Literature

A weekend in a quiet place to focus on your writing… Join us for this first retreat in Brussels area ! ✍🏻 The Winter Writing Retreat includes : * 2 days and 1 night on site * a shared writing room * ⁠a private bedroom (with a dedicated workspace) * ⁠all meals included (1 breakfast + 2 lunches + 1 dinner + snacks) (\*), * ⁠a workshop on Saturday afternoon about « Tips and tricks for reading your text aloud effectively » (\~90 minutes) * ⁠a creative meditation session on Sunday morning (\~15 minutes) (\*) Vegetarian and lactose free options available on demand ! Price: € 190 per person all included Priority for regular members of the Brussels Writing MeetUp 😊 For registration, please send a message to Candice, organiser of Brussels Writing MeetUp. Have a great day ! ✨

Dear attendees, the chosen book is "The Island of missing trees" by E. Shafak. Some rules: 1\. the book discussion takes place in English\. 2\. the number of participants will be limited\, so please keep your RSVP updated\. This is important and respectful for the people that may be on the waiting list\. Participation cost: 1€ to cover Premium membership of the MeetUp platform

Hi everyone, This coffee morning event is @ **Château Moderne**, on Saturday, is 14 February 2025, from 10:00 - 13:00. **Château Moderne is changing its name to Radio Moderne!** 1. The **prime time** of the event is **10:30 - 12:30**. That's when most people will be there. 2. When you enter the place, you will see a long table that is set up for the event. 3. If you intend **to join past 12:00** (high noon), then there is no need to register. Just come and join! 4. **DON'T forget to cancel** if you can't join! 5. **Please, be respectful towards each other during the event. (And after ;))** **As always, feel free to follow us on INSTAGRAM!** https://instagram.com/weekendmorningcoffee?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA== *** **THE STRUCTURE of THE EVENT:** * I post the event on Saturday/Sunday for the following Saturday. * I send out a reminder as an email or a comment on the event page on Thursday/Friday. * There is sometimes a waiting list. * **For everyone on the waiting,** please check your status and messages on Friday evening the latest. I message everyone on the waiting list on Friday. * **Please, move to "not going" AS SOON AS you know that you can't come anymore, that includes everyone who is on the waiting list.** **IMPORTANT:** * When you register yourself, be careful not to register accidentally a +1 guest (unless you bring a guest). It happens very often. * If you have any questions then, message me. *** **A MESSAGE FOR NEWCOMERS:** *In the three years of hosting this coffee group, I have met many people who struggle with anxieties when coming to an event for the first time. Sometimes, it took them more than one attempt before being able to join.* *Occasionally, people reach out to me before the event, and I have always been grateful for that as it offers the opportunity to communicate with each other and to find the best and most gentle way for that person to join the group.* *I would like to encourage everyone who struggles with this to contact me before. It would really be too bad if you can't join us, as it mostly gets better the second or third time you come.* *In addition to that, if you arrive and notice any signs of nervousness or fear, you can always let me know right then.* **THANK YOU AND SEE YOU ALL ON SATURDAY!** **LOCATION:** Château Moderne Mont des Arts 1 1000 Bruxelles

**Join us for an hour of writing!** We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. 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:** 11:00 - Quick introductions 11:15 - Timer starts: write for 1 hour 12:15 - The End: chat, take off, or keep writing OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 12:15. 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. 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 Should I Bring?** Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block the cafe’s overhead music or the occasional conversation by other patrons. There are plugs in the cafe but we may not be seated right next to them, so please charge any device before coming ! **Other Important Details:** WIFI : the cafe has wifi, the password is written on the menu TRAVEL / PARKING: The cafe is in the center of the city. An uncovered bike rack is available. For more information on parking, please visit https://leuven.be/parkeren SEATING INFORMATION: Please RSVP so I know how many seats to book ! GUIDELINES: **You are required to order at least one thing to support the café.**

Story Night is back: local and international talents will share their stories of love and heartbreak for a special St. Valentine's night **Story Night Brussels: an evening of connection and community through personal stories** Looking for a different kind of St. Valentine's plan? Join us for the one and only Story Night of Storytelling Brussels! Storytelling Brussels aims to create a space where we pause, connect, and experience our shared humanity through the power of stories. A space where everyday experiences become well-crafted narratives with meaning and impact. All tellers will bring stories around the theme of love, in all its glorious complexity: happiness and heartbreak, laugh and pain, eternal and ephimeral, modern and evergreen. Stories that will make you laugh, cry, reflect, feel. Come with an open mind and leave with a full heart. **Event Details:** * Each storyteller has prepared a short story. Most of them will be personal and real, a few might be folktales or traditional. * **Venue**: The Bridge Theatre Studio * **Doors open 19:30.** **Show starts at 20:00** (sharp!). More than just a show, we want to create a community around storytelling, so **we encourage you to come early**, socialize, and maybe meet new people! * Attention! This time we will be collecting **donations upon check-in at the door.** We recommend a donation of **10€/person**, but if you're on short of cash at the moment just drop us a message on advance or simply tell us at the door and you can choose a price that works for you. All the earnings will go to compensate the performers (some of whom will be traveling long distances for this event) and organise more of these in the future. Please bring some cash. * All stories will be told in **English** * We kindly ask you to be present and listen actively to the stories. But don't fear, we will also have time to have fun and chat in between, and breaks to enjoy **the bar!** **Reservations**: it helps us a lot if you [RSVP through here](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/stories-of-love-heartbreak-and-everything-in-between-tickets-1980634417861?aff=oddtdtcreator). Space is limited, so secure your spot by booking today! If in the end you cannot make it, please cancel your reservation so someone else might take your spot. Please note that if you haven’t arrived by the time the show starts, your spot might be given to someone else. **What is storytelling?** Sharing stories in front of an audience may well be the oldest form of art. This ancient oral tradition is experiencing a modern revival through organizations like The Moth in New York, the Mezrab in Amsterdam, or The Bear in Berlin. Now, it is Brussels’ turn! Though deeply connected to many other disciplines, storytelling is an artform on its own. It might make you laugh, but it's not stand-up comedy. It might make you think, but it's not a TED talk. It make help you heal, but it's not therapy. Ultimately, it's about connecting with each other, sharing and celebrating life. **Want to tell a story?** We believe everyone has a story to tell, and we welcome everyone who wants to dare! Previous performance experience is a plus, but **not necessarily required.** We simply ask you to fill up the form below and commit to respect the format (you will have priority if you have come to our shows before). Depending on the volume of applications we will contact you only when we find a spot for you, thank you for your understanding! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdEI9BtS4uNOWhBtvV2nEtbjy8Y6POs2PWPbYvFX5cTGy7n8A/viewform?usp=dialog **Want to be updated about our events?** If you don't want to miss our next shows and keep up to date with our activities, **find us** **on Instagram @storytellingbrussels** Tired of social media? Sign up to our mailing list here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfHgK8mRpp_3GiXO4l6bIugqGqe6l7bHGnjLJXEHyEEjYvOTw/viewform?usp=preview We kindly ask you to not take videos of the performers. Please note however that photos and videos may be taken by the organisation at the event to be used in promotion materials. If you do not wish to be included in photographs, please let us know on the day itself.

On Saturday I suggest a pretty long but flat hike from Beernem to Aalter. This hike will lead us through multiple short forests, parks and agricultural areas. We will follow the footsteps of Sherlock Holmes, since we will pass by the castle of Wingene on the way. This castle was repeatedly in the news ten years ago, because its owner was killed in a mysterious murder in 2012, which fascinated many Belgians for several years. At our destination Aalter we will probably find an open bar for a drink. As the number of participants is limited, it is important that you manage your registration responsibly: only sign up if you really intend to come and cancel as soon as you know you can’t (this also goes for people on the waiting list!). We will try to keep close to an average speed of about 4,5 km/h. We will walk mainly on unpaved roads. I’ve not tested this track beforehand, so it’s possible that there are some mistakes in the planning. ●●You can find the track here: https://loc.wiki/t/250125630?wa=sc ●●Meeting point: We meet at 10h12 in Beernem (in front of the railway station). If you start from Brussels-South, you should take train IC 530 towards Ostend at 09h03. In Ghent you have twelve minutes to change to train L 580 at 9h43 with direction Bruges and Zeebrugge-Strand. You should get out in Beernem. I am starting from Ghent, so I will jump on the train in Ghent. You can find me in the first car of the train. ●● Train tickets: Return ticket Brussels-Beernem should be fine. ●● Back to Brussels: In Aalter there is at least one direct train per hour back to Brussels. ●● Specifics: Distance: ca 28km Elevation gain: 100m Net walking time: ca 7h Weather forecast: Cold but probably dry. In the unlikely case of too bad weather, we may cancel a hike, even few hours before the event. If this must happen, we will of course update the Meetup website and send out an email to those registered. So it is important to have access to either the [[[[[Meetup.com](http://meetup.com/)]([http://meetup.com/](http://meetup.com/))]([http://meetup.com/](http://meetup.com/))]([http://meetup.com/](http://meetup.com/))]([http://meetup.com/](http://meetup.com/)) website and/or your emails. ●● What to bring: * Comfortable hiking clothes &shoes * rain gear (just in case) * water + food for the breaks * sun cream * Compeed for blisters * some small money for drinks ●● Basic rules: Please RSVP only if you really intend to come. And if your plans change, update your RSVP asap, even hours before the walk. This is basic courtesy towards others. Repeated late cancellations are not well considered (at all). No-shows are even worse. Do not show up for a hike unless you are on the “going” list. ●● Acknowledgement of member responsibility and release of liability: You are responsible for yourself and should be fit enough if you want to take part. As the participation in the events is strictly voluntary and you freely choose to join, it is the responsibility of individuals participating to ensure that they are fit enough and have adequate coverage to protect themselves. By signing up for this event, you agree to release the organisers from any responsibility and liability. Moreover, the organisers aren't tour operators, so they don't feel obliged to answer to every text message or email!

Dear Folks, Valentine’s Day without a date? No problem. Let’s celebrate **self-love** with Ramen 🍜💘 Talk about life, meet new friends sounds pretty **Ramen-tic** to us 😉 **Contribution to Our Events:** Starting this year, we kindly ask participants to contribute in one of the following ways: **€5** per event, or **€40** annual membership fee If you feel like supporting us beyond this, to help people who can’t afford it, you are very welcome to do so 💛 If the contribution is a concern for you, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us directly 😉 * These contributions will help us: Cover the annual Meetup platform fee Encourage everyone to respect RSVPs (We experienced a high number of no-shows at several events last year, which made organization more difficult.) **We will donate 10% collected fees to support Queer oriented organisations in the end of the year.** *Yifei Yang BE 1236 3234 512 492* *Communication: your name+ event name/membership* Thank you very much for your understanding and cooperation. **Cheers!** 🍻 Yifei

We will meet in front of Sint Michielskerk and walk into the brabant nature area and along the Dijle Valley. Prepare for all that belgium can throw at you and stick to you, especially mud. Afterwards we will go to an interesting little pub on the Bollestraat. 't Kleine Verzet. http://www.tkleinverzet.vlaanderen/ The route is here https://mapy.com/s/remejudopo

*We will take a winter break in January and meet again in February.* _____ Let's read and discuss non-fiction together. In **February** we will be discussing "The Other Significant Others: Reimagining Life with Friendship at the Center" by Rhaina Cohen. For more information about the book check out goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/127305688-the-other-significant-others How it works: - 10-15min Introduction round - 1 - 1,5h Free discussion around the book - 10min selection of the next book. (We will vote between three possible books. I bring two suggestions and we select a third one from the group. So if there is a book you like to discuss feel free to put it forward.) Don't worry if you cannot finish it in time. Just join us for a coffee or tea and a good conversation. :) Happy reading!

Welcome to our weekly event in the upstairs room of The Sister Café, rue Chair et Pain 3, one block from the Grand Place. Please get there early enough to order your drink at the bar first. Thank you! After introductions we will collect questions from the group participants, choose one by voting then discuss it for an hour. Then most of us stay for drinks and bizarre conversations. Past questions have been wide and not confined to academic philosophy: What is a genuine friend? Is social media turning us into emotional zombies? Do we lose some of the experience of things by defining them? Are we driven by sex? Is loneliness a personal failure? Is morality relative? **Crucially, be kind and respectful and generous** in your disagreements; remember how much you personally enjoy someone else proving you wrong before celebrating your cutting counterexamples.

**Cinema Flagey : La grazia** 15/02 @ 14h00 La grazia. 2025. Italy. Written and directed by Paolo Sorrentino. With Toni Servillo, Anna Ferzetti. DCP courtesy MUBI. In Italian; English subtitles. 131 min. Perhaps the most fantastical plotline for a film this year would be “a political drama centered on thoughtful contemplation and ethical decision-making.” Oscar-winner Paolo Sorrentino (The Great Beauty, 2013) crafts a captivating contemporary tale about a fictional Italian president on the cusp of retirement, and several decisions that will shape his legacy. Brilliantly portrayed by Toni Servillo (winner of the Volpi Cup for Best Actor at this year’s Venice Film Festival), this is a leader capable of restraint in a world that is pulling him to extremes. With a vibrant score, and Sorrentino’s signature lush urban visuals, La grazia seeks that rarest of qualities in today’s world: grace. [Cinema RITCS](https://www.cinemaritcs.be/february-2026/) [Museum of Modern Art](https://www.moma.org/calendar/events/10981) **For Dreamers, Coffee shots, Orezza, eau de Saint-Georges !**

[This is a paid event which requires sign up in advance - here](https://thebridge.brussels/flow-workshop) Ever feel like you’re rushing through life — when what you really need is flow? 🌊 Join us for FLOW, a 5-week workshop designed to help you build the soft skills that matter most: communication, creativity, teamwork, leadership, and self-regulation. ✨ Through playful, embodied exercises taken from the world of theatre, you’ll reconnect with your natural presence and confidence 🎭🤩 🗓️ 15 Feb - 22 Mar, Sundays, 10:30–12:30 📍 The Bridge Theatre Studio in St Gilles 🎟️ limited spots - Reserve your spot 🔗 https://thebridge.brussels/flow-workshop [This is a paid event which requires sign up in advance - here](https://thebridge.brussels/flow-workshop)

We will be walking through the forest for a little about 1 1/2 hours, silently, just noticing the world around us and inside us. The idea is to experience the magic of a different type of walking, The invitation is to slow down and notice what is going on inside you and around you. Very often people experience a closer connection with nature and with self, with sometimes surprising insights. *Please make sure you are fit enough to go the 4.5 km distance. We will be walking slowly, but we will not take any breaks.* We will be meeting at the Hermann Debroux Metro at **14h**. (Exit straight ahead after leaving the platform--on the Loxam side). If you RSVP as coming, please be on time. We will be starting our walk from there 5 min. after the hour sharp. There is the renovated Maison de Prieur at the exit of the forest where we could gather for a drink or a meal after our walk, depending on what you feel like. Looking forward to an inward adventure? Come and join us on **Saturday, February 14, at 14h** My phone number is 0472 92 11 76, in case you need to communicate with me.

**PLEASE READ THE ATTENDANCE POLICY (below) IF IT'S YOUR FIRST TIME** **SUNDAY COFFEE & JAPANESE CONVERSATION** 日曜日のコーヒー＆日本語会話 Our "Japanese/English Conversation Exchange" offers you a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of Japanese culture and language, all while helping native Japanese members to learn their target language. 私たちの「日本語/英語会話交流」は、日本の文化と言語の世界に没頭しながら、ネイティブの日本人メンバーが英語、フランス語、またはオランダ語を学ぶのを手助けするユニークな機会を提供します。 **Date: /** 日付：**(almost) every Sunday** **Time: /** 時間：**from 4.00 pm to 6.00 pm** **Location: /** 場所：**Cafe Caberdouche - Place de la Liberté 8, 1000 Bruxelles** **Venue Note: /** 会場の注意：**The manager of the cafe kindly accepted us to book a table on a regular basis. To thank him for his kindness, please order AT LEAST ONE DRINK**. カフェのマネージャーが親切にも私たちに定期的にテーブルを予約することを承諾してくださいました。その親切に感謝の意を示すために、少なくとも1杯のドリンクを注文してください。 **Location Assistance: /** 場所の案内：**If you can't find us, ask one of the waiters. They know where we are :) You can also send us a message.** 私たちを見つけられない場合は、ウェイターの一人に尋ねてください。彼らは私たちがどこにいるか知っています :) メッセージも送っていただけます。 **Event Agenda: /** イベントのアジェンダ： * **4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: JAPANESE CONVERSATION** \- Join us for the Japanese conversation and cultural exploration\. Beginners are welcome // 日本語会話 \- 最初の30分は日本語の会話と文化探求に充てられています。初心者も聞くだけでも歓迎です。30分後に参加しても構いません。多言語交換 \- ベルギーの多様性を体験し、ネイティブの日本人メンバーが英語、フランス語、またはオランダ語を学びたいと熱心に待っています。さまざまな言語で異文化交流の会話に参加しましょう。私たちの日本の友人にベルギーの文化、伝統、生活を紹介しましょう。 * **6:00 PM: EVENT CONCLUSION** \- Please respect the event's start and end times to maximize your language exchange opportunities\. Your participation and enthusiasm are appreciated\! イベントの終了 \- イベントの開始時間と終了時間を尊重して、言語交換の機会を最大限に活用してください。参加と熱意に感謝します！ **Attendance Policy: --->** 以下の日本語 * We're excited to have you join our events and appreciate your commitment to learning and growing together. To ensure a productive and enjoyable experience for all participants, please take note of our attendance policy: 1. **Punctuality:** Please arrive on time for scheduled events. Late arrivals can disrupt the flow of the event and may miss important information. 2. **Language Commitment:** If you sign up for language-specific sessions, such as Japanese conversation or language exchange, we kindly request your commitment to actively participate in that language for the designated duration. 3. **Respect:** Treat fellow participants, organizers, and cafe staff with respect and courtesy. Harassment or disruptive behavior will not be tolerated. 4. **Removal Policy:** A participant who is not respectful towards other members will be removed from the group and blocked, with no warning. This point is not negotiable. 5. **Cancellation:** If you are unable to attend an event you've registered for, please let us know as soon as possible. This helps us plan accordingly and allows others to take your place if there's a waitlist. 6. **No-Show Policy:** Three no-shows (failing to attend without prior notice) may result in restrictions on event registration to ensure fairness to other participants. By attending our events, you agree to adhere to these guidelines. We aim to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone can learn and connect. Thank you for being part of our community! **出席ポリシー：** 私たちは、イベントに参加していただけることを楽しみにしており、皆さんが一緒に学び成長することに取り組んでいただけることを感謝しています。すべての参加者が生産的で楽しい経験をするために、出席ポリシーにご留意ください： 1. 時間厳守：予定されたイベントには時間通りにお越しください。遅刻はイベントの流れを乱し、重要な情報を見逃す可能性があります。日本語のみのセッションは午後4時、全言語のセッションは午後4時30分開始です。 2. 言語へのコミットメント：日本語会話や言語交換など、特定の言語のセッションに登録された場合は、その言語での積極的な参加をお願いします。 3. 尊重：他の参加者、主催者、カフェのスタッフには敬意と礼儀をもって接してください。嫌がらせや迷惑行為は許容されません。 4. 退場ポリシー：他のメンバーに対して敬意を持たない参加者は、警告なしにグループから削除され、ブロックされます。このポイントは交渉の余地がありません。 5. キャンセル：登録したイベントに参加できない場合は、できるだけ早くお知らせください。これにより、他の人があなたの代わりを取ることができます。 6. ノーショーポリシー：事前の通知なしに3回のノーショー（欠席）がある場合は、他の参加者に公平になるようイベントの登録に制限がかかる場合があります。 私たちのイベントに参加することで、これらのガイドラインに従うことに同意するものとします。私たちはみなさんが学び、つながることができるように歓迎される包括的な環境を作り出すことを目指しています。コミュニティの一部としてご参加いただき、ありがとうございます！ **Note: Please stay tuned to our event page for updates and schedule changes. We can't wait to see you there and exchange languages, cultures, and stories!** 備考：更新やスケジュールの変更については、イベントページをご覧ください。そこで皆さんにお会いして、言語や文化、物語を交換できるのを楽しみにしています！

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!

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 Sunday 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 noon on Sundays. 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: 12:00 - quick intros. 12:10 - timer starts: write for 1 hour. 1:10 - chat / take off / keep writing. OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 1-1:30ish. 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. 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 Sunday!

**Our February novel is: Julia by Sandra Newman** **This month is a classic, dystopian, fiction, literary fiction, women’s fiction, and science fiction novel. The book is 394 pages in print and 14 hours and 20 minutes on audiobook.** **An imaginative, feminist, and brilliantly relevant-to-today retelling of Orwell’s 1984, from the point of view of Winston Smith’s lover, Julia, by critically acclaimed novelist Sandra Newman.** Julia Worthing is a mechanic, working in the Fiction Department at the Ministry of Truth. It’s 1984, and Britain (now called Airstrip One) has long been absorbed into the larger trans-Atlantic nation of Oceania. Oceania has been at war for as long as anyone can remember, and is ruled by an ultra-totalitarian Party, whose leader is a quasi-mythical figure called Big Brother. In short, everything about this world is as it is in Orwell’s 1984. All her life, Julia has known only Oceania, and, until she meets Winston Smith, she has never imagined anything else. She is an ideal citizen: cheerfully cynical, always ready with a bribe, piously repeating every political slogan while believing in nothing. She routinely breaks the rules, but also collaborates with the regime when necessary. Everyone likes Julia. Then one day she finds herself walking toward Winston Smith in a corridor and impulsively slips him a note, setting in motion the devastating, unforgettable events of the classic story. Julia takes us on a surprising journey through Orwell’s now-iconic dystopia, with twists that reveal unexpected sides not only to Julia, but to other familiar figures in the 1984 universe. This unique perspective lays bare our own world in haunting and provocative ways, just as the original did almost seventy-five years ago.

**I’m planning future book club meetups and would love your input. Please choose your top three from the list below—your picks will help decide what we read next!** **Book Options** *The Hong Kong Widow* – Kristen Loesch *American Spy* – Lauren Wilkinson *God of the Woods* – Liz Moore *Listen for the Lie* – Amy Tintera *The Swallows* – Lisa Lutz *The Drowning Kind* – Jennifer McMahon *The Eights* – Joanna Miller *The Quiet Librarian* – Allen Eskens Thanks so much for sharing your pick! Please **reply in the comments** with your top three. I can’t wait to see which books rise to the top and to discuss them together at our next meetups.

This meeting will be an open discussion about the book "an Immense World" by Ed Yong

Welcome, readers! Our February read is **_1984 by George Orwell._** In 1984, George Orwell imagines a world where the government watches everyone, rewrites reality, and punishes even private thoughts. Winston Smith dares to question this system, believing that truth and love might still exist. His rebellion draws him into a chilling struggle against a power that knows him better than he knows himself. The novel leaves readers asking whether freedom is possible when reality itself can be controlled. 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! 📖