Literature

This week we are discussing **James Baldwin:** Giovanni's Room. 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. **Also, if you're unable to attend, please update your RSVP so that someone from the waiting list can take your spot.**

An afternoon bookclub, organized by our member Patrick Rutledge. We will meet in the café of this cultural center and talk about what we are currently reading :) and, if we've time, chat in general about books. Please also feel free to read a sample from you book if you wish. Usually we read both fiction and non-fiction (history, philosophy, sociology, and other topics). Bring your Kindle, your tablet, or your paper books. The discussion will be in English, but of course feel free to bring books in any language.

Für Mitglieder von Text Collective Berlin ist die Teilnahme an dieser Veranstaltung kostenlos. Nicht-Mitglieder werden um einen Teilnahmebeitrag von zehn Euro gebeten. Hier buchen: [https://textcollective.de/ticket](https://textcollective.de/ticket) Es handelt sich um einen moderierten Workshop. Kreative Schreibübung mit anschließender Diskussion zum Erfahrungsaustausch, Inspiration und Motivation zu sammeln. Ein Raum für alle, die kreativ schreiben möchten – egal ob du gerade erst anfängst oder schon länger schreibst. **Jeden ersten Samstag des Monats von 15:00 Uhr bis 17:00 Uhr in der ufaFabrik in Tempelhof.** **Was dich erwartet:** In unseren Treffen arbeiten wir mit abwechslungsreichen Schreibimpulsen, die neue Perspektiven eröffnen und spielerisches Experimentieren ermöglichen. Du schreibst direkt vor Ort, teilst deine Texte mit der Gruppe (freiwillig!) und erhältst konstruktives Feedback. Die Atmosphäre ist offen und unterstützend. Hier darf ein Text noch unfertig sein, eine Idee noch roh, ein Gedanke noch unausgereift. In dieser Atmosphäre gegenseitiger Wertschätzung entsteht der Mut, sich auszuprobieren und die eigene Stimme zu entdecken. Wir lesen einander vor, geben Rückmeldung, ermutigen uns gegenseitig und praktizieren das Zuhören.

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!

**Relax. Connect. Create. ☕** After a full week of work, meetings, study sessions and life in fast-forward, it’s time to slow down. Join us this Saturday afternoon in Berlin for a relaxed coffee hang-out where this week's agenda is good company & warm drinks. You're also invited to bring some boardgames, drawing/coloring materials (I will bring an adult coloring book) **What’s the plan?** We’ll meet in a cosy spot, draw, chat about everything and nothing, swap stories and simply enjoy the moment. No pressure. No formalities. Just a bunch of friendly people sharing a Saturday coffee. **Who’s welcome?** Everyone! Whether you’re a Berliner born and raised, newly arrived in the city, from Germany or abroad, if you like meeting open-minded folks and spending some relaxed time—come join us. **When & how?** Saturday afternoon. Detailed time and place in our Telegram group. ➡️ Join us on Telegram: [https://t.me/berlinsaturdaycoffee](https://t.me/berlinsaturdaycoffee) Hop in, say hello, and we’ll share the final details. **Why join?** * Because you deserve a break. * Because you enjoy being creative. * Because you enjoy boardgames * Because meeting new people sparks fresh energy. * Because coffee tastes even better when shared. * Because Saturday afternoons were made for this. Respect and Safety: There is always at least one organizer present at every meetup. If you ever feel unsafe or bothered by someone’s behavior, you can reach out to an organizer privately. Your identity will remain confidential, your concern will be taken seriously, and no inappropriate behavior is tolerated — anyone making others feel uncomfortable will be removed from the group immediately. We hope to see you there. Bring yourself, your smile, drawing materials, your stories—or just your comfy self. Let’s make Saturday a little more laid-back, a little more social and a lot more nice. See you soon! —Your Saturday Creative Coffee Crew ☕

RSVP on Luma: [https://luma.com/ou3ks02q?utm_source=Meetup](https://luma.com/ou3ks02q?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. ​This year is about creating more, quietly, consistently, and imperfectly. We're fostering an environment that supports that. If you’re building something of your own, you’re especially welcome here. ​We’re building a community of readers and creators who value depth, presence, and shared silence. The magic isn’t just in the quiet hour — 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.) ​This quiet ritual unfolds at **W66 Café**. ​There’s no entrance fee, but please order at least one item from the café and don’t bring outside 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.*

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!

New members are always welcome. It's ok to have missed any or all of the sessions involving other plays. Current Reading: **The Merchant of Venice Acts 3, 4, & 5** Completed Plays: Julius Caesar, The Winter's Tale GUIDELINES: ***Participants should complete the reading before each session. It's no problem not to have understood everything, but without some familiarity with the text prior to meeting it will be difficult to have a conversation.*** ***Also, it's not necessary that English be your first language in order to join, but your command and understanding of English should be that you're able to participate confidently in discussions about ideas, feelings, and abstract things.*** **"Reading Shakespeare Socratically?"** \-\- This means we'll put questions to the text and try to make it speak\, as though it is a living person and we are its interlocutor\. We'll ask it questions about what the text has said and then try to find answers\. Mostly\, this just means having a discussion amongst ourselves but there are a few guidelines that\, in my experience\, have proven immensely helpful to having a substantial conversation: **#1** Avoid Outside Sources; interpretations you read on the internet about what the play really means, academic papers/lectures (unless they are your own), personal stories/anecdotes, biographically-driven analysis of the text, interpolations about Shakespeare's personality, facts about Shakespeare's life., etc. **#2** Try to ground what you say in the text -- it's not necessary to quote something every time you speak, but referencing passages, etc. will create great conversation. **#3** Be conscious of your own speaking time. If there are 10 people and 120 minutes of event time, then people have roughly 12 minutes each to speak. Nobody will keep track, but it' a good reference point to keep in mind. We also strive to practice [the principle of charity when considering another's point of view.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Principle_of_charity) **My Role/About Me:** I will moderate the discussion and begin each session by asking an opening question that should serve as a point-of-entry into the text. I don't posit myself as an expert or authority. Nor do I claim to have the "right" answers, but I do have a lot of experience participating in such discussions and a solid background in reading Shakespeare. This is a free event.

Silent Book Club is a group of book lovers who enjoy reading together in public. All books and all readers are welcome. (Kindly RSVP 'yes' only if you can make it, so we can save a seat for you and our fellow readers on the waitlist!) This page-turning party will unfold in the Café (1st floor) at the Bode Museum. There's no entrance fee, but please order at least one item from the cafe and don't bring any outside drinks :) No quizzes, no pressure, no assigned books - just a group of book-loving souls basking in the beauty of silent reading. **Our thrilling agenda:** 10:30 am - 11:00 am - Arrivals, ordering drinks/food (social time) 11:00 am - 12:00 pm - The Great Quiet Reading Hour (where silence is the star) 12:00 pm - 13:00 pm - Optional socializing, share your reading adventures or just keep exploring the pages Stay for lunch, and who knows? You might just find your next favorite book over a pizza. NB: If you plan to go for lunch, please consider bringing cash, as some restaurants only accept card payments after a certain amount.

Welcome to Terrible Football Berlin!
Do you want to play football but don't want to pay? Are you a bit unfit, a bit old, or a bit Terrible? Want to have a relaxed kick about and a couple of beers after? Then Terrible Football is for you!
Anyone can play: any ability, any age, and any gender. Terrible Football is about miss kicked clearances, sweet half volleys and desperate diving saves. We play in the rain, sun or snow. It's completely free, and always will be. It's open, inclusive and Terrible.
We usually play on Astro (artificial grass) and sometimes on grass, depending on numbers. Bibs, balls, and cones are taken care of! Just bring sporty clothes and a pair of rubber studded football shoes you'll be good to go! You don't need shin pads and we don't allow hard plastic or metal studs.
The exact location of the event is in the Telegram group description (https://t.me/joinchat/OkWQBBcw3b7ptauwrIEfig Still trouble finding us? Send a message in our Telegram group and we'll help you out. You'll also stay up to date with last-minute changes!
See you on the pitch!
... and stay Terrible!
 \-\-\-\> GUIDELINES FOR THE SESSIONS <\-\-\-
 How the games will work:
 1\. We will have up to 20 players\.
 2\. Please RSVP on Meetup if you want to participate\.
 3\. If you sign up\, please try your best to attend the event to avoid disturbing the format\. If you cannot attend the session\, deregister asap \(Please check below how the waiting list will work\)\. LATEST CANCELLATION is 3 HOURS before the start of the event\. 4\. Regular no\-shows could be banned from future TF Meetups\.
 5\. We will NOT allow unregistered participants\.
 6\. The organizer group will ban repeat rule breakers\, so play nice\.

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.

📚 **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.

**Love: Past, Present, and Future – From Biology to the Heart** Love is one of the most intimate and transformative experiences of being alive. It can bring joy or heartbreak, clarity or confusion, fleeting moments or lifelong bonds. While deeply personal, love is also universal—woven into our biology, reflected in human culture, mirrored in the animal kingdom, and explored through spiritual and moral traditions. At its core, love is biological. Our brains are wired for connection: dopamine sparks desire, oxytocin fosters attachment. These chemical signals guide attraction, bonding, and social cohesion. Yet love is far more than biology. Across spiritual traditions, love is celebrated as sacred and transformative, guiding behavior, inspiring compassion, and creating meaning beyond the self. Devotion, care, and empathy show how love can connect individuals, communities, and the wider world. Love is not unique to humans. Animals form bonds, care for their young, and display loyalty and attachment. From swans that mate for life to nurturing communities of elephants and dolphins, the natural world reminds us that connection is both instinctive and profound. In modern times, love is evolving. Romantic partnerships, friendships, and self-love are increasingly shaped by digital technology, social change, and global mobility. Love today can cross continents in an instant, flourish in virtual spaces, or challenge traditional norms—emphasizing choice, equality, emotional fulfillment, and authenticity. Looking ahead, love may take forms we can barely imagine. Artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and bioengineering could reshape intimacy, attachment, and connection. Future relationships might include AI companions, hybrid human-digital bonds, or entirely new ways of caring for others—prompting us to rethink what it means to love. This session will explore love as a phenomenon that spans biology, psychology, society, spirituality, the animal kingdom, and emerging futures. We will reflect on how love is felt, expressed, and understood—personally and collectively—and how it shapes identity, behavior, and meaning in life. **We will focus on:** * Cultural, historical, and spiritual perspectives on love * The biology of attraction, bonding, and attachment * Psychology: intimacy, emotional bonds, and human connection * Lessons from the animal kingdom: care, loyalty, and partnership * Modern love: technology, social change, and evolving norms * The future of love: AI, virtual relationships, and new possibilities * Personal dimensions: vulnerability, growth, heartbreak, and self-love * Expanding who can love freely and how we practice love today Join us for an intimate and reflective conversation on love—in all its forms, from brain chemistry to spiritual and moral traditions, from animal bonds to digital possibilities. Together, we’ll explore how love shapes life today and what it might become tomorrow. 📅 **Event Details** 🗓️ **Date:** Saturday, 04 April 2026 ⏰ **Time:** 14:00 📍 **Location:** Hardenbergstraße 10, 10623 Berlin 📱 **WhatsApp:** For prep materials and directions [Group Chat](https://chat.whatsapp.com/Ba8ZAaH2Yuk6FGmD3LLO7H)

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!

**Our April novel is: *The Hong Kong Widow* by Kristen Loesch** **This month’s novel blends gothic atmosphere with historical fiction and chilling horror, set against the haunting backdrop of China. The book is 368 pages in print and 10 hours and 42 minutes on audiobook.** In 1950s Hong Kong, Mei is a young refugee of the Chinese Communist revolution struggling to put her past in Shanghai behind her. When she receives a shocking invitation—to take part in a competition in one of the city's most notorious haunted houses, pitting six spirit mediums against one another in a series of six séances over six nights, until a single winner emerges—she has every reason to refuse. Except that the hostess, a former Shanghainese silent film star, is none other than the wife of the man who once destroyed Mei’s entire life. It is promised the winner will receive a fortune, but there is only one prize Mei wants: revenge. Decades later, the final night of that competition has become an infamous urban legend: The police were called to the scene of a brutal massacre but found no evidence, dismissing it as a collective hallucination. Mei knows what she saw, but now someone else is convinced they know what she did. She must uncover the truth about the last night she ever spent in that house—even if the ghosts of her past are waiting for her there. . . .

Let’s try this popular Italian restaurant in Reynoldsburg. This is the menu: https://scaliristorante.com/#4e468054-0235-43e2-81c2-44e061341e9e

. 🎬 Movie Night You, Me & Tuscany Join us for a cinematic escape to the sun-drenched vineyards and romantic landscapes of Italy as we gather to watch You, Me & Tuscany, the new feel-good romantic comedy starring Halle Bailey and Regé‑Jean Page. Set against the breathtaking beauty of Tuscany, the film follows a spirited young woman whose impulsive decision to stay in a Tuscan villa leads to unexpected adventure, heartfelt moments, and a romance she never saw coming. Expect an evening filled with: 🍿 A beautiful cinematic escape to Italy 🍷 Relaxed social vibes and great conversation ✨ A feel-good romantic story perfect for movie lovers Whether you’re a fan of romantic comedies, stunning travel settings, or simply enjoy experiencing great films with great people, this will be a perfect night to unwind and connect. Come ready to relax, laugh, and be transported to Tuscany for the evening. Follow Black Love & Friends on [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/share/17oXQtZz36/) and [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/blackloveandfriends?igsh=djVrYnhqeG5nMjBx) to stay connected and be the first to hear about upcoming dimnets, social gatherings, and other exciting member-only events.

Greetings writers! Come down and join your fellow wordsmiths for one hour of uninterrupted writing time in the upper level of the Market District Supermarket in Upper Arlington. The main entrance of the shopping center opens onto stairs/elevator leading up to the 2nd floor cafe section where we will have a table displaying a sign with the Shut Up & Write logo. Writing is largely a solitary craft. Practicing with others in a community setting may be the thing you need to fire your own routine. We’ll meet on Wednesday evenings, starting the clock at 6:30, following a brief period of introductions. This is solid writing time and all inclusive. Any project is acceptable, be it fiction, non -fiction, work or homework assignment. All is welcome and will remain private to you. The market boasts a Starbucks, a full service bar and various affordable food options. Parking is plentiful, free Wifi is provided as well as outlets for charging your devices, though they are somewhat limited, so plan accordingly. Show up as early as you like, or stay late. This group tends to socialize some, both before and after the alloted time, but this is not mandatory to you. Feel free to come and go as you please and late arrivals are welcome. The cafe may be noisy on occasion so headphones/ earbuds are reccommended as you see fit. Please try to RSVP if possible so that we may grab enough seats for all—the venue can be busy at times. Feel free to message me privately wth any questions and/ or concerns you may have. Happy writing!

We’ll be having a game night! Bring a game, snack, drink or just yourself!