English Books & Literature

In this session we will discuss the latest novel The Secret of Secrets by American author Dan Brown, a mystery thriller set in Prague. The book was released in September 2025, and follows the adventures of Robert Langdon. We will have a short introduction followed by a simple exercise and sharing of opinions. Before the session, please prepare answers to two tasks: - Please prepare one fact about the book/writing of the book or the author that surprised you. - Please bring one confusing moment from the book that you didn’t understand, or would like to clarify with others.

Free Event/Vstup Zdarma Pro češtinu, podívejte se níže EN Hello, people of Prague!! We bring you a forum to trade your language skills and learn something more. If not interested in language, you could have a general conversation. The goal is to create a chill environment for social networking with a focus on learning the language of your choice. So grab some beverages at the bar/cafe and get on with it every Thursday. **NEW** Venue: Tequila Tales Bar **NEW** Location: Ujezd 409/19, 11800 Malá Strana Timing: 1900-2200 (Every Thursday) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- CZ Ahoj Pražáci!! Přinášíme vám fórum, kde můžete vyměnit své jazykové znalosti a dozvědět se něco víc. Cílem je vytvořit pohodové prostředí pro sociální sítě se zaměřením na výuku jazyka dle vašeho výběru. Takže si vezměte nějaké nápoje v baru/kavárně a pusťte se do toho každý čtvrtek. **NOVE** Místo: Tequila Tales Bar, Ujezd 409/19, 11800 Malá Strana Čas: 1900-2200 (každý čtvrtek)

**Storytelling Workshop - My story, your Story, our Story** ⏰ **From 18:30** 📍 **Přístav 7, Holešovice – v Přístavu 24** 🆓 **FREE EVENT** ## 🌿 Weekly Storytelling & Reflection Workshop Join us for a weekly workshop where authentic, true stories spark fresh ways of seeing our lives and challenges. In a warm, welcoming circle, we listen deeply, share from the heart, and explore how Eastern and Western perspectives can illuminate one another. 🌏✨ This event is for anyone curious about personal growth, cross-cultural connection, and discovering wisdom in surprising places. Together, we’ll create a space where listening, reflection, and story awaken deeper clarity. When we contribute to the whole, no one leaves empty-handed. 🤲💛 🗣️ **Language:** English 🎟️ **Entry:** Free event 🆓 Donations are recommended *** ## 👥 Organized by **C.L.A.P. – Culture, Love, Art, People - Hosted by Agora7** 💬 **Join our WhatsApp Community to stay updated on next events/**Link on request 📸 **Follow us on Instagram:** [https://www.instagram.com/c.l.a.p.2](https://www.instagram.com/c.l.a.p.2)

⚠️ **IMPORTANT: You must sign up and buy a ticket here to attend:** [https://groupvibe.com/](https://groupvibe.com/) **This is a curated, small-group meetup make new friends in Prague.** Each meetup brings together 4–6 like-minded people for casual conversations over dinner. We use the Groupvibe platform to organize and ensure everyone’s a good fit. 👉 **To attend, you’ll need to complete registration via this link:** [https://groupvibe.com](https://groupvibe.com) Once you register, and **buy a ticket or become a Groupvibe member**, we’ll share the exact location and match you with your group. **Why this works:** \* Smaller groups make real conversations easier \* Matching helps avoid awkward dynamics **Note:** RSVPs here on Meetup don’t reflect total attendance. Many attendees register directly via our website. This meetup is organized by **Groupvibe**, a small team passionate about helping people form meaningful friendships offline.

## **What IdeaVerse is about** **We meet usually once a month to discuss some of the current challenges as well and perhaps come up with new ideas on how to overcome them. For those who came regularly, this next meetup would be slightly different. We will do a workshop on solving real world problems.** The problem we will attempt to solve is the dissolution of communities and spaces where people connect in person, and with it, our increased isolation and loneliness. There are many reasons why this is happening: \- replacement of religion with science as a beacon of meaning\, which seems to be much less great at inspiring connection; \- economic forces boosting our ego\, and make it easier to pay for random strangers for help then making lasting connections with people\. \- political polarization \- \(anti\)social media \(as I call it\) and now AI offering simulations of relationships\. \- climate change increasing our distrust in a better future and the importance of investing in life and people\. \- closing down of third spaces like churches\, malls and retail stores \(due to online shopping\)\, youth centers and increase in remote work\. These are all causes we'll explore, together with examples of how other people expressed they feel about this issue from research, reasons why this issue exists as well as examples of small victories against this tide. We'll work in small groups putting all this knowledge together with out imagination and attempt to find local solutions to similar problems here in Prague. This is is more than a discussion. It's an exploration of our ability to work together to effect change in ourselves and in our social circles. **Some suggested reading/watching:** 1. "Contrary to the perception that isolation and loneliness primarily affect older people in high-income countries, they impact the health and well-being of all age groups across the world. One in four older people experience social isolation and the rates are broadly similar in all regions. Among adolescents, between 5­­–15% experience loneliness, according to research findings." (3 minute read - [WHO launches commission to foster social connection](https://www.who.int/news/item/15-11-2023-who-launches-commission-to-foster-social-connection)) 2. "Many popular sitcoms center around what's known as a third place-- for example, Central Park in Friends or the Bull and Finch Pub from Cheers. Like the theme song goes, it's somewhere where everybody knows your name, where you can socialize in a place other than your home or work and build some community. But with the whole world accessible on your smartphone, it's kind of hard to resist the call of the couch. And it's hurting us more than we think." (10 minute Podcast [Third places’ may be the answer to America’s loneliness epidemic](https://www.mprnews.org/episode/2024/05/23/third-places-may-be-the-answer-to-americas-loneliness-epidemic)) 3. “These verdicts mark an unsurprising breaking point. Negative sentiment toward social media has been building for years, and now it’s finally boiled over,” said Mike Proulx, a director at Forrester, a market research company. (4 minute read - [How the landmark verdict against Meta and YouTube could hit their businesses](https://www.aol.com/finance/landmark-verdict-against-meta-youtube-100000070.html)) **The meeting is free to attend, but please buy a drink or two at our patron's place, to make them happy.**

There is a wisdom that lives in the sea — in its depth, its movement, its light. In this three-part series, we begin each ceremony with cacao to root into the body, soften, and arrive. From there, breath becomes a doorway into the inner waters — into movement, feeling, release, and deeper contact with what lives within. Each ceremony explores a different quality of the inner ocean: Fluidity — trusting the flow of life Depth — the courage to feel Luminosity — the light beneath the surface You are welcome to join the full journey or come to any ceremony individually. Each session is a complete experience on its own, while also forming part of a deeper unfolding process. LUMINOSITY - This evening is an invitation to reconnect with your inner light and vitality, soften into presence, and experience a sense of expansion and aliveness. This practice includes intensive breathwork and cacao. It is not suitable for those who are pregnant or have epilepsy, glaucoma, serious heart conditions, severe cardiovascular disease, unmanaged severe hypertension, or acute psychiatric disorders. If you have any health concerns, please reach out in advance so the practice can be adapted safely. If you have food allergies or sensitivities, please also let us know beforehand. When: Thursdays 9/4, 16/4, 23/4 at 19:00 Price: 450 CZK per ceremony / 1100 CZK full cycle via atmaprague@gmail.com

Weekly Czech Conversation Meetup 📅 Every Thursday \| 🕢 19:30–21:30 📍 Tequila Tales, Újezd 409/19, Praha 1 Are you an expat in Prague learning Czech at A1 or A2 level? Ready to stop just studying and start speaking? Join our Weekly Czech Conversation Meetup – a focused, interactive session designed to help you speak more confidently in Czech through fun, practical, peer-based learning. 🎯 What to expect: Structured, casual Czech-speaking sessions Fun language games, real-life scenarios, group challenges Peer-to-peer learning (no teachers – just motivated learners!) No grammar overload – just speaking and using what you know 🧠 Who is this for? A1 and A2 level learners (not for absolute beginners) Expats in Prague who want to practice Czech in a supportive space People who are ready to actively participate – speaking is a must! 📝 Important: Preparation is required. Each week, you’ll get a short prompt or task in advance. Everyone must come ready to engage. 💬 Why join? Build real-life speaking skills Break the fear of using Czech Meet other motivated learners Get out of your Duolingo comfort zone! 🌍 This is a focused Czech-only session, happening from 19:30 to 21:30, as part of the larger Uninstall Duolingo Language Exchange night every Thursday.

This time, we will meet to discuss the unbelievable story of Gisèle Pelicot after reading her recent memoir, Hymn to Life. We will meet, as always, on the last Sunday of the month, this time at The Globe Café, for an interesting discussion from a feminist perspective.

📚 Improve your Spanish through guided reading, vocabulary in context, and discussion-based speaking practice. In these lessons, we use books and stories to improve your Spanish in a natural, structured way. We read a level-appropriate text and focus on vocabulary, comprehension, pronunciation, and speaking. The goal is not to finish a lot of pages. The goal is to understand the text, notice useful grammar in context, and use it in speaking to build confidence. Level: A2–B1 📚 What to expect: – Small group learning – Friendly and interactive atmosphere – Guided language practice – Specialty coffee served during the event Fee: 300 CZK If you’re interested in joining or would like more information, send me a message. I look forward to reading and learning together! \- 60\-minute lesson 10 min: warm-up and review 5 min: vocabulary preview 20 min: guided reading 15 min: comprehension questions 10 min: discussion and recap

It's easy to get the idea that philosophy is largely an abstract and conceptual endeavor–studying theories that try to explain the universe, morality, or language, and then arguing until we either prove those we disagree with wrong or at least reach a smug sense of clarity. But is that all that philosophy has to offer? Back by popular demand, this month we'll be diving deeper into the reflections of **Pierre Hadot** by beginning his essay **Spiritual Exercises**. In this essay, Hadot argues that **ancient philosophers didn't just theorize about what a good life might be, but practiced it through disciplines of attention, meditation, and self-examination aimed at transforming how one sees and lives in the world**. The essay invites us to ask **whether philosophy might still serve that purpose today**. Hadot specialized in **ancient Greek and Roman philosophy--especially Stoicism, Neoplatonism, and early Christian thought**–as was known for his scholarship on **Marcus Aurelius, Plotinus, and ancient spiritual exercises**. His work has influenced many contemporary philosophers, classicists, and the modern revival of philosophy as a lived practice. As noted in the title, this will be the first of two sessions. We're splitting the text into two parts in order to give everyone a chance to fit the text into their busy lives, as well as to give us space to move more slowly through the text together. \*\*\* Below is a PDF copy of Hadot's book Philosophy as a Way of Life. This session will cover up to p.93 (ending at 3. Learning to Die). If you have trouble accessing it, send the host a message–extra copies are available. Link: [https://ia800203.us.archive.org/7/items/PierreHadotArnoldDavidsonPhilosophyAsAWayOfLifeSpiritualExercisesFromSocratesToFoucault1995/Pierre%20Hadot%2C%20Arnold%20Davidson%20Philosophy%20as%20a%20Way%20of%20Life%20Spiritual%20Exercises%20from%20Socrates%20to%20Foucault%20%201995.pdf](https://ia800203.us.archive.org/7/items/PierreHadotArnoldDavidsonPhilosophyAsAWayOfLifeSpiritualExercisesFromSocratesToFoucault1995/Pierre%20Hadot%2C%20Arnold%20Davidson%20Philosophy%20as%20a%20Way%20of%20Life%20Spiritual%20Exercises%20from%20Socrates%20to%20Foucault%20%201995.pdf) \*\*\* We’ll have tea and light snacks, but please feel free to bring any drink or snack you’d like to share! This event will be hosted in an apartment with a well-trained dog who will be happy to meet you. If anyone has concerns about dogs, let me know so I can be mindful about keeping her from bothering you. The buzzer is Everett and Mainous—we’re on the 5th floor, apartment 16. Meeting structure: We will start with a brief summary of the key ideas Hadot presents then move to open discussion. Please read the text in advance, make highlights, and note any thoughts or questions you find interesting and compelling.

Filozofování o životě a o všem ostatním pro všechny, bez vstupného a bez přihlášky: Co si přejete, s čím si lámete hlavu, co Vás nenechá spát, o čem dumáte, o čem sníte, co Vám vrtá hlavou, čeho se bojíte, na co vzpomínáte, o čem přemýšlíte? Nenechte tyto věci jen pro sebe, zkuste rozhovor s jinými lidmi. U nás nejde jen o to, si popovídat, o to taky, ale to máte i jinde. U našeho stolu se pokusíme, spolu *filozofovat*. Nejdříve se dohodneme, jaké téma budeme diskutovat, a pak se do toho pustíme, budeme přemýšlet, rozmýšlet, promýšlet a zamýšlet se, až se nám z toho bude točit hlava, přitom nám budou podporou filozofové všech věků, abychom jí neztratili, tu hlavu. Ani byste nevěřili, jak filozofie může být osvěžující…

Hello, we are starting SU&W at Scouts Institute this Sunday! Please find us at a table across from the cafe. The event starts at 12, and the writing starts at 12:15! We will have 45 minutes of writing, followed by a 15 minute break. Then another 45 minutes of writing. Please purchase something to support the cafe and the space ☺️ Follow us on Whatsapp! https://chat.whatsapp.com/HeZDsZNFD8BKn8JohRlbkI

Are you interested in a lot of things but just a little at a time? Then come to the 5 Minute University! Each talk lasts only 5 minutes followed by 1-2 questions and you'll have the chance to talk to the speakers and other listeners before and after the event - it's a great place to make some friends and find good conversation! Here's the current line up: 1. Tricia Melnik - The Language That Refused to Die 1. Ramona Todor - It's not what it seems: Sex beyond conditioning 1. JT Ostdiek - Philosophy for Children 1. Tom Thumb - Science for Hippies 1. Sherif - How Culture impacts Communication 1. Michael Amico - Change the Lens, Change the Story 1. Paola Pizzo - Who Ate All the Mummies? 1. Leonidas Lundell ' What the Hell Are Proteins Anyway? 1. Tim Burgi - Improv and the mind 1. Trang - Growing up between two cultures - too Vietnamese for Czechs, too Czech for Vietnamese 1. Annouchka Bousquet - Marketing & Manipulation : the cigarette Industry (XXe century) 1. This event is solo-friendly, there will be plenty of things to talk about. So join alone or bring a friend, everyone is welcome. It's a free event and so be sure to support our hosts, Dorado Coffee, by buying drinks.

\*\*\*\*\* We're meeting both in-person and virtually via Skype depending on the week. Contact Sonya Lano for more information if you want to join \*\*\*\*\* This is for anyone wanting feedback! We mostly focus on novels and longer works, but short stories are welcome, as well. You can submit anything you want feedback on in any genre. Current word limit for submissions is 4,000 words. Send your submissions by 13:30 the Thursday before the meeting (or we have a grace period during which you can submit a lower limit of 2,500 words if you submit by midnight Thursday evening). Also, if you don't have time to read through everyone's submissions, still join the meeting! We know that busy schedules don't always make finding reading time easy. To submit, use the Dropbox folder. If you don't have access to it, send sonyalakadosch@yahoo.com your e-mail address so I can add you. Looking forward to seeing everyone there! My number in case of any confusion the day of the meeting is 737 118 530 - or on Facebook: Sonya Lano (https://www.facebook.com/sonya.lano) DROPBOX INFO: * add new submissions for the next meeting in the " submissions" folder for the meeting date. Put your name at the beginning of the file name (for example: "Sonya Somewhere in the Dark") * When providing written feedback (not required, but deeply welcome), save the file as a separate document on your device, then mark your changes/ feedback in the saved file. After you're finished, put the file in the "Feedback" folder under the folder for the meeting date and then under the person the feedback is for (e.g. "For Sonya"). * The submissions folder will be replaced within a week after the meeting has taken place. Feedback will be deleted within 2 months after the meeting, so if you need it longer than that, make sure to copy it to your own disk.

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! 📖

Posting this early because seemingly all Sundays in May are holidays or busy! I picked a shorter thriller that's hopefully a fast read/listen. [Columbus library link to book](https://cml.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S105C3458940) Location: Grandview Cafe, *1455 W. 3rd Ave*, Columbus, OH 43212 [Menu](https://www.grandviewcafe.com/menu) Book summary: Daniel leads a rich life in the university town of Athens, Georgia. He's got a couple close friends, a steady paycheck working for a regional airline, and of course, for a few glorious days each Fall, college football tailgates. He considers himself to be a mostly lucky guy -- despite the fact that he's suffered from a debilitating disease since he was a small child, one that has left him unable to speak or to move without a wheelchair. Largely confined to his home, Daniel spends the hours he's not online communicating with irate air travelers observing his neighborhood from his front porch. One young woman passes by so frequently that spotting her out the window has almost become part of his daily routine. Until the day he's almost sure he sees her being kidnapped.

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.

Let’s meet and share our thoughts about Carson McCullers’ novella, The Ballad of The Sad Café.

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

Love getting lost in a good book? [The Book Loft](https://www.bookloft.com/) of German Village is an iconic independent bookstore packed with hard-to-find literary treasures! This isn’t your run-of-the-mill bookstore; it’s a 32-room literary wonderland that would make even the most seasoned bibliophile’s head spin (one of the largest in the country)! **MEET**: We'll gather outside the storefront and then start browsing... **DESSERT**: We'll grab some famous macaroons to start our foodie tour. [Pistacia Vera](https://www.pistaciavera.com/) is a delicious bakery and cafe in the German Village. This charming shop is especially known for its classic macarons. **LATE LUNCH:** *After we browse the bookstore maze, let's gather for the best traditional Jewish deli in town, [Katzingers!](katzingers.com) Choices include stacked Reubens, hot pastromi on rye, chicken salad, macaroni salad, knish, chicken soup, NY cheesecake, and dozens of other sandwiches and sides!* **PARKING**: Street parking all around here. Check the parking time limit. The bookstore and the foodie stops are all on 3rd Street within 4 blocks on the same side of the street.