talking!** With the help of our host you will be able to find other people attending the event with compatible language interests - we are all very friendly and the majority of our attendees come alone, so there’s no need to worry about getting involved! **📌 Where are we?** We’re normally located on the rooftop of And Then 54a Tooting High St, London SW17 0RN, [Google Maps](https://share.google/MYN7eKkU4k8uFlRKO) However, always check the location on this meetup event and in our [WhatsApp Group](https://languagexchanges.com/whatsapp) just in case there is a change. **💡 Important Info:** Please disregard the attendee numbers shown on Meetup or Facebook. Because we meet at the same time and place every week, many regulars do not sign up beforehand, but we always have a great turnout, often exceeding 50 people. We also have many more participants who join through other platforms. **🔗 Connect With Us:** Stay updated by joining our WhatsApp and Facebook groups or following us on Instagram. You’ll get event updates and stay connected with the community! [https://linktr.ee/londonlanguageexchange](https://linktr.ee/londonlanguageexchange) **FAQ:** **Who is this for?** Anyone interested in languages, from complete beginners to fluent speakers! We welcome all levels and languages. **Do I need to sign up?** You don’t need to sign up, but feel free to join our WhatsApp group for updates and announcements. **Can I come alone?** Absolutely! Many people come solo, and it’s a great way to meet new friends in a relaxed environment. **How does the event work?** When you arrive, you’ll get a sticker to write your native language and the one(s) you’d like to practice. Our hosts will help you find people to chat with based on your preferences. **What if I don’t speak multiple languages?** No problem! Whether you’re fluent or just starting out with a new language, everyone is welcome. **More Questions?** Check out our [full FAQ here](https://languagexchanges.com/what-is-a-language-exchange/) **💛 WHAT THEY SAY** **🗣** “It's so great that people are very friendly and nice here. I practised my English speaking and listening.” - Gerome 🗣 “The language exchange events are a really great way not just to practise languages but also to meet new people in your area. I’ve made many local friends since I moved to the area” - Monika 🗣 “Everything was perfect. The host was so friendly and wonderful!” - Mojtaba 🗣 "It was a lovely language exchange, with lovely people. I practised so much German!" - Sara **About Languagexchanges:** We started in Leeds back in 2014 with the desire to provide a welcoming space that brings people together from all different walks of life, with a shared love of learning languages and culture. We now have communities across the UK including Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Leeds, London, Liverpool, Manchester, Newcastle, Sheffield and York - [see all our locations.](https://languagexchanges.com/product-category/events/) 👔 Interested in working with us? [https://languagexchanges.com/work-with-us/](https://languagexchanges.com/work-with-us/) ✍️ Feedback form: [https://languagexchanges.com/events-feedback](https://languagexchanges.com/events-feedback) 📩 Email: [info@languagexchanges.com](mailto:info@languagexchanges.com)

Hi everyone WELCOME TO LATIN KRAZY THURSDAYS MEETUP EVENT Now DOWNSTAIRS @ SWAY BAR , HOLBORN OUR MEETUP MEMBERS HAVE A BOOTH TABLE RESERVED EACH THURSDAY FROM 7PM WHERE YOU CAN MEETUP BEFORE AND AFTER CLASSES TO CHAT AND MAKE FRIENDS ! ( please bring photo ID for club entry ) FREE ENTRY TIL 9PM WE HAVE SALSA AND BACHATA CLASSES FOR JUST £7.00 1 CLASS OR £10.00 X 2 CLASSES A DISCOUNTED PRICE FOR MEMBERS THURSDAY NIGHT DANCE CLASSES TIMETABLE 6.00pm -7.30pm Private Salsa Dance Classes Available, Call 07801305059 to book ! 7.30pm – 8.30pm SALSA ROOM x 3 levels = Beginners / Improver and Intermediate BACHATA ROOM = x 2 levels = Beginners or Intermediate 8.30pm – 9.30pm SALSA ROOM = x 3 levels = Beginners 2 / Improver 2 and Intermediate Cali Style BACHATA ROOM x 2 levels = Beginners or intermediate Teachers SALSA = Sami , Karin ,Nadeem Bachata = Brandy and Aleks Come and buy your ticket on the night, no need for a partner, no need to have danced before. £10.00 1 hour /£12.00 2 hours ) £8.00 /10.00 students and NHS workers. ( must show I.D) INCLUDES CLUB NIGHT ! PLUS Club night to follow, hosted by Miss Latin K and TOP UK DJ Kevin Gato with Dj Mauro Cangri playing all the best in Salsa , Bachata, Merengue, Reggaeton and More Plus Bachata from Dominican Republic in our very own Bachata Room with Dj De La Cruz It's a party night every week.. Latin Krazy the hottest night in the UK. Dress Code Smart casual , no baseball caps, LOOK OUT FOR THE SHOWS, COMPETITIONS AND MORE UK'S NO 1 SALSA / LATIN NIGHT. Salsa dancing in London UK.

¡Bienvenidos! Welcome! *Etc Etcetera es un intercambio de conversación totalmente gratis, donde puedes practicar inglés y español con hablantes nativos, y conocer unos amigos nuevos.* **Come and join us at ‘Etc Etcétera’ this coming week, our Spanish/English language and culture exchange based here in Peckham. We are a group of mixed english and spanish speakers that meets at 7.30pm every other Thursday - feel free to show up whenever you can make it through the evening.** \*\*\* This has always been, and remains, a pretty relaxed, free-flowing intercambio - absolutely no pressure, so the plan is just take things at your own pace and get chatting to the person nearest to you. A basic grasp of your second language (si sea Español o Ingles) is strongly recommended.. The guys are all absolutely lovely and super welcoming, we have new people every week alongside the growing squad that are now fast becoming our regulars, our family and our friends. We will be there, sharing stories and ideas over the course of the evening, collecting some new friends, and making plenty of grammatical errors along the way. \*\*\* Absolute everybody is welcome – this is an open, LGBTQIA+ safe, and inclusive space. Come alone, or bring some friends – you’ll always be welcomed with open arms and a smile. **Our goals at Etc Etcétera:** 1. Build new connections across the thriving Latin American and Spanish-speaking community here in South East London 2. Improve your language abilities, whether you’re working on your Spanish or looking to perfect your English 3. Make new friends and build up a network of like-minded people interested in Latin and Spanish culture, right here in Peckham 4. Support local businesses in the surrounding area \*\*\* **Food and drink:** **We typically meet from 7.30 at Kruk Restaurant in their front garden (they have heaters) - they have arranged a massive discount on drinks (3.50 pints, yeeees) and on food in their new restaurant all night.** Occasionally we move location once we get going, depending on the vibe; so just join the whatsapp group for updates, other plans and to stay in touch with new squad you’ve met at an intercambio: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/JkZKW9V8cvz1XaX1mSt8ag](https://chat.whatsapp.com/JkZKW9V8cvz1XaX1mSt8ag) request to join here). **Transport / getting here:** By Train: Peckham Rye Station is right round the corner, serving London Bridge, Blackfriars, Clapham Junction and Overground Services. Also, multiple bus routes stop right outside the station. They run until late! \*\*\* Really looking forward to seeing you there! RSVP to let us know you’ll be coming and join the WhatsApp group for more updates and to join the community We’re normally there for a few hours so come and go as you please

**One quick note on how the community works** **L Community is member-funded.** The standard contribution is **£13 per month** to cover the platform, events, moderation, and safeguarding. If £13 isn’t workable for you right now, you can opt out for now. Support can be changed or cancelled at any time. Support the platform: [www.thelcommunity.com/back-us-now](http://www.thelcommunity.com/back-us-now) **What this is** A relaxed Sunday afternoon book club for lesbian and bisexual women, meeting in person. This is our first event and we will discuss which book we plan to read. It’s low-pressure, calm, and easy to settle into the event. Women usually range from their 20s through to their 60s. Most sessions are a genuine mix of new faces and returning women, so you won’t be the only person coming for the first time. Most people come on their own. That’s normal here, and we make sure you don’t feel it. Hosts introduce people, keep things flowing, and make the space feel easy rather than awkward. If you’re feeling nervous, you won’t be the only one. Many women feel that way before their first book club and end up staying longer than they expected. **Important** This is a female-only lesbian space. That boundary is clear and upheld at events. If that doesn’t work for you, this won’t be the right event. **How to attend** You must register in advance to attend. Register here: [www.thelcommunity.com/book-club/](https://thelcommunity.com/book-club/) **Arriving and support** The table booking is under the name Jenny. If you’re nervous, arriving alone, can’t find us, or have any difficulty at all, you can message at any point – days before, on the day, or during the event. If it helps, we can have someone come outside to meet you. **WhatsApp Jenny** WhatsApp only (calls or messages): **+44 7591 386019** Normal calls or texts will not go through on this number. **Staying connected** Registering for an event is separate from joining the wider community. If you’d like to stay connected between events, access the private WhatsApp group, and join the wider network, you can register here: [www.thelcommunity.com/register](http://www.thelcommunity.com/register)

This month, we're reading The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry — a timeless classic first published in 1943 that continues to captivate readers of all ages. At first glance, it's a simple tale: a stranded pilot in the desert meets a mysterious young prince who has traveled from a tiny asteroid. But as the Little Prince recounts his journeys to ditterent planets, the story unfolds into a profound meditation on love, loss, loneliness, friendship, and what truly matters in life. We are meeting on the 11th of April at 2 p.m. to discuss it. English pdf : https://blogs.ubc.ca/edcp508/files/2016/02/TheLittlePrince.pdf English hard copy : https://www.google.com/aclk?sa=L&ai=DChsSEwjYrKCA0eaSAxXtlFAGHYqoIRYYACICCAEQFRoCZGc&co=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAhtvMBhDBARIsAL26pjHG-Ux-ABSpcSWUAnzF0CEZzD1x5aip-AASlorEmxGd9pPosXLBeaEaAoj5EALw_wcB&sph=&cid=CAASJeRo1RfljFGkVMfgeduMBtdNSysXyN5iHxeiNf0sdNchxZCWzAU&cce=1&sig=AOD64_0Pe-mKdp7EB3PMMUhSSt48WmAcDA&ctype=70&q=&ved=2ahUKEwiw9pqA0eaSAxXWQUEAHdVOC4YQwg8oAHoECA0QEw&nis=8&ch=1&adurl= Arabic hard copy :https://www.google.com/aclk?sa=L&ai=DChsSEwiOnejs0eaSAxVyl1AGHXB2MPYYACICCAEQBBoCZGc&co=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAhtvMBhDBARIsAL26pjH4x2tN3JSWiLgOKxmiiXjSkGHNdau50i5CZ3grkl-JFfQj1-KhhxIaAhhcEALw_wcB&cce=1&sig=AOD64_1IKvySfya2iAdKQ3syeYpcOr1tgg&cty Arabic Pdf : https://www.bookleaks.com/files/ketab/ketab2/924.pdf Interesting podcast about the book and its author: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/w3csyx46?partner=uk.co.bbc&origin=share-mobile

**£10 CASH FOR YOGA / £10 CASH FOR BOOK CLUB - payable on the door** **Bitcoin discount [HERE](https://btcpay.btc.aw/apps/rvvVwGSSSiJ7UgtzjmBdxy1Uq6a/pos "https://btcpay.btc.aw/apps/rvvVwGSSSiJ7UgtzjmBdxy1Uq6a/pos")** Join Storm and Annie V for another mind/body session at Cyphermunk House. Yoga starts at 11am - please bring your own mat. Munk Brunch follows at Ana's Deli from 12pm. Book club starts at 1:30pm. Promotional activities related to altcoins not permitted. No unsolicited photograhy. Peace and love.

**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. . . .

Let's bedazzle some books while we discuss our April pick: Bloodguard by Cecy Robson! Book description: One hundred years. Tens of thousands of gladiators. And today, only one will rise… Everything in the Kingdom of Arrow is a lie. Leith of Grey thought coming to this new land and volunteering to fight in the gladiator arena—vicious, bloodthirsty tournaments where only the strongest survive—would earn him enough gold to save his dying sister. He thought there was nothing left to lose. He was wrong—and they took everything. His hope. His freedom. His very humanity. All Leith has left is his battle-scarred body, fueled by rage and hardened from years of fighting for the right to live another day. Then Leith meets Maeve, an elven royal who is everything he despises. Everything he should hate. Until the alluring princess offers him the one thing he needs most: a chance to win the coveted title of Bloodguard—and his freedom. But in a kingdom built on secrets and lies, hope doesn’t come cheap. Nor will his ultimate revenge… Event: Please bring your own book, journal, bookmarks, etc to bedazzle. If you have bedazzling supplies, please bring them as well. I will supply gems, glue, and picker tools, but if you have certain colors in mind, you may want to bring your own.

* Second ever book club! April meet up. All are welcome. * The book will be Play Nice by Rachel Harrison (determined by votes from March Book Club. Let me know if you’d like a free digital copy of the book) * This event will be at the main library, meeting room 1B, the location will not be changed for this event due to the number of people attending, we will just add more chairs if needed! * Feel free to come whether or not you’ve started or finished the book ◡̈ * Small snacks will be provided. You’re welcome to bring your own snacks & drinks too! Starting in June I will try to keep future book clubs at the Dublin Library. Now that I understand their reservation system, I will be on top of it with booking that location as soon as the date is released for the month. Thanks for your understanding with the varying locations in the meantime.

Join us for our April Book Club gathering where we will come together to discuss *[Stop Me if You've Heard This One](https://www.kristenarnettwriter.com/stopmeifyouveheardthisone)* by [Kristen Arnett](https://www.kristenarnettwriter.com/about) in a safe and welcoming environment. Make new friends who share your passion for books and connect with fellow LGBTQ book enthusiasts.

This month we’ll be reading Assassin’s Apprentice by Robin Hobb. Feel free to come even if you don’t finish the book!

We’ll be having a game night! Bring a game, snack, drink or just yourself!