English Books & Literature

Mark the start of spring and new beginnings with our next open mic, ‘On Becoming’! You are welcome to explore the theme however you see fit OR ignore it completely. 🗓️Thursday 23rd Apr ⏰Doors open 6.30pm | Open Mic 7pm – 9pm 📍London Bubble Theatre, 3-5 Elephant Lane, SE16 4JD 🎫FREE! [Book here.](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/open-mic-night-on-becoming-tickets-1981201619376) ✨Writers, poets, musicians and singers welcome. You will each have up to 5 mins to perform ✨Suggested contributions of £5 will be asked on the night to help support these events. ✨Sign up at the door

Come and join us every week day from 12.45pm - 2.45pm. Classes for levels elementary to upper-intermediate (A1+ - B2+) Improve your fluency, listening and reading comprehension, grammar and vocabulary with our friendly classes. No payment needed - the classes are **completely free** because the teachers are training with a University of Cambridge accredited program. Join us at 24 Great Chapel St, London, W1F 8FS Take the level test in advance for more information about classes for your level (link to the level test: https://forms.gle/mn3hqUgo3BRLyAUi7) and wait for up to one business day for more information. OR Come 15 minutes early on your first day to do a quick speaking test and find your classroom. See you soon!

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

Improve your Spanish/English with a bunch of friendly people over a pint! ¡Puedes mejorar tù Español/Ingles con un grupo de personas amables con una bebida!

Please join us for our weekly run and social - a great (free!) way to meet new people! We meet at 7pm outside The Horatia ( https://maps.app.goo.gl/p1QnyurFQh3gywov6) and head for the run together from there. You can leave a small bag or extra layer at the pub at your own risk. The winter route is around Highbury Fields and in the summer we do a loop to Clissold Park, both ending at the starting point- the Horatia pub. We run 5km at an easy pace (about 6-7 mins per km), with some people going faster and some slower. After the run, we will head to the Horatia pub for some drinks (alcoholic and soft are fine- no judgment!).

📚 **Foyles Bookshop @ charing cross** Forget the mindless scrolling. We’ve been "reading" people since we were born, but the art of getting lost in a book is becoming a lost skill. Since I started reading more, I’ve become a sharper listener and a better communicator. It’s time to reignite that focus. We’re heading to **Foyles** on Charing Cross Road—five floors of pure inspiration—to hang out, browse, and actually talk about things that matter. This isn't just a social; it's about building a better self and a stronger community. **The Game Plan:** We’ll grab a coffee (or snack) and dive into one of these four topics: 1. **Smart Money:** Not a "who earns what" brag-fest. Just real tips and tricks on how to save and stay ahead in the expensive UK. 2. **Class vs. Trends:** How do you stay timeless and "classy" when everyone else is just chasing the latest 24-hour trend? 3. **The Good Stuff:** What are you reading? Bring a fiction or non-fiction recommendation that actually made an impact on you. 4. **Hidden UK:** Where are the best places to travel in the UK when you need to get out of the London bubble? **Vibe:** Productive, intentional, and relaxed. We will meet up at Soho Square Garden, Sutton Row entrance. Have quick introductions. And then walk(3 mins) to Foyles. **Location:** Foyles Bookshop, 107 Charing Cross Rd, London WC2H 0DT

📚 Reading of Colour – Book Club Meetup Join us for this month’s Reading of Colour, a book club dedicated to exploring stories from different cultures and celebrating the diversity of voices in literature. Each month we read a book by an author from a different background and come together to share perspectives, insights, and thoughtful discussion. This month we will be reading The Enlightenment of the Greengage tree by Shokoofeh Azar is a magical realist novel about a family fleeing persecution after the Iranian Revolution and trying to rebuild their lives in a remote Iranian village, narrated by the ghost of a young girl. Whether you’ve finished the book or are still making your way through it, everyone is welcome to join the conversation. Come along to share your thoughts, hear new perspectives, and enjoy a friendly discussion with fellow readers. 📖 All are welcome—bring your curiosity and love of books!📕 We will be having drinks afterwards at a near by pub, come along 🌸

Spring is the perfect time to usher in some Romantasy reading so for the month of April we’re reading Olivia Atwater’s Half a Soul 💜🧚 You can find us at Foyles Charing Cross’s 5th floor cafe. This month’s book will be on the table for easy identification.

**MONTY ENGLISH CONVERSATION GROUP** [https://montyenglish.co.uk/english-conversation-group-classes-in-london](https://montyenglish.co.uk/english-conversation-group-classes-in-london) **How to find us** When you arrive at the Royal George we go down into the basement and you will find us there. Just ask a staff member if you cannot find us! Here is the location of the Royal George on google maps: [https://maps.app.goo.gl/HpkySsu2rEqUUub1A](https://maps.app.goo.gl/HpkySsu2rEqUUub1A) * Food or drink at the pub is not included (please make at least one purchase - they have a good range of drinks and great food if you feel hungry) **How are the lessons?** The lesson is a General English lesson focused on speaking and error correction - every lesson we usually cover 3 different topics. This will encourage you to use new vocabulary and practise grammatical structures. The group has a limit of 25 people but I usually accept people if you are on the waiting list. You will be divided into groups of 3-6 with others of a similar speaking level so you'll have plenty of opportunity to talk and ask questions to your qualified, native teacher Jon. The lesson takes place in the relaxed environment of the Royal George basement which is a pleasant pub, a two-minute walk from Tottenham Court Road tube station. The lesson is ideal for pre-intermediate, intermediate and upper-intermediate students wishing to get to the next level. If you have any questions about the English lesson then please call me or send me a message. **Payment** Payments can be made in cash or by card (free of charge) when you come to the class. If it is your first time it is only £2! After your first time it is £6 for a single class or you can buy a ticket that makes each class cheaper; 5 classes for £20, 10 classes for £25 (you can use these tickets whenever you like and do not need to come in a set period of time) or 20 classes for £40 which has a limited use to within a six-month period. You can also pay via our website: [https://montyenglish.co.uk/english-conversation-group-classes-in-london](https://montyenglish.co.uk/english-conversation-group-classes-in-london) I hope to see you soon - if you have any questions please message me (via WhatsApp) on 07771 561 576 All the best, Jon (event organiser)

Der verzweifelte Kampf um Integration Aus der Rückschau des Jahres 1959 erzählt Pilenz vom bewunderten und verachteten Klassenkameraden Mahlke im Danzig der Kriegszeit, den sein übergroßer Adamsapfel zum Außenseiter macht. Mahlke führt einen verzweifelten Kampf um seine Integration, um die Schließung des existentiellen Risses zwischen »Katz« und »Maus«, und wird doch im Sieg endgültig scheitern. Auch das Ritterkreuz, von dem er sich - Perversion der Zeit gemäß - Erlösung durch Bedeckung seiner Blöße erhofft, verhilft ihm nicht zum Frieden mit der Welt. »Die große Danzig-Saga, als deren zweites, aber gewiß nicht letztes Stück ›Katz und Maus‹ sich darstellt, ist eine Suche nach dem verlorenen Raum. Unerreichbar und unerschöpflich, doch deutlich wie Vineta in der Flut, liegt Danzig auf dem Grund dieser Prosa da.« Hans Magnus Enzensberger

**"But indeed, I would rather have nothing but tea."** *'Mansfield Park', Jane Austen* We will post a theme for this event closer to the meeting date. RSVP for this event is available for members of our WhatsApp group chat or by invitation. If there are spots still available two weeks before the start of the event we will open up the RSVP to all members. **The party is held at a beautiful venue so please be well dressed.**

An open participation philosophical discussion. No previous philosophical experience necessary Please follow the stated guidelines This is a Philosophical Discussion hosted by Joel Janiurek. We shall be discussing The Paradox of Fiction. This event is open to all. No previous philosophical experience necessary. The aim is to have fun, meet new people, generate interesting and thought-provoking conversations, have your horizons expanded, challenge your preconceptions and who knows - you might even learn something? Philosophy is about conceptual analysis. It's thinking about thinking. It's not about empiricism or the real world. It's about abstractions, concepts and ideas. In order to make the conversations as fun, interesting and productive for everyone as possible please follow these simple guidelines: 1. Keep it Philosophical (No Science, no History, no Sociology, no Evolutionary Psychology, no contestable facts, no personal anecdotes). 2. Think for Yourself (No phones, no looking up definitions, no name dropping Philosophers / books you've read). 3. Tangents are Cool (Don't worry too much if the subject drifts and you don't answer the question). 4. Keep it Succinct (Like this). 5. Be Excellent to Each Other (But of course). We hope to see you 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! 📖

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.