Mystery Book Club

📚 Do you love reading, but wish you had a structure and a community to share your insights with? Join our small circle of curious minds (just 4 members per gathering) as we come together for an hour of focused reading—in the calm setting of a library or the cozy atmosphere of a café. Here’s how it works: First part: Quiet reading on your own—bring a book you’re exploring, whether it’s philosophy, history, psychology, literature, or anything meaningful to you. Second part: We regroup and each person shares key takeaways, insights, or questions sparked by their reading. This sparks a structured yet free-flowing conversation around ideas, perspectives, and personal reflections. Why join? Add structure to your reading habit. Discover new books, authors, and ideas through others’ choices. Build real connections by sharing and listening deeply. Socialize around something meaningful instead of small talk.

Hello everyone! The location for Monday night chess has now moved to Mackenzies', which is a restaurant in downtown Fairfax City. Formerly known as Earp's Ordinary, it has now changed name. Save the address: 3950 University Dr STE 210, Fairfax, VA 22030 There is free parking available in a free garage behind the restaurant. We will meet, per usual, at 6pm. All ages and chess levels are welcome. The club has I believe 3 or 4 chess boards in stock at the restaurant, but please bring your own. Please try to purchase something to eat or drink at Mackenzie's (it can be small), like a soft drink, beer, or side of fries. We have to support our venue! Thanks! Isaac

This is not an event - this is an online community. Finding a quality partner shouldn't be a second job. At Maryland Singles Social Club, we know that busy schedules, demanding careers, and family commitments can make attending every event impossible. That's why we created The Clubhouse, a private, online network designed to expand your dating horizons on your own terms. Think of it as our digital "rolodex" of exceptional single men and women in the DMV area, all actively seeking a genuine relationship. Unlike the endless swiping and superficial connections of dating apps, The Clubhouse is a carefully curated and exclusive resource available only to our clubhouse members. It’s a direct, strategic way to discover new options and opportunities without the noise or “catfishing” that accompanies app dating. Visit our website www.mdssclub.com and click on THE CLUBHOUSE to register and learn more!

Let's sneak one more sesh in before the end of the year. The Southwest Library is right off the Waterfront Metro. We'll be in Conference Room 2, which is on the second floor. If you use the elevator, the room is immediately to your left as you exit, and has a glass wall. If you take the stairs, you can ask the person at the information desk.

This Happy Hour -AND- Film Screening is for creative people and folks who appreciate creativity. Whether you attend, produce, appreciate, or promote, you are welcome to join us on Monday, December 29, 2025 from 5pm-7pm for a Happy Hour -AND- Film Screening at Silver Branch Brewing Co in Silver Spring, MD. We are screening our Make a Movie in a Month films at this Happy Hour, so please join us in supporting our filmmakers and their documentary short films! Come meet, network, and enjoy. Only those ages 21 and up can attend. Happy Hour specials are from 5pm-6pm: $5.95 beer and select drinks. Entrance is free. This is a casual event. Register on Eventbrite at [https://HappyHour12-29-25.eventbrite.com](https://HappyHour12-29-25.eventbrite.com). This event is produced in partnership with[ TIVA](https://www.tivadc.org/) (Television, Internet, and Video Association of DC),[ WIFV](https://www.wifv.org/) (Women in Film & Video),[ Wheaton Film Festival](https://www.wheatonfilmfestival.com/),[ ReelAbilities Film Festival](https://reelabilities.org/greaterwash/),[ Docs in Progress](https://www.docsinprogress.org/), DC Media Makers Group, etc. Sponsored by[ Brian Frankel Law Firm PLLC](https://brianfrankel.com/),[ Creative Colony Spaces](https://www.creativecolonyspaces.com/membership/overview), and Adobe Software. Enjoy delicious craft beers, tasty snacks, and great company in a relaxed atmosphere. Whether you're a beer enthusiast or just looking to unwind after a long day, this event is perfect for you. Don't miss out on the opportunity to kick back and relax with us at Silver Branch Brewing Co. Use the QR codes at the table to order food and drinks, and be prepared to mingle. Check out the[ Silver Branch Brewing Company's Menu](https://www.silverbranchbrewing.com/lagerhaus-biergarten/). PARKING: Paid parking available at the Cameron Street Garage on 8530 Cameron St. See you there on 12/29/25!

Join us for a (belated) **Holiday Nonfiction Book Lovers Meetup** where we'll be organizing a **nonfiction book exchange**! (More details to follow.)

This meeting will be dedicated to talking about the entirety of "Hunger" by Knut Hamsun We will be meeting in the National Portrait Gallery Atrium. To stay up to date with events and discuss meetings or books, you can join our Whatsapp group. Please message me to get added.

Lovers of books, banter, beverages, bites... Let's kick off the new year by gathering at the spacious Life Cafe and bistro for our book chat! Meet inside. Ask for the table with Eddie. When: Friday, Jan. 2, 5:30 pm Where: *Life Cafe, 1440 N Edgewood St. Arlington, VA 22201*. Conveniently located a couple of blocks from the Clarendon metro stop and down from the Barnes & Noble bookshop. What: Bring a book, paper copy or on your cell, to briefly discuss. Grab a beverage or snack or slice. Everyone will take turns with their own book. Then general conversation about literature and related stuff. Invite your friends to come along, for beverages and books! Giving thanks, for great authors. Happy reading!

# **New Years Eve Blood on the Clocktower: Trouble Brewing at 3 Gear Games** **Click Here to RSVP** \> [https://www.3gearstudios.com/blood-on-the-clocktower-trouble-brewing-69030350.html](https://www.3gearstudios.com/blood-on-the-clocktower-trouble-brewing-69030350.html) \*Tickets must be purchased using the link above to ensure your spot\* **Description:** Step into a world of lies, logic, and deception. It’s a pure social deduction game - no dice needed, and there are many ways to play even the storyteller can lie. Some characters passively receive information, some need to take action to learn who is who, while some simply want to bait the Demon into attacking them. Both good and evil can gain the upper hand by making well-timed sacrifices. Trouble Brewing is a relatively straightforward Demon hunt, but evil has a number of dastardly misinformation tricks up their sleeves, so the good players had better question what they think they know if they hope to survive. * **Date: Wednesday, December 31st** * **Time**: 6:00pm - 10:00pm EST * **Slots:** 12 * **Cost:** $10 per person/ per session * **Characters**: Beginner - Friendly * **Rating:** 13+. * **Game Master**: Megan A. (She/ They) * **Place: In Person at 3 Gear Games** (25 C Street, Laurel MD 20707) **Play Games \| Make Friends** **Follow Us On:** [Join Our Facebook Group](https://www.facebook.com/3gearstudios/groups) [Join Our Discord](https://www.3gearstudios.com/3-gear-games-events-community/community/) Website:[ www.3geargames.com](https://www.3gearstudios.com)

We will be holding the Monthly Poetry in the Garden meeting on January 4, 2026 in the Club House at Schrom Hills Park, 6915 Hanover Pkwy, Greenbelt MD from 3 - 5 PM. All are welcome to join us and there is no admission charge. Bring your favorite poem, your own poem or just come and listen and enjoy. We will have refreshments to help enjoy the mood.

Please join me as we finish Words of Radiance and Edgedancer! This will be the last month we’re using this app for book club. If you’d like to continue with us after this meeting, please reach out and I’ll DM you with more information.

**Our January novel is: Once Upon a Wardrobe by Patti Callahan** **This month's featured novel is a 20th-century biographical fiction, coming-of-age, historical romance, women’s fiction, world literature, student biography, heartfelt, magic, and feel-good novel. The book is 311 pages in print and 7 hours and 8 minutes on audiobook.** 1950: Margaret Devonshire (Megs) is a seventeen-year-old student of mathematics and physics at Oxford University. When her beloved eight-year-old brother asks Megs if Narnia is real, logical Megs tells him it's just a book for children, and certainly not true. Homebound due to his illness, and remaining fixated on his favorite books, George presses her to ask the author of the recently released novel The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe a question: "Where did Narnia come from?" Despite her fear about approaching the famous author, who is a professor at her school, Megs soon finds herself taking tea with C. S. Lewis and his own brother Warnie, begging them for answers. Rather than directly telling her where Narnia came from, Lewis encourages Megs to form her own conclusion as he shares the little-known stories from his own life that led to his inspiration. As she takes these stories home to George, the little boy travels farther in his imagination than he ever could in real life. After holding so tightly to logic and reason, her brother's request leads Megs to absorb a more profound truth: "The way stories change us can't be explained. It can only be felt. Like love."

Welcome, readers! ❄️ Our December read is **_A Quiet Life by Ethan Joella._** A Quiet Life by Ethan Joella is a tender, character-driven novel that follows three people in a small Pennsylvania town as they each cope with loss and seek connection. Chuck, a widower, struggles to find meaning after his wife’s death; Ella, a young woman, faces the heartbreak of her missing daughter; and Kirsten, a veterinary technician, grieves her father while contemplating her future. Their stories intertwine gently, revealing how grief and hope coexist—and how even small acts of kindness can help people rediscover purpose and peace in the aftermath of tragedy. Looking forward to discussing with everyone! At this meeting, our third annual White Elephant book exchange will take place! If you'd like to participate, bring a gift-wrapped book that you already own. On the gift wrap, write the genre of the book. 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! 📖

I don't usually pick romance but I really wanted to do a Hanukkah book. It's a bit on the longer side but hopefully a quick read. The library only has 5 audiobooks so please try to remember to "release it" when you're done. Columbus libraries: [https://cml.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S105C3503238](https://cml.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S105C3503238) Location: The Goat Riversouth [219 South High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215](https://www.google.com/maps?q=219%20South%20High%20Street%2C%20Columbus%2C%20Ohio%2043215%2C%20United%20States) [Menu](https://static1.squarespace.com/static/686d3ed16745133042482c5f/t/68ff654dbb03b96875430bde/1761568077220/all_brunch-20250311.pdf) Book summary: Rachel Rubenstein-Goldblatt is a nice Jewish girl with a shameful secret: she loves Christmas. For a decade she’s hidden her career as a Christmas romance novelist from her family. Her talent has made her a bestseller even as her chronic illness has always kept the kind of love she writes about out of reach. But when her diversity-conscious publisher insists she write a Hanukkah romance, her well of inspiration suddenly runs dry. Hanukkah’s not magical. It’s not merry. It’s not *Christmas*. Desperate not to lose her contract, Rachel’s determined to find her muse at the Matzah Ball, a Jewish music celebration on the last night of Hanukkah, even if it means working with her summer camp archenemy—Jacob Greenberg. Though Rachel and Jacob haven’t seen each other since they were kids, their grudge still glows brighter than a menorah. But as they spend more time together, Rachel finds herself drawn to Hanukkah—and Jacob—in a way she never expected. Maybe this holiday of lights will be the spark she needed to set her heart ablaze.