Britpop

A dark stand-up work-in-progress English comedy hour about Sofia May's experience as a former assistant of Buddhist cult leader A dark stand-up work-in-progress comedy hour about Sofia May's experience as a former member of a Buddhist cult's inner circle, working as the assistant of a very chic, diabolical, female cult leader. After living the life of a religious Buddhist zealot in a secluded community deep into the Colorado Rocky Mountains for years, Sofia hit the road and blew the whistle. It isn't a famous cult yet, but through exposés, podcasts and general trash-talking, it will be in a year. What's more, now a self-proclaimed "Buddhaphobe", she intends to ruin your relationship with Buddhism too. [Tickets](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-buddha-wears-prada-tickets-1989158516670?aff=oddtdtcreator) This show will debut at the 2026 Edinburgh Fringe festival. Come watch it take shape. Venue: Hier Wo Du Strahlst ([Rosa-Luxemburg-Straße 20, 10178 Berlin](https://www.google.com/maps/place//data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x47a84f3fda4f0415:0xe3d4dff6f5d57bf1?sa=X&ved=1t:8290&ictx=111 "https://www.google.com/maps/place//data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x47a84f3fda4f0415:0xe3d4dff6f5d57bf1?sa=X&ved=1t:8290&ictx=111")) Doors: 19:00 Showtime: 20:00 - 21:00 [Tickets](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-buddha-wears-prada-tickets-1989158516670?aff=oddtdtcreator) PAY WHAT YOU CAN About Sofia May: Sofia May was born and raised in New York City on Ren and Stimpy and bad boundaries. Her comedy style is dark and whimsical. People often say, “She’s so innocent! Just like O.J. Simpson!”.She has performed all over Europe, in London, NYC, SF, and the Edinburgh Fringe the last 3 years. She performs on a nightly basis in Berlin and produces the weekly show Stand-up at The Shine. And she really did spend 7 years in Buddhist cult in off the grid in Colorado in the inner circle as the leader's assistant. [Tickets](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-buddha-wears-prada-tickets-1989158516670?aff=oddtdtcreator) Awards: Best Performer at the Edinburgh Fringe - Fringe Europe Shortlisted Nominee For Best Newcomer - British Comedy Guide's Comedian Choice Awards Reviews:"– and Sofia May, whose charming stage presence suggests the most potential." — The Guardian" She gives off the vibe that she’d give you a hug if you needed it, and while delivering said hug, stick a sign on your back that says a whole bunch of slurs." —European Comedy Review "Sofia May delivers a masterclass in pitch-black comedy." — The Nerd Party"A Stand-out Stand-up" — One4Review [Tickets](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-buddha-wears-prada-tickets-1989158516670?aff=oddtdtcreator)

Do you want to write creatively but don't know where to start or how to keep yourself motivated to finish a piece? Join me for a four-week series to learn skills to improve your writing. Each week, I'll introduce you to a different aspect of craft, and you'll have opportunities to practice what you learn in easy-to-follow exercises. You'll have pieces of writing to take home after each session. Bring something to write on and write with. Some writing materials will be provided. **One: Point of View** **Two: Character** **Three: Setting (Time and Place)** **Four: Shaping Your Work** **Five: Write, Write, and Write Again (Editing)** This series is designed as a full course. It's strongly suggested that you attend all classes so you can get the most out of it. The course is structured in a way that you can also drop in for a single session. **Note: this series is a paid course at 90Mil Art School in Berlin. Book here [Write Here, Write Now: Introduction to Creative Writing (May)](https://90milartschool.softr.app/workshop-details-artschool?recordId=rechDvzTrrHwCAddz)**

YAAAS QUEEN! Hilarious monthly comedy show with fierce and fabulously funny queens! **[TICKETS LINK](https://www.eventbrite.de/e/yaaas-queen-women-and-lgbtq-comedy-show-pride-edition-tickets-1988621653899?aff=ebdssbdestsearch)** Yaaas Queen is a monthly celebration of fierce and fabulously funny queens, kings and royal criminal queers! The show is in English and on second Thursday of every month. This is not just a stand-up comedy open mic – it is a fun and safe space for women & LGBTQIA+ comics who want to either try stand-up for the first time, work on their funny bits or experiment with other comedy formats. There’s always a different line-up of experienced and less experienced jesters and we try to make it as varied as possible! It is also a cosy opportunity for you, our lovely audience members, to meet like-minded, open-hearted people who enjoy laughing, can take a joke and just want to have a marvellous evening. You are welcome to come and support us with your ecstatic applause, roaring laughter and loving support no matter who you are or what you have or don’t have in your pants, bags and cupboards! Curious to try stand-up? Talk to us after the show! Doors: 20:00 Showtime: 20:30-22:30 (with break) This comedy show is produced by the fabulous Queen Bees Comedy collective consisting of Anja Woot, Carmen Chraim and Kat Nip.

**For the next few months, we'll be at Prater Garten to enjoy the outside weather!** Join us at Prater Garten in Prenzlauer Berg on the first Wednesday of every month for a fun, casual evening of socializing with other Berlin screenwriters. No agenda. Just drinks and good conversation. It's an informal event so just show up and meet some great people! Anyone in the film industry is welcome to join us! Our Happy Hour is the first Wednesday of every month starting at 7:30pm and going until ??? Be sure to look for our sign on one of the tables. You can join our Telegram channel where we post updates: [https://t.me/berlinscreenwriters](https://t.me/berlinscreenwriters?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExdVJDY0hmVHFjM1dBOHVsZnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR4F4u3E23YJGqdnvywhGxCw8ZWmFOxSW-1THms7Hu1Yr4FSe1qC7xYtpYxpcA_aem_FHfKo9LvjlWc8jHQkyGSCA) See you there!

Soundground Vol. II A FLINTA\* & friends gathering for free improvisation, deep listening, experimentation, and collective sound-making. Bring an instrument, bring an object, bring a noise, or simply bring yourself. No previous musical experience is needed. Wednesday 03/06 Doors open: 18:30 Location (near U6 Tempelhof) To reserve a spot, simply reply to this via email vestigium.impro@gmail.com donation based. A place to meet sound, without maps.

## DNA. presents: "CREATIVE WRITING & WINE" \- A space where creativity flows and every sip inspires\. Settle into Your Wednesday evening with a glass of wine in hand and step into a cozy, inspiring atmosphere made for sharing stories, listening deeply, and letting Your own voice come alive. Our storytelling and poetry evenings are open to everyone — whether You're just beginning to explore spoken word or You’ve been writing for years. No pressure, just presence. ##### *With gentle, uplifting prompts and space to express Yourself, You’ll create, share, or simply enjoy the power of words in a warm, welcoming circle.* Whether You’re planning a soulful midweek date, coming alone to unwind, or meeting friends for something different, this is Your moment to connect, reflect, and celebrate the beauty of language. ##### *Each gathering offers something new: fresh themes, meaningful conversations, unexpected moments of truth, and a community that listens with its whole heart.* ##### ‍ See Us Soon :) Love. Garen & DNA. *** ‍ For more insights, follow us on IG: [@nightart.club](https://www.instagram.com/nightart.club) \*Members of Dair Night Art e.V. and Subscribers of DNA. Art GbR.

Join an **open discussion for music lovers**. Listen to music and talk about what it means to you. **Share a song** that’s been on repeat this week and **tell us what you love about it.** **ACHTUNG!** Meetup map is not reliable, go to Großbeerenstraße 14 Souterrain, 10963 Berlin and find the neurodivergent sign Google map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/vsNnNFFFucrZkS6m6 **What to expect:** * Talk about the song/music you like. * Get new music recommendations. * It's like a book club but for songs. **What to bring:** * **A song/music:** remember the title and we'll search on Spotify * **A kindred spirit** **What to pay attention to:** * **We are hosted by a non-profit space.** Please respect the space and the rules of the space. * **Bring your sensory regulation tools**. * The **organizers and facilitators are all volunteers**, so any help in making the event an enjoyable experience would be great (be kind and respectful during the event, tidy up afterwards, etc). * The **event is free but a donation** would be **greatly appreciated** to keep the community events going. **Jordan** the facilitator is **a music therapist** using counseling and the creative process to help people with depression, anxiety, relationships, and self expression. Find his info here: [jordanelias.de](http://jordanelias.de/) and [It's Complicated](https://complicated.life/find-a-therapist/berlin/musiktherapeut-in-jordan-elias) See you!

Welcome to **I WRITE**, a gentle space for anyone who wants to write—quietly, freely, and without judgement. We are a Berlin community of writers who gather together weekly to write, talk and recharge after a long week. Some of us journal, some write novels, some do academic writing, many people come without a project in mind and see where the inspiration flow takes them. This is a space to simply show up and write, a safe place to be yourself and to release all your layers onto the paper. There’s no set topic, no feedback circle, and no pressure. Just warm people, a calm atmosphere, and time dedicated to yourself. 🗓️ **Agenda:** * 14:30 - 15:00 **→** 30 min arriving, optional socialising (arrive early, meet other writers) * 15:00 - 16:00 **→** 1 hour of silent writing (headphones welcome, focus encouraged) * 16:00–16:30 **→** 30 mins break + optional chat or solo time (stay and chat or go celebrate the rest of your Saturday) * 16:30–17:30 → 1 more hour of silent writing (for those staying) * 17:30–18:00 → 30 mins of chat, and leaving 🎒 **Bring:** * Something to write with (laptop, notebook, phone, typewriter… anything goes) * Something to drink (there is no cafeteria, unfortunately) * Your current project or a blank page * Yourself, exactly as you are **👉 Responsibility:** * Our location is limited; thus, I am kindly asking you to RSVP only if you are willing to attend. **📍Location:** * We meet at **Heinrich Schulz Library in Charlottenburg**. In the library, go look for the Gruppenraum; I will be waiting for you there. Any trouble finding the room, I will come to meet you outside. * 🚇 U7 **Richard-Wagner-Platz** * 🚌 M45 Bus **U Richard-Wagner-Platz** **About me:** Hi, my name is Anastasia. I started this writing club back in May 2025. Since then, it has been hosted weekly at the Heinrich Schulz Library (who is kind enough to allow us to use this room for free). Over this time, I’ve been privileged to meet some of the most creative and kind minds in Berlin. And I would be happy if you joined us. Whether you're an experienced writer or just at the beginning of your journey, you're welcome. If you know how to hold a pen or how to type, there will always be a space for you. Let's write together!

***This is Heartcore:*** For fans of post‑hardcore, metalcore, and the emo‑soaked places in between. **A warm place for the heart shaped ones :)** We're meeting at least once a month to hang out, exchange new music, and make new friends. Join us for a beer and tell us all about your favourite bands and why they matter to you so much. 🥀This time we're meeting in the BRLO beer garden where you can bring your dogs as well if you like! They have bratwurst and fries and all sorts of good craft beer. We will meet in front of the grill stand inside the BRLO beergarden, it is right next to the entrance and easy to find. Can’t wait to see you there, heart-shaped friends! 🖤✨

## Nostalgia, Energy & Iconic Moves Step back into the golden era of MTV and VIVA and celebrate Yourself through the power of music and movement. This class brings back the magic of a time when we watched weekly charts, learned choreographies from music videos, and were inspired by icons like Britney Spears, Beyoncé, and Shakira. It’s all about reliving that energy—while making it Your own. Led by Anastasia, a Berlin-based dance instructor who started her journey back when Commercial Dance was known as Videoclip Dancing. She used to switch between MTV and VIVA, recording her favorite music videos on VHS to learn every move by heart. Today, she brings these memories back to life - blending nostalgia with fresh energy and a deep love for movement. ‍ > I would like to create a space where You feel free to express Yourself, reconnect with the music You love, and enjoy every moment on the dancefloor. – Anastasia ‍ Each session offers a mix of technique, grooves, and choreography inspired by legendary music videos, adapted to the level of every participant (both beginners and experienced dancers). Expect a dynamic, feel-good atmosphere where You can let go, have fun, and reconnect with the joy of dancing. * While we’re celebrating the millennial era, all generations are warmly welcome **TICKETS:** available: at the Box Office before the class ‍ See You Soon. Love. Anastasia & DNA. LEVEL: All levels WHAT YOU NEED: sneaker, comfy clothes COSTS: €15 Regular (Online / Box Office) \- Free for DNA\. Members

\*\*\*DEUTSCHE VERSION UNTEN STEHEND\*\*\* 🌟 Calling all Soulful and Energetic Voices that wanna tell stories! 🌟 Hey there, vibrant souls! 🎤 Are you ready to ignite the stage with your youthful energy and passion for music? Join our electrifying urban pop & musical ensemble, where voices come together in a celebration of song and joy! 🎶 Picture this: a dynamic fusion of historic and contemporary pop, musical hits, and soulful melodies, all brought to life by voices bursting with youthful exuberance! 🎵If you're between 15 and 45 and crave the thrill of harmonizing with fellow music lovers, this is your golden ticket! 🌈 Rehearse with us every Thursday from 7:30-10 pm in the heart of Kreuzberg, and experience the sheer exhilaration of making music with kindred spirits! 💃🕺 So, what are you waiting for? We're on the lookout for singers who bring their prior solo and ensemble experience to the mix – voices that stand out and harmonize seamlessly with the sound of the ensemble. 🌟 Are you ready to add your voice to our chorus of excitement? Send us a private message expressing your interest, vocal range, and any singing experience you bring to the table. Let's turn up the volume on fun and create memorable musical moments together! 🎉 🎶 **Day doesn't fit, too little singing experience, or not in the required age group? No problem!** I conduct several choirs with different profiles: **Shabach! *– the choir not only for shy people*** (https://www.meetup.com/de-DE/shabach-berlin-the-choir-not-only-for-shy-people/) **DEUTSCHE VERISON:** Liebe Nachbarn, wir haben 2023 das neue urbane Pop- & Musical-Ensemble "SHOWTIME!" in Kreuzberg 61 ins Leben gerufen, Altersspanne ca. 15-45 Jahre, in englischer und deutscher Sprache. Wir singen Popsongs, Musicals, und Filmmusik. Das Level ist für Fortgeschrittene und die Sänger\*innen sollten über eine gewisse Gesangserfahrung verfügen. Der Chor probt **jeden Donnerstag von 19:30-22:00 Uhr im Gewölbekeller der Kapelle-am-Urban, Grimmstr. 10, Berlin-Kreuzberg.** Falls es Dich interessiert mitzumachen: Schreib mir bitte vorab Dein Interesse und Deine Stimmgruppe / Erfahrung kurz per Privatnachricht. Danke. **Keine Zeit an dem Tag, zu wenig Gesangserfahrung oder außerhalb der Altersgruppe? Kein Problem!** Ich leite Chöre mit verschiedenen Profilen: **Shabach! *– der Chor nicht nur für Schüchterne*** (https://www.meetup.com/de-DE/shabach-berlin-the-choir-not-only-for-shy-people/)

### Creative Session for Song-Writers & Writers to connect, share & grow. Together. We create a safe and inspiring space guided by our DNA. Members and invited Artists - where Writers of all styles and backgrounds are welcome. ‍ ##### **WHAT TO EXPECT:** * Introduction: Connect, meet fellow artists, and ease into the space together. * Writing Session: Work on Your own project / get inspired by our creative prompts. * Feedback Round: Share Your work and receive thoughtful, constructive feedback. * Stage Time: If You feel comfortable, You are welcome to perform Your lyrics, poem / song. ‍ ##### **STAGE PERFORMANCE:** If You would like to perform, please bring Your instrumentals / backing tracks on Your phone. You can connect via Bluetooth to our mixer. A keyboard and guitar will also be available if needed. ##### **GUIDELINES:** * Offer encouraging and constructive feedback: “This part was strong—lean into it. You might explore this further…” * Be mindful that some pieces may be personal or sensitive. Please include trigger warnings where needed. * We create this space together - with respect, openness, and care - so everyone feels safe to express themselves. ‍ ##### **TICKETS:** available at the Box Office before the class ‍ ***Get ready to explore different writing styles, deepen your craft, and connect with new people.*** ‍ ...for more info check out www.dna-artclub.com / follow us on IG: @nightart.club See You soon :) Love. DNA. ______ \*Members of Dair Night Art e.V. and Subscribers of DNA. Art GbR. \*\*By entering the DNA. ART HOUSE, You agree to comply with the Hausordnung of Dair Night Art e.V. and Geschäftsordnung of Dair Night Art e.V. Please ensure You review these documents thoroughly in advance.

A brutal triple header of Berlin's Brainiest B\*tches: Get ready for Sep's dark wit, Sofia's twisted humor, and Matilda's trauma-turned-laughs! We have a special triple header this show! Don't miss the comedy event of the season! Join us for an evening that pushes the boundaries of humor and challenges the status quo with our Dark Comedy Show, featuring three fierce and incredibly talented female comedians ready to leave you in stitches! Unfiltered, Bold, and Unapologetic! Brace yourself for a night of razor-sharp wit and daring humor as these three trailblazing comedians take the stage. **Date:** 06**.**06.2026 **Time:** Doors open at 21:00, Show starts at 21:30 **Location:** Z-Bar (Bergstraße 2) **PAY WHAT YOU WANT:** Suggested donation 10-15 EUR [Tickets](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/btch-circle-english-stand-up-comedy-tickets-1990716923908) Secure your tickets now for an unforgettable evening of comedy that will challenge your perceptions, push boundaries, and celebrate the sheer audacity of dark humor! This show is for the daring and those who appreciate the unfiltered side of comedy. Get ready to laugh, gasp, and revel in the hilariously unexpected! See you there! [Tickets](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/btch-circle-english-stand-up-comedy-tickets-1990716923908) **The Performers:** **Sepideh Kaav** Sepideh is an Iranian stand-up comedian based in Berlin. She grew up in the Middle East, spoiled by oil money and patriarchy, and came to Europe to pursue her dream of becoming an average engineer. Her humor has been described as dark and gross while shedding light on unnecessary truths. **Sofia May** Sofia May was raised in New York City on a strict diet of Ren and Stimpy and bad boundaries. Pure of heart and benefiting from having an eternal baby face, Sofia likes to play with any disturbing topic as if it is her new favorite toy. People often say: "She's so innocent! ...Just like O.J. Simpson". She is best known for her critically acclaimed dark comedy solo "9/11 Birds and the Bees" **Awards:** **Best Fringe Performer** \- European Comedy Awards **Shortlisted Nominee For Best Newcomer** \- British Comedy Guide's Comedian Choice Awards **Reviews:** "Sofia May, whose charming stage presence suggests the most potential." — The Guardian "She gives off the vibe that she’d give you a hug if you needed it, and while delivering said hug, stick a sign on your back that says a whole bunch of slurs." —European Comedy Review "A masterclass in pitch black humor"—The Nerd Party **Matilda Paulsson** At first glance you might think Matilda is a twelve year old boy with divorced parents, and you’d be half right! Her parents are still together. Battling alcoholism, mental health issues, drug addiction and quitting breast milk all within her early years, has helped blossom her humor to be dark, whimsical, witty and most of all unpredictable! Matilda rarely stays in one place for extended periods of time, rumors say it’s due to the cyber police, so don’t miss out on seeing her tonight!“Really funny!” - Real newspaper “Would see again even if she wasn’t the last person on earth!” -Pleased audience member “10/10 would bang again” - Very pleased audience member “Does anybody read these?” - An actual question [Tickets](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/btch-circle-english-stand-up-comedy-tickets-1990716923908)

🎶 Choir Workshop (Berlin) 🎶 No experience needed – just your voice and curiosity! We’ll explore singing together through playful warm-ups, simple harmonies, and collective improvisation. A welcoming space to connect, listen, and create music as a group. Find your true unapologetic voice!

We'll meet at The Capital One Café, 167 Easton Town Center, Space A-103. This is in the main mall where the Microsoft store used to be, on your left if you're standing at the bottom of the AMC Theater escalator. Join us on Saturday for an hour of uninterrupted wordmaking! • What we'll do Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 10AM on Saturday mornings. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. SCHEDULE: 10:00 - SESSION 1: quick intros. 10:10 - timer starts: write for 1 hour. 11:10 - chat / take off / keep writing. OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 11A-11:30ish. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. BEING LATE IS OKAY: just show up and get settled, then check-in with me after the session. (I’ll be the person with the Shut Up & Write! sign.) If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing and I look forward to seeing you! • What to bring Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block noise or the occasional conversation by other patrons. Electrical outlets are limited, so charge your devices before whenever possible. See you at The Café on Saturday!

Join us as we get together to see Paul Rudd in the latest comedy-drama-musical from John Carney, POWER BALLAD! The film follows a washed-up wedding singer, a fading boy band singer and a stolen hit song. Here’s a description, trailer and plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: Rick, a washed-up wedding singer, and Danny, a fading boy band star, bond over music and a late-night jam session. When Danny turns Rick's song into a hit, Rick sets out to reclaim the recognition he believes he deserves. Power Ballad is written/directed by John Carney, the master of the modern musical and creative mind behind Once, Begin Again and Sing Street! It stars Paul Rudd, Nick Jonas, Peter McDonald, Marcella Plunkett, Havana Rose Liu and Jack Reynor. BUZZ & ACCLAIM: The film premiered to rave reviews at this year’s Dublin International Film Festival where critics call it “a sure-fired crowd-pleaser” that “just might be the feel-good hit of the year!” Others say, “Paul Rudd delivers a career-best performance in this charmer” that’s both “hilarious and deeply moving." The film continues John Carney’s “long run of success with yet another charmer” and “a sharp, hopeful crowd-pleaser that strikes the right notes!” SUMMER OF ICE CREAM, VOL 2: SHAKE NO. 8! Ranked the #1 Ice Cream Shop in Columbus, this is a perfect early stop on our Summer of Ice Cream! Their menu uses made-from-scratch recipes in an array of traditional, specialty and vegan shakes, hot cocoa, crepes, waffle sticks, specialty coffee & espresso, and more! Their specialty shakes are as delicious as they are over-the-top and they offer an extensive vegan menu! You can check out their full menu here: [https://www.shakeno8.com/menu.php](https://www.shakeno8.com/menu.php) PLAN: Please purchase your ticket for the 6:45pm showing and we’ll meet in the upstairs lobby between 6:25 and 6:35pm! Advance ticket purchase is advised for this opening night showing! Once you have yours, please list your seat number in the Comments section of this event. We'll head to nearby Shake No. 8 immediately following the show! Should be a fun one, Dan

We are excited to host Guided Meditations on Sundays at 6 pm in our Ashram/Gallery/Home! !! !! Everyone wants to know what kind of God we worship and what kind of meditation we do. We worship the GOD that LOVES US! We understand that god is an energy and it lives in us as us. Our meditations guide others to actually experience that energy! xoxo We don't just talk about peace, love and affection, we experience it :) Also we are a home not a business, so we enjoy building community one friend at a time. We always build in time for people to mingle & develop friendships! xoxo Much Love, Frank Tennyson Namaste, Frank Tennyson http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/a/f/9/9/600_447824953.jpeg

Rev. Steven Clevenger is an ordained spiritualist minister with over 40 years experience as a Spiritual Healer, Clairvoyant and Spiritual Teacher, educated and trained at the White Lily Chapel. Rev. Siobhan Wolf Shaffer is an ordained spiritualist minister and certified medium and healer with over 20 years experience. She began her development in 1988 in Pennsylvania and continued when she moved to Ohio in 1998 where she studied at Rays of Lights Church with Rev. Steven Clevenger. Our full worship services consist of an inspirational lecture, healing meditation, and messages from the spirit world that serve to demonstrate evidence of eternal life. Please visit our Official Church Website (http://raysoflightchurch.com) for more information.

**Our June novel is: *The Eights* by Joanna Miller** **This month’s novel is set during World War I. It’s a 20th-century historical fiction story about friendship and war, with coming-of-age elements and a slightly haunted tone. The book is 384 pages in print and 10 hours and 9 minutes on audiobook.** Oxford, 1920. For the first time in its one-thousand-year history, Oxford University officially admits female students. Burning with dreams of equality, four young women move into neighboring rooms in Corridor 8. Beatrice, Dora, Marianne, and Otto—collectively known as The Eights—come from all walks of life, each driven by their own motives, each holding tight to their secrets, and are thrown into an unlikely, unshakable friendship. Dora was never meant to go to university, but, after losing both her brother and her fiancé on the battlefield, has arrived in their place. Politically-minded Beatrice, daughter of a famous suffragette, sees Oxford as a chance to make her own way - and some friends her own age. Otto was a nurse during the war but is excited to return to her socialite lifestyle in Oxford where she hopes to find distraction from the memories that haunt her. And finally Marianne, the quiet, clever daughter of a village pastor, who has a shocking secret she must hide from everyone, even her new friends, if she is to succeed. Among the historic spires, and in the long shadow of the Great War, the four women must navigate and support one another in a turbulent world in which misogyny is rife, influenza is still a threat, and the ghosts of the Great War don’t always remain dead.

[Columbus library link to book](https://cml.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S105C3351321) Location: The Goat River South 219 S High St, Columbus, OH 43215 Street parking is free on Sundays [Menu](https://static1.squarespace.com/static/686d3ed16745133042482c5f/t/68ff654dbb03b96875430bde/1761568077220/all_brunch-20250311.pdf) Book summary: On a hot day in Bethlehem, a twelve-year-old Palestinian-American girl is yelled at by a group of men outside the Church of the Nativity. She has exposed her legs in a biblical city, an act they deem forbidden, and their judgement will echo on through her adolescence. When our narrator finally admits to her mother that she is queer, her mother's response only intensifies a sense of shame: 'You exist too much,' she tells her daughter. Told in vignettes that flash between the U.S. and the Middle East--from New York to Jordan, Lebanon, and Palestine--Zaina Arafat's debut novel traces her protagonist's progress from blushing teen to sought-after DJ and aspiring writer.