Book Club

[Profs and Pints DC](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“Goddess of Spring and the Underworld,”** an introduction to the Greek goddess Persephone in her many incarnations, with Brittany Warman, former instructor at Ohio State University and co-founder of the Carterhaugh School of Folklore and the Fantastic. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/spring-and-underworld](https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/spring-and-underworld) .] Join Brittany Warman, who has earned a huge following among Profs and Pints fans by delivering fantastic talks on folklore, myths, legends, and fantasy, for the perfect event for the season: a look at the spring goddess Persephone and the many ways in which she has inspired the human imagination. The story of Hades and Persephone is one of the most famous—and most retold—episodes in Greek mythology. Persephone’s abduction, her interlude in the Underworld, and her partial return to the world above have inspired statues and webcomics, ancient cults and contemporary poetry. Thousands of years after her tale was first told, we’re still fascinated by this goddess. Brittany will discuss how Persephone’s appeal lies in her liminality in being caught between two very different worlds and lives. She represents spring, renewal, and rebirth because Earth blooms with her return, but she’s also the Queen of the Underworld. From a 21st-century perspective, she’s basically a goth girl adorned with a flower crown. We’ll also look at Persephone’s mythic roots, including their connections to the Eleusinian Mysteries. And then we’ll dive into some of the ways that Persephone has been revised and retold in recent years, from the Tony award-winning musical *Hadestown* to the webcomic *Lore Olympus* to memes and fairy tales and fashion. After all, why be just one thing when you can be the queen of both spring and darkness? (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. Talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: From “Proserpine” (Persephone) painted by Dante Gabriel Rossetti in 1882. (Birmingham Museums Trust / Wikimedia Commons.)

Join us for an exciting evening of fun, laughter, and learning at our Indoor Pickleball Play & Learn event! No experience? No problem! Whether you've never picked up a paddle or you're just looking to have a blast, this event is for you. All you need is a pair of non-marking sneakers (to keep the courts and your knees in tip-top shape) and a spirit ready for some social fun. If you have paddles, feel free to bring them along. Event schedule: **30-minute Introduction:** Get checked in to the facilty, learn the basics of pickleball and get ready to play! **1 Hour of Court Time:** Get on the court with 6 players per court - 4 will play while 2 observe, learn & rotate in every few minutes. **30-Minute Decompress & Social Time:** Wind down at the onsite restaurant & bar, where you can refuel, hydrate, and be social! This is all about having a good time, making friends, and enjoying the game. So come prepared to laugh, learn, and maybe even discover your new favorite sport! Don't miss the chance to dive into the world of pickleball - bring your friends or come solo - everyone is welcome! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out. We can't wait to see you there! We'll reconfirm RSVP's again before the event to avoid no-shows and allow those on the waitlist an opportunity to join. **WAITLIST:** Meetup does not allow a waitlist for paid events. If this event fills and you are interested in adding your name to the waitlist, please send host a message through the app. We look forward to a fantastic night filled with strategy, skill and socializing!

📚 Do you love reading, but wish you had a structure and a community to share your insights with? Join our small circle of curious minds (just 4 members per gathering) as we come together for an hour of focused reading—in the calm setting of a library or the cozy atmosphere of a café. Here’s how it works: First part: Quiet reading on your own—bring a book you’re exploring, whether it’s philosophy, history, psychology, literature, or anything meaningful to you. Second part: We regroup and each person shares key takeaways, insights, or questions sparked by their reading. This sparks a structured yet free-flowing conversation around ideas, perspectives, and personal reflections. Why join? Add structure to your reading habit. Discover new books, authors, and ideas through others’ choices. Build real connections by sharing and listening deeply. Socialize around something meaningful instead of small talk.

Calling all Crew Members! 🚢 BBaddies On A Track! We will be meeting at 6am to hit the track. We will do a warm up and then a few drills and sprints on the track! We will also have fun and be in community!

Bonjour! Are you missing your French? Have you been wanting to practice your French in a day-to-day setting? Join the Alliance Française Library during our IN-PERSON Salon de Conversation every 2nd Tuesday of the month to practice your French in a fun and informal setting. This event is for all levels of French speakers. Please note that we will be meeting in-person in the Alliance Française Library at 5:30 PM.

EVERY TUESDAY @ 6:30 PM at Dudley's Sport and Ale! We're a FREE club for all those interested in both running and socializing. The SRC meets every Tuesday at 6:30 PM at Dudley's Sport and Ale in the Shirlington Village, in the back corner towards the outdoor patio, near the Shirlington Animal Hospital. The SRC was founded in 2009 by VA residents Mirentxu Meyer and Shirley Santos, for like-minded people with social interests. Inspired by our founders, the goals of SRC are to promote fitness and build a sense of community. With currently over 2,800 people who've joined over the years, the SRC meets every Tuesday evening at 6:30 PM at Dudley's Sport and Ale to run a 5K summer route (6K in the winter), and hosts a post-run happy hour by savoring the flavors of Shirlington’s Dudley's Sport and Ale and socializing! In addition to fostering a community and family feel, SRC brings its members together throughout the year with other neighborhood events, sport activities, and volunteer opportunities. We welcome all levels of runners, from the beginners to the experienced marathoner, at all ages, and from all locations. What a better way to get a work out in and meet new people with like interests in the area! The SRC hopes to see you this Tuesday night, rain or shine! For more information please visit our FB page at [Shirlington Running Club \(The SRC\) \| Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/groups/81217012155). And check out here for our Spring/Summer/Fall and Winter routes: [Run Routes Photos (meetup.com)](https://www.meetup.com/meetup-group-kgwsbcbj/photos/33093848/)! In terms of parking there’s a parking lot behind Dudley’s, and even if that fills up there's a number of parking garages in Shirlington - [ShirlingtonDirectory_0721 (villageatshirlington.com)](https://villageatshirlington.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/ShirlingtonDirectory_0721.pdf). Also, Also, if you look at 2774 S. Quincy St. on [Google Maps](https://goo.gl/maps/ohBvhwewsTzZVQi97), there is a parking deck with spots open on the top level which is accessible from S. Quincy St.

Weekly Bible study currently reading through the Gospel of Luke. We meet at Teaism in Penn Quarter. You can find us in the downstairs seating area!

[Profs and Pints Northern Virginia](https://www.profsandpints.com/washingtondc) presents: **“Goddess of Spring and the Underworld,”** an introduction to the Greek goddess Persephone in her many incarnations, with Brittany Warman, former instructor at Ohio State University and co-founder of the Carterhaugh School of Folklore and the Fantastic. [Advance tickets: $13.50 plus sales tax and processing fees. Available at [https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-persephone](https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/profsandpints/nv-persephone) .] Join Brittany Warman, who has earned a huge following among Profs and Pints fans by delivering fantastic talks on folklore, myths, legends, and fantasy, for the perfect event for the season: a look at the spring goddess Persephone and the many ways in which she has inspired the human imagination. The story of Hades and Persephone is one of the most famous—and most retold—episodes in Greek mythology. Persephone’s abduction, her interlude in the Underworld, and her partial return to the world above have inspired statues and webcomics, ancient cults and contemporary poetry. Thousands of years after her tale was first told, we’re still fascinated by this goddess. Brittany will discuss how Persephone’s appeal lies in her liminality in being caught between two very different worlds and lives. She represents spring, renewal, and rebirth because Earth blooms with her return, but she’s also the Queen of the Underworld. From a 21st-century perspective, she’s basically a goth girl adorned with a flower crown. We’ll also look at Persephone’s mythic roots, including their connections to the Eleusinian Mysteries. And then we’ll dive into some of the ways that Persephone has been revised and retold in recent years, from the Tony award-winning musical *Hadestown* to the webcomic *Lore Olympus* to memes and fairy tales and fashion. After all, why be just one thing when you can be the queen of both spring and darkness? (Doors: $17, or $15 with a student ID. Listed time is for doors. Talk starts 30 minutes later.) Image: From “Proserpine” (Persephone) painted by Dante Gabriel Rossetti in 1882. (Birmingham Museums Trust / Wikimedia Commons.)

**\*\* NOTE--We are meeting 1 hour earlier than usual because of room availability. We will start at noon instead of 1 pm. \*\*** **Life** Charles Louis de Secondat, baron de Montesquieu, was born in 1689 near Bordeaux, France to a noble and wealthy family. He trained as a lawyer at the University of Bordeaux. Through marriage and inheritance of a position in the Parlement of Bordeaux, he was financially secure before 30 and had time to read and write, in addition to his duties at Parlement. His first successful book was *Persian Letters*, an epistolary novel published anonymously in 1721 that satirizes French society from the point of view of two wealthy Persians. He then sought to turn his literary success into social success at court, salons, and the French Academy. In 1728, he took the grand tour; over the course of several years, he visited Vienna, Hungary, Venice, Florence, Rome, and England, where he became a fellow of the Royal Society. His next major work, published in 1734, was *Considerations on the Causes of Romans’ Greatness and Decline*. In 1748, he published his most famous work, one that he claims took him twenty years and that was to greatly influence the American Founders: the *Spirit of the Laws*. He died in 1755. **Themes** The influence of the *Spirit of the Laws* on the Founding generation that crafted the U.S. Constitution has secured for Montesquieu enduring relevance for those who want to understand the Founding Era and the Constitution. In this sprawling work, Montesquieu divides the types of government into republics, monarchies, and despotisms, each of which has its animating principle (virtue, honor, and fear). This contrasts with Aristotle’s categorization of polity, aristocracy, and monarchy, each of which has a corrupted form, democracy, oligarchy, and tyranny, respectively. Montesquieu argued that liberty can be best protected by the separation of the legislative, executive, and judicial powers, which finds expression in the three branches of the U.S. government. Among many other notable ideas in this work, he argued that laws should be crafted to accord with a people’s religion, climate, habits, wealth, and other social and economic factors. Against earlier natural law theorists, such as Grotius and Pufendorf, he argued that war did not justify slavery. In the prior century, Pascal had made a name for himself in taking on the Jesuits in his *Provincial Letters*. Several decades later in *Persian Letters*, Montesquieu used a similar rhetorical setup to satirize Parisan and French life, including religion, social practices, and the monarchy of Louis XIV from the perspective of two Persian travelers, Uzbek and Rica. The Letters show Montesquieu’s willingness to at least somewhat relativize European practices, if only to make points consistent with his own social and political class. In the *Considerations*, Montesquieu takes up a theme that would later make Edward Gibbon famous. One of his arguments in this work is that the maxims that made Rome an empire out of a republic were inadequate to keep the empire. He also argued that chance doesn’t rule events; there are underlying causes that can be discovered. **Reading** Our reading for this month is *[Montesquieu: Selected Political Writings](https://www.amazon.com/Montesquieu-Selected-Political-Writings-Classics/dp/0872200906/)*, about 242 pages. The book includes short selections from the *Letters* (the stories of the Troglodytes and Uzbek’s management of his seraglio) and *Considerations* and substantial selections from the *Spirit of the Laws* touching on principles of the three governments, political liberty, the relationship between laws and climate, slavery, and other topics. Please also read the introduction. **Optional** * [Baron de Montesquieu, Charles-Louis de Secondat](https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/montesquieu/) in the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy * [Montesquieu](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Montesquieu), Britannica * [Montesquieu and the Separation of Powers](https://oll.libertyfund.org/pages/montesquieu-and-the-separation-of-powers), the Online Library of Liberty

This meeting will be dedicated to talking about three Novellas: “Chronicle of a Death Foretold” by Gabriel García Márquez “By Night in Chile” by Roberto Bolaño “The Invention of Morel” by Adolfo Casares We will be meeting in the National Portrait Gallery Atrium. To stay up to date with events and discuss meetings or books, you can join our Whatsapp group. Please message me to get added.

Join the Bitcoin District Book Club! We meet every month to explore new and exciting rabbit holes by reading books that are popular with bitcoiners. Join us for a deep dive into End Times: Elites, Counter-Elites, and the Path of Political Disintegration by Peter Turchin. In this thought-provoking session, we’ll explore the structural forces that have historically led to societal instability—and why Turchin believes we are entering such a period today. Drawing on his work in “cliodynamics” (the quantitative study of history), Turchin examines cycles of rising inequality, elite overproduction, and political fragmentation. We’ll discuss how internal competition among elites and growing public discontent have repeatedly destabilized societies—from ancient Rome to modern America—and what this might mean for the decades ahead. For those interested in macro trends, power structures, and long-term societal patterns, this book offers a compelling framework for understanding today’s increasingly chaotic world. Buy the book on [Amazon](https://a.co/d/097mab73) **Event Notes:** * Discussion Starters: We’ll kick things off with a few key questions around elite dynamics and societal cycles, but feel free to bring your own perspectives. * Future Reads: Let us know if you have recommendations for future book club selections! We’ll add them to the list posted on our website. * Afterwards: Feel free to join us at Pubkey after the meeting to hang out, continue the conversation, and grab some food! **Getting There:** * 🔴🟢🟡 Gallery Place/Chinatown + 2 min walk * Parking: Street & garage parking available nearby

Join us on the Spirit of Washington for their Signature Bottomless Mimosa Brunch Cruise! Let's set sail and relax! **About the Cruise:** "Set sail for a memorable experience on the Potomac River with a Washington, DC Signature Bottomless Mimosa Brunch Cruise that is as scenic as it is delicious! You'll savor a chef-prepared buffet and bottomless mimosas while staying cozy and warm in our comfortable indoor areas. Marvel at unparalleled views of Washington, DC's iconic landmarks, such as the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial from inside or enjoy fresh breezes on the open-air decks. This fun-filled dining experience for all ages is complete with lively DJ entertainment, dancing, games, and a fully stocked cash bar. Elevate your weekend plans with a one-of-a-kind brunch cruise on the water!" **What to Expect:** * 2 Hour Cruise * Brunch Buffet * Unlimited mimosas * Live DJ entertainment * Scenic Potomac River views * Lively Book Discussions and Activities * Dress code: Casual Attire **How to Attend:** **Cost: $107 per person** ***Payment is due at the time of registration in full, NON-REFUNDABLE.*** Space available for 20 members. Must have at least 10 members for event to occur. **Meeting Location:** Pier 4 580 Water Street SW Boarding Time: 10:30am Cruising Time: 11:30am-1:30pm Parking is located at The Wharf Parking Garage This is an excellent opportunity to dance, relax, and eat with good company! Great views of the monuments, free-flowing champagne, mimosas and sparkling cider, freshly prepared entrees, salads, and desserts, Unlimited coffee, hot tea, iced tea and water- all with your book girlfriends! Join us for a fun-filled time!

💓 **Online Speed Dating Built for First Timers – Real Connections, Zero Pressure!** **🔴 MUST READ: RSVP Alone Won't Get You In!** To attend, you must: (1) Click your age group link below, (2) Complete registration, and (3) Finish the personality quiz. Limited spots available – register now before they're gone! **📋 Choose Your Age Range Below to Register:** - **Ages 18-32** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=430.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Toledo&groupurlname=network-for-active-local-singles-dating&ar=18-32&face_v=1.0) - **Ages 30-46** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=430.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Toledo&groupurlname=network-for-active-local-singles-dating&ar=30-46&face_v=1.0) - **Ages 40-58** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=430.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Toledo&groupurlname=network-for-active-local-singles-dating&ar=40-58&face_v=1.0) - **Ages 55+** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=430.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Toledo&groupurlname=network-for-active-local-singles-dating&ar=55+&face_v=1.0) --- 🤝 Tired of swiping with no results? Try real conversations instead! Online speed dating removes all the awkward parts of traditional dating. A friendly host guides you through each round, so all you have to do is show up and be yourself. 🎯 **Perfect for:** - Introverts who shine in one-on-one conversations - First-time speed daters seeking a welcoming, easy experience - First-timers who want to date without the pressure of face-to-face meetings - Busy professionals who value their time and comfort **How It Works** 1. **Sign Up** – Click the registration link for your age bracket above. 2. **Finish the Short Personality Assessment** – This helps us optimise your matches for the evening. 3. **Connect on Zoom** – No setup needed. Just click the link and you're in! 4. **Meet Your Matches** – Rotate through fun one-on-one rounds with Toledo singles who share your vibe. 5. **Discover Your Matches** – We'll notify you of any mutual interest after the event. The rest is up to you! **Event Details** - **Format:** Hosted live on Zoom – guided, fun, and stress-free - **Location:** No venue needed – just a comfy seat and a good internet connection - **Host:** Your personal guide through the evening – friendly, encouraging, and fun - **Vibe:** Light-hearted, easy-going speed dates with open-minded Toledo singles - **Accessibility:** Join from any device – laptop, tablet, or phone - **Duration:** About 60–90 minutes of structured, fun conversations **Frequently Asked Questions** **How long are the conversations?** Each round is a few minutes – long enough to feel a connection, short enough to keep things exciting! **What happens after the event?** We reveal mutual matches after the event. If you both liked each other, we help you connect! --- ✨ The hardest part is clicking register. After that, we make everything easy. See you there! 💘 ✨

**💖 Speed Dating on Zoom – Personality Matched for Columbus Locals** For this online speed dating version, the host and the people in the room matter as much as the agenda. The experience is designed to feel guided, welcoming, and social. Ditch the apps. Meet Columbus singles face-to-face on Zoom tonight. Quick, hosted rounds on Zoom with Columbus singles paired to your age group and personality. No awkward pauses — just natural conversation. **Register under your age group:** - **Ages 18-32** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=430.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Columbus&groupurlname=club-leading-local-singles-speed-dating&ar=18-32&face_v=2.0) - **Ages 30-46** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=430.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Columbus&groupurlname=club-leading-local-singles-speed-dating&ar=30-46&face_v=2.0) - **Ages 40-58** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=430.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Columbus&groupurlname=club-leading-local-singles-speed-dating&ar=40-58&face_v=2.0) **⚠️ Heads up — RSVPing here isn't enough.** Register through your age group link below and complete the quiz. Capacity is limited. --- 🎯 **Especially useful for:** - Anyone curious about speed dating in a relaxed setting - ⚡ Columbus locals after personality-matched dates - People fed up with swiping who want actual conversation 📌 **What to know** - **Format:** Zoom video session – short timed rounds - **Location:** From home – all you need is Wi-Fi and a webcam - **Host:** Live host handling rounds and introductions 🔄 **What to expect** 1. **Pick your age group** – Register through your link above. 2. **Take the personality quiz** – We use it to pair you with compatible Columbus singles. 3. **Hop on Zoom** – Join the call and your host will walk you through it. 4. **Meet your matches** – Cycle through short chats with compatible Columbus singles. 💡 **Tip:** Check your Zoom setup and pick a quiet, well-lit spot ahead of time. ⭐ *"10/10. The host was fantastic and I actually had fun on the dates."* – Columbus first-timer --- ✨ Register, take the quiz, and connect with Columbus locals tonight. ✨ ✨ Short-form version for faster scanning. Everything important, without the extra padding. 🤝 **Community angle** - The atmosphere is guided, social, and easy to join - The community matters as much as the session itself - Repeat attendees help create familiarity and momentum The long-term goal is a room people want to come back to, not a one-off event people forget about.

**💝 Cleveland Zoom Speed Dating – Personality & Age Matched** This online speed dating event is built around a host who sets the tone, keeps things easy, and helps people feel comfortable from the first minute. Meet Cleveland singles from home. We sort the matching, you just turn up. It's simple: complete a short personality quiz, jump on Zoom, and meet Cleveland singles in guided one-on-one rounds. Matches shared afterwards. **Pick your age group and sign up:** - 💡 **Ages 18-32** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=430.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Cleveland&groupurlname=club-leading-local-singles-speed-dating&ar=18-32&face_v=2.0) - **Ages 30-46** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=430.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Cleveland&groupurlname=club-leading-local-singles-speed-dating&ar=30-46&face_v=2.0) - **Ages 40-58** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=430.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Cleveland&groupurlname=club-leading-local-singles-speed-dating&ar=40-58&face_v=2.0) **⚠️ RSVP alone won't secure your spot.** You need to register through your age group link below and complete the personality quiz. Places are limited. --- 🎯 **Especially useful for:** - Singles who prefer a hosted, structured experience - Singles in Cleveland who want to meet people from home - 🔥 Anyone curious about speed dating in a relaxed setting 📌 **What to know** - 🔥 **Format:** Virtual on Zoom – hosted and well-structured - **Location:** Your space – couch, desk, wherever suits you - 🎯 **Host:** Experienced host steering the session 🔄 **What to expect** 1. **Register** – Select your age group above and sign up. 2. **Take the personality quiz** – We use it to pair you with compatible Cleveland singles. 3. **Hop on Zoom** – Join the call and your host will walk you through it. 4. **Speed date** – One-on-one rounds with personality-matched Cleveland locals. **Frequently Asked Questions** **What if I'm shy?** The virtual setting and hosted rounds keep things comfortable for everyone. **What's the personality quiz for?** **How long are the chats?** --- ✨ Real people, real conversations — all from your home. 🥰 ✨ Lean version: fewer words, same core offer. Everything important, without the extra padding. 🤝 **Community angle** - Repeat attendees help create familiarity and momentum - The structure is designed to help people settle in quickly - The atmosphere is guided, social, and easy to join That community angle is deliberate: better conversations, more familiar faces, and stronger momentum over time.

💓 **Online Speed Dating Built for First Timers – Real Connections, Zero Pressure!** **🔴 MUST READ: RSVP Alone Won't Get You In!** To attend, you must: (1) Click your age group link below, (2) Complete registration, and (3) Finish the personality quiz. Limited spots available – register now before they're gone! **📋 Choose Your Age Range Below to Register:** - **Ages 18-32** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=430.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Indianapolis&groupurlname=club-leading-local-singles-speed-dating&ar=18-32&face_v=2.0) - **Ages 30-46** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=430.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Indianapolis&groupurlname=club-leading-local-singles-speed-dating&ar=30-46&face_v=2.0) - **Ages 40-58** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=430.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Indianapolis&groupurlname=club-leading-local-singles-speed-dating&ar=40-58&face_v=2.0) - **Ages 55+** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=430.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Indianapolis&groupurlname=club-leading-local-singles-speed-dating&ar=55+&face_v=2.0) --- 🤝 Tired of swiping with no results? Try real conversations instead! Online speed dating removes all the awkward parts of traditional dating. A friendly host guides you through each round, so all you have to do is show up and be yourself. 🎯 **Perfect for:** - Introverts who shine in one-on-one conversations - First-time speed daters seeking a welcoming, easy experience - First-timers who want to date without the pressure of face-to-face meetings - Busy professionals who value their time and comfort **How It Works** 1. **Sign Up** – Click the registration link for your age bracket above. 2. **Finish the Short Personality Assessment** – This helps us optimise your matches for the evening. 3. **Connect on Zoom** – No setup needed. Just click the link and you're in! 4. **Meet Your Matches** – Rotate through fun one-on-one rounds with Indianapolis singles who share your vibe. 5. **Discover Your Matches** – We'll notify you of any mutual interest after the event. The rest is up to you! **Event Details** - **Format:** Hosted live on Zoom – guided, fun, and stress-free - **Location:** No venue needed – just a comfy seat and a good internet connection - **Host:** Your personal guide through the evening – friendly, encouraging, and fun - **Vibe:** Light-hearted, easy-going speed dates with open-minded Indianapolis singles - **Accessibility:** Join from any device – laptop, tablet, or phone - **Duration:** About 60–90 minutes of structured, fun conversations **Frequently Asked Questions** **How long are the conversations?** Each round is a few minutes – long enough to feel a connection, short enough to keep things exciting! **What happens after the event?** We reveal mutual matches after the event. If you both liked each other, we help you connect! --- ✨ The hardest part is clicking register. After that, we make everything easy. See you there! 💘 ✨

**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. . . .

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! 📖

Welcome, readers! Our May read is **_Kindred_ by Octavia E. Butler.** The story follows Dana, a Black woman living in 1976 California, who is suddenly pulled back to a Maryland plantation before the Civil War. She learns her survival is tied to a white slaveholder’s son. Forced to move between centuries, she must endure the brutal realities of slavery while fighting to hold on to her identity. Tense, intimate, and unforgettable, Kindred explores how the past refuses to stay buried. 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! 📖