English Books & Literature

Who is in the mood for some quiet togetherness while catching up on their reading the week after Easter? Let’s enjoy literature or non-fiction together and come to our Reading in Companionable Silence meeting on Saturday. Nathania will welcome members and there is time to socialize and to order some food or a beverage - ca. 30 min. Then we read for an hour in silence. After that - time to exchange impressions, suggestions, ask questions and generally have a good time. There might be a break in the middle in order to allow for more drinks, a bathroom break etc.

This week we are discussing **Annie Ernaux: A Woman's Story.** We look forward to seeing you! If you have book suggestions, would like to vote on our next reads, or join us for additional activities, please ask someone at the meeting to add you to our WhatsApp group. Just a heads up: **The cafe only accepts card payments for amounts over €10**, so you may want to bring some cash for smaller orders. Please remember to cancel your participation in good time if you are not coming. This will give someone else enough time to read the book and come to the meeting.

RSVP on Luma: [https://luma.com/pa24sd60?utm_source=Meetup](https://luma.com/pa24sd60?utm_source=Meetup) Silent Reading / Creating Club is a gathering for people who enjoy focusing together in public. Bring a book, a notebook, a sketchpad, knitting needles, whatever you’d like to spend a quiet hour doing. All projects and all participants are welcome. We’re building a community of readers and creators who value depth, presence, and shared silence. The reading and creating isn't the real highlight, though, it’s in the people who return and make it feel like a familiar room. (Please RSVP “yes” only if you can make it, so we can save a seat for you and others on the waitlist.) Our Meeting Point is the **W66 Café**. There’s no entrance fee, but please order at least one item from the café and don’t bring outside food or drinks 🙂 No assignments, expectations, or pressure. Just a shared hour of intentional silence, followed by the opportunity for good conversation. 🕰 Our Agenda **10:30 – 11:00** Arrivals, ordering drinks/food, light social time **11:00 – 12:00** The Great Quiet Hour (Read. Write. Sketch. Code. Think. Sit.) **12:00 – 12:30** Optional socializing: share what you were reading or creating, or simply continue in quiet focus. ## 🏡 House Guidelines To keep this space calm and welcoming for everyone: • Silence during the focus hour (no calls or conversations) • Put cellphones on silent mode • If using technology, please avoid meetings or audio (headphones please!) • Arrive before 11:00 if possible to minimize disruptions

\*\*\*\*\*\* ***For address and more details see the website www.pausify.org*** \*\*\*\*\*\* **Event Info:** Events happen every Sat and Sun at 11 AM. Bring along your **current book to read** (or something **creative** to work on ) and join us for this mix of a shared focus time + discussion. \- 11:00\-11:30 \- Meet & greet \- 11:30\-12:30 \- Silent focus time \- 12:30 \- Discussion of books/ projects over coffee Afterwards, join for lunch if you'd like (optional). **Drinks & snacks are included** ☕️ * **To reserve your place, a ticket (€9,90/event) or a community pass (only €19,90/MONTH) [from the website](https://pausify.org/) *www.pausify.org* is required** * **Attendance here doesn’t show all sign-ups from other platforms. We usually have about 50 to 100 people at each event.** ***FAQ: Why does it cost money if I bring my own project?*** Because we rent a beautiful, central space for every event. Ever thought your monthly apartment rent was too high? Well, multiply that – that’s what commercial spaces in big cities like Berlin cost *per hour*. Of course, if all you want is just some quiet time, your home or a library is perfect. But if you’d like to focus & connect with others in an inspiring space – with drinks, snacks included – that’s what your ticket helps to cover. See pics from our events below - and on our Instagram: **[@Pausify (Co-Reading Space)](https://www.instagram.com/pausify_org/) ☕️** **[Pausify Co-Reading Space Website](https://pausify.org/) www.pausify.org** For questions, please contact us over [Website ](https://pausify.org/) www.pausify.org as this platform can have issues. Thank you! *Please note that photos and videos may be taken during the event and used for promotional purposes to highlight and share the experiences at our events. If you have concerns, don't hesitate to approach the event organizers before the event.*

Für Abonnenten vom "Autobiografischen Schreiben" von Text Collective Berlin ist die Teilnahme an der Veranstaltung kostenlos. Wenn du kein Abonnement hast, bitten wir dich um einen Teilnahmebeitrag von zehn Euro. Hier buchen: [https://textcollective.de/autobio](https://textcollective.de/autobio) Es handelt sich um einen moderierten Workshop für autobiografisches Schreiben in einem sicheren Raum für Selbstreflexion, Erinnerungen und persönliche Geschichten. Bei erheblicher Verspätung ist eine Teilnahme am Termin leider nicht mehr möglich. **Jeden dritten Samstag des Monats von 15:00 bis 17:00 Uhr in der ufaFabrik Tempelhof** **Über den Workshop** Welche Geschichten tragen wir in uns? Welche Erinnerungen wollen erzählt, verstanden oder neu betrachtet werden? Dieser Workshop versteht sich als sicherer Raum, in dem es ermöglicht werden soll, Erlebnisse und Gefühle zu teilen. Das autobiografische Schreiben dient als Werkzeug der Selbstreflexion und inneren Klärung. **Was dich erwartet:** In diesem Workshop arbeiten wir mit gezielten Impulsen, die helfen, eigene Erinnerungen und Lebenserfahrungen in Worte zu fassen. Du schreibst vor Ort, kannst deine Texte mit der Gruppe teilen (freiwillig!) und erhältst achtsames Feedback. Die Atmosphäre ist vertraulich und unterstützend. Hier dürfen auch schwierige Themen Raum finden. In dieser geschützten Umgebung entsteht der Mut, tiefer zu gehen und sich auf den eigenen Lebensweg einzulassen.

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!

Meet, Match, MoveOn and Manage or Master Why Meet 1)Meet new People Culture Languages. 2)Not Match Romance, Political Views nor Religion, only Respect and Joy 3) Moveon, advance with your level, goals, and especially share and try Rotate the groups and let others participate a bit. 4) Master the challenges, and Manage to give a Like or appreciate the meetups!! **Thematic** or small Concept: Manage to Bring 2 German Friends and you get a Drink. if you bring your Ex Partner + 2 German friends =2 drinks = thats the Challenge and the Attitude of 2026

Let's read together on another Sunday morning. Agenda: 10:30-11:00 Arrival, ordering drinks, getting to know each other 11:00-12:00 Reading together 12:00-13:00 Share reading experience There is no books assigned. Just bring whatever you are reading for now. Please sign up only when you can join the event. Hope you will enjoy it there!

📚 **Berlin Arabic Book Club – Weekly Meetup** Join us for our weekly book discussion. Whether you're reading a novel in Arabic, a memoir in English, or a philosophical essay in German, you're welcome to bring it and share a few thoughts. Each session is relaxed, with no required reading — just bring a book you’re currently into or one you’ve read and want to talk about. ### 🔸 What to Expect: * We gather, grab coffee or tea ☕, and introduce ourselves. * Each member briefly talks about their book (any language is fine: Arabic, English, or German). * We open the floor for conversation, questions, or thoughts sparked by the books. * Cultural exchange is encouraged! ### 🔸 What to Bring: * A book you're reading or one you'd love to talk about. * An open mind and curiosity. **اللقاء الأسبوعي لنادي الكتاب العربي في برلين** انضموا إلينا في لقاءنا الأسبوعي في مقهى **دندنة** الدافئ! سواء كنت تقرأ رواية بالعربية، أو مذكرات بالإنجليزية، أو مقالة فلسفية بالألمانية — فأنت مرحب بك لتشارك ببعض الأفكار عنها. اللقاء غير رسمي، ولا توجد قراءة إلزامية — فقط احضر كتابًا تقرأه حاليًا أو كتابًا أحببته وتود الحديث عنه. ### 🔸 ماذا تتوقّع؟ * نبدأ بالتعارف وطلب القهوة أو الشاي ☕. * يشارك كل عضو نبذة عن كتابه (أي لغة مرحّب بها: العربية، الإنجليزية، أو الألمانية). * نفتح المجال للنقاش والأسئلة وتبادل الأفكار المستوحاة من الكتب.

RSVP on [Luma](https://luma.com/nks4fxjl?utm_source=Meetup) for Event Updates. ​It's a silent reading party - BYOB (bring your own book)! All books and all readers are welcome! This time we're reading on board the Berlin **S41 Ringbahn**! **We will be taking the train departing at 11:01, boarding the last two cars.** ​**Our Agenda:** 10:30 - 11:00 — **Meeting [at the corner of Annemirl-Bauer-Platz Park](https://maps.app.goo.gl/DEKDRfexrKbNKEWg8)** across from Ostkreuz and get to know some of your fellow riders/readers! We'll walk over to the station together! ​11:01 - 12:01 — For those who need the extra 30 mins of sleep, feel free to meet us on the **S41 Platform** of Ostrkeuz. Board the S41 at 11:01 for the Great Quiet Reading Hour, where we complete a whole ring around the city of Berlin! ​12:01 — Get off at Ostkreuz to socialise, grab coffee, share your reading adventures, or just stay on the train for another round!

Ditch the old book club, where everyone has to read the same book...this is better! It works like this: Bring your own book. Come chat, have some tea or coffee, get to know your neighbors. Then we quietly read together, side by side, for about one hour, each one reading their own book, and afterwards we talk with each other about what we are reading. The usual agenda: - Arrival and introduction (~20 minutes) - ⁠Silent reading (~1 hour) - ⁠Discussion (~30-40 minutes) - ⁠Join us for a bite at a local restaurant afterwards, if you like! You may read in any language, you may read any book. We are a group of international residents of Berlin from many different countries, of all ages, and we converse in English. We welcome you! No registration needed – the event is donation based. All funds support the Offenes Wohnzimmer.

Welcome to **I WRITE**, a gentle space for anyone who wants to write—quietly, freely, and without judgment. This will be a Ladies Only gathering: a women-only writing space designed for quiet, connection, and creativity. Whether you’re journaling, writing a novel, drafting an article, or just processing your thoughts, this is a space to simply show up and write. There’s no set topic, no feedback circle, and no pressure. Just a warm community, a calm atmosphere, and time dedicated to your writing practice. 🗓️ **What to expect:** * 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 Sunday) * 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) * 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 the Iska Cafe at Kalckreuthstraße 7, 10777 Berlin. Google map pin: [here](https://maps.app.goo.gl/765XQTN8KBGv95gx9) * 🚇 **U1\, U2 Wittenbergplatz \|\| U1\, U2\, U3\, U4 Nollendorfplatz** * 🚌 **106\, 187\, M19\, M29 An Der Urania \|\| M46 Motzstraße** If you know how to hold a pen or how to type, you will always be welcomed. Let's write together!

​Artificial intelligence is evolving at an extraordinary pace and is already reshaping how we work, learn, create, and make decisions. Some see AI as a powerful tool that will enhance human potential and solve global problems. Others warn about risks: bias, automation, loss of control, and long-term societal impact. ​In this meeting, we will explore AI from both perspectives — techno-optimism and techno-pessimism. What can AI actually do today? How does it work under the hood? Where are its real strengths, and where are its limitations? And how should we think about its future development? ​We invite both professionals and non-professionals to join the discussion. Whether you work with AI, study it, are simply curious about it, or approach it from philosophy, psychology, sociology, or everyday experience — your perspective is welcome. ## **​Preparation & Suggested Materials** ​To help you prepare, we’ve put together a curated reading list that includes books, research papers, articles, interviews, and practical guides. The world of AI moves fast, so alongside well-known books you will also find recent articles and research projects. ​You don’t need to read everything. Choosing one book, article, or even a short explainer is enough to take part in the discussion. You’re also welcome to bring your own material, as long as it relates to artificial intelligence and its societal impact. ​The full list of suggested readings (with links) is available here: ​[https://docs.google.com/document/d/17PoZmqzxQ5EJsET292lTI193ms_MZNvgv5XAnbVmRBY/edit?usp=sharing](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Hu_dLOgnzvrfgE3CZQVBz6CqyPIgAMWxYE24o4yx3fQ/edit?usp=sharing&utm_source=luma) ***​Popular-Science Books*** ​Accessible but substantial books that explain how AI works and how it affects society. For example: * ​*Co-Intelligence* by Ethan Mollick * ​*Hello World* by Hannah Fry * ​*Artificial Intelligence: A Guide for Thinking Humans* by Melanie Mitchell * ​*Homo Deus* by Yuval Noah Harari ​***Scientific & Popular Articles*** ​Shorter texts for those with limited preparation time. These include: * ​A brief history of AI (Haenlein & Kaplan) * ​“On the Dangers of Stochastic Parrots” (Bender et al.) * ​Stephen Wolfram’s explainer on how ChatGPT works * ​Andrew Ng’s “AI is the New Electricity” ​***Real-World Applications & Practical Guides*** ​Materials for those interested in applied AI: * ​KDnuggets blog (case studies and practical use) * ​*Deep Learning Illustrated* * ​Google’s Prompt Engineering Guide ***​Research Projects*** ​For a forward-looking perspective: * ​Epoch AI * ​AI 2027 scenario ## **Important Information** ​​We aim to create a safe, inclusive space for sharing ideas and learning from different perspectives. Respectful dialogue is encouraged, and participants are asked to follow our **[Code of Conduct](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zhC3yhSvmAoO4wx5TlEmW-oyxs5FhCXN7MD0f0I_SAc/edit?tab=t.0&utm_source=luma)**. * ​​**Age 16+** * ​​The discussion will be held **in English.** * ​​**Registration is required** to attend the event. * ​​Participation is free. Donations are optional and help support our meetings.

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.

* 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.

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!

Semi in honor of March being International Women's Month Columbus libraries: [https://cml.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S105C3454709](https://cml.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S105C3454709) Location: SOW Plated Menu: [https://www.sowplated.com/menu-brunch/](https://www.sowplated.com/menu-brunch/) Book summary: In 2006 Julia Lerner is living in Moscow, a recent university graduate in computer science, when she's recruited by Russia's largest intelligence agency. By 2018 she's in Silicon Valley as COO of Tangerine, one of America's most famous technology companies. In between her executive management (make offers to promising startups, crush them and copy their features if they refuse); self promotion (check out her latest op-ed in the WSJ, on Work/Life Balance 2.0); and work in gender equality (transfer the most annoying females from her team), she funnels intelligence back to the motherland. But now Russia's asking for more, and Julia's getting nervous. Alice Lu is a first generation Chinese American whose parents are delighted she's working at Tangerine (such a successful company!). Too bad she's slogging away in the lower echelons, recently dumped, and now sharing her expensive two-bedroom apartment with her cousin Cheri, a perennial "founder's girlfriend". One afternoon, while performing a server check, Alice discovers some unusual activity, and now she's burdened with two powerful but distressing suspicions: Tangerine's privacy settings aren't as rigorous as the company claims they are, and the person abusing this loophole might be Julia Lerner herself. The closer Alice gets to Julia, the more Julia questions her own loyalties. Russia may have placed her in the Valley, but she's the one who built her career; isn't she entitled to protect the lifestyle she's earned?

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. **HAPPY HOUR**: Italian drinks and bites at [Cento's happy hour](https://centogermanvillage.com/menus/). **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.