Novel Reading

📚 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.

A bi-weekly creative writing gathering for people who want dedicated time to write, sharpen their craft, and move their work forward in community. Writers of all levels and genres are welcome—non fiction, poetry, prose, fiction, and hybrid work. Cost : $10 Other ways to join the community FB group “You Are Write Here” https://facebook.com/groups/8545060658889104/ Our online book club https://bookclubs.com/you-are-write-here/join/ Old Parish House location is near college park, Md (umd) campus area, You are Write here: host bi-weekly community writing class Fri 630pm

### **The Greenbelt Chapter** **Where curiosity meets community.** The **Greenbelt Book Club** is a welcoming neighborhood gathering dedicated to exploring diverse perspectives through the power of literature. Whether you’re a lifelong reader or looking to rediscover the joy of books, we offer a space for meaningful dialogue and connection. *** ### **What to Expect** Our gatherings are casual, engaging, and centered on shared discovery. Every month, we dive into new selections—ranging from contemporary fiction and historical deep-dives to thought-provoking non-fiction. * **The Discussion:** We move beyond simple "likes" and "dislikes" to explore the themes, characters, and bigger questions each book raises. * **The Atmosphere:** Expect a low-pressure environment where every voice is valued. You don’t need to be a literary critic to participate; you just need an open mind. * **The Connection:** We are all about building local friendships. It’s a great way to meet neighbors who share a love for learning and storytelling. *** ### **Meeting Details** * **When:** Every **Wednesday and Friday** * **Time:** 5:00 PM * **Where:** 9200 Edmonston Road, Greenbelt, MD 20770 *** ### **How to Join** Joining is easy! Simply show up at our meeting location at the times listed above. No long-term commitment is required—feel free to drop in for a single session to see if it’s a good fit for you, or join us every week. **We can’t wait to turn the page on a new adventure with you!**

This Happy Hour is devoted to professionals in the International Affairs and Development community, to grow, interact, and learn from each other. It is designed to provide a professional environment to meet other International Affairs professionals to broaden one's career. It is also for those interested in International Affairs and Development careers and are studying or intend to enter the dynamic world of global development. HOW IT WORKS : We will try to assign tables for each represented INDUSTRIES/SECTORS/SPECIALIZATIONS and will direct attendees to their respective tables accordingly. All industries are welcome! However we don't guarantee the availability of a partner in that particular field, you would like to exchange experience. PLEASE BRING YOUR SOFT/HARD COPY BUSINESS CARDS. Rules to abide : 1\. Event is 21\+ \(bring ID\)\. 2\. Be respectful to your counterparts and give them a chance to exchange with others as well\. 3\. We all specialize in one or two fields and be willing to engage others and try to accommodate as much as possible\. 4\. If you don't specialize in the other person's required discipline\, LEAVE THEM ALONE\. 5\. Rude or aggressive members are removed from the group at an organizers discretion\. 6\. This is a face\-to\-face event\. DO NOT try to arrange an online meeting\, by using the comment box or direct message\. 7\. Most of our members complained about people writing in the comment box\. Since it sends notification to all attendees\. If you have any questions\, send a message to the organizers\. Don't write in the comment box\. 8\. We have ZERO TOLERANCE for solicitation\. We don't allow anyone to run their own agenda at the Event\. If you are interested to promote/sponsor/collaborate; contact us via \(info@merevents\.com\)\. 9\. When you get there\, we greet you and take you to your respective group\. 10\. Don't be shy of your specializations\. We have diplomates assigned to different countries\, who would love to learn more from your experience\. 11. ***Please be patient for the first 30 minutes, up until we form a group with your respective industry/sector.*** ***AFTER THE SOCIAL, WE HIT THE DANCE FLOOR! BRING YOUR DANCING SHOES, WE WILL DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY!*** ***N.B. : We have ZERO TOLERANCE for solicitation. We don't allow anyone to run their own agenda at the Event. If you are interested to promote/sponsor/collaborate; contact us via ([info@merevents.com](http://info@merevents.com/)).***

### Celebrate Pride and Prom Together! For many older LGBTQIA+ folks, Prom has been problematic. Perhaps you never had the opportunity to attend this high school ritual as your authentic self or to take the date of your choice. Whether your prom was fabulous fun or you'd like a do-over, this Prom is for YOU! Rewrite your Prom story and join us for an inclusive night of fun, music, and community at the Library. Dance the night away with old friends or make new ones - couples, singles, and groups are welcome. Dress to impress for the photo booth and friendly dance contest! As always, allies are welcome! Light refreshments will be provided. Alcoholic drinks will be available for purchase for adults 21 and over with identification. All drink sales will benefit the [Friends of the Arlington Public Library.](https://arlingtonlibraryfriends.org/) **Special guests:** The [DC Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence](https://dcsisters.org/) will co-host this free and welcoming event. Register for event reminders at [https://arlingtonva.libcal.com/event/15777374](https://arlingtonva.libcal.com/event/15777374)

😀♠️❤️ A Spades Special - Cards in Downtown Silver Spring 😀♠️❤️ We are hosting another event in Downtown Silver Spring - at Comma's Food Hall inside City Place Mall. 😀 Enjoy a friendly night of Spades play, lots of laughs, and Friday fun. ♠️ Spades games will be the main event, from 6pm to 10pm! 🌯 Play cards, eat, drink, & socialize! Enjoy drink specials and variety of reasonably-priced restaurant options. 🌟 Get matched with a partner onsite. All skill levels are welcome. The fun starts at 6pm! 🍷 Happy Hour Specials all night! 🎶 A Live DJ will be playing music all evening 🚗 Parking available in Ellsworth Garage (connected to the venue through the Skywalk) 📷 See the photo section for details 🌜Join us for a night of card play and fun times! 🌛 🙏🏿 We will also be honoring our friend, Tony, we recently lost in the Spades community. 🙏🏿 <><><><><><><><><><><><><><><

Join us to discuss Jane Austen’s unfinished novel Sandition! Jane completed the first 12 chapters before her death. There are many versions of Sanditon that have been cowritten and completed by other authors. **Please make sure your version contains Jane’s original 12 chapters, as our discussion will be based on these.

We will meet outside as long as the weather is nice. If not, we will move inside. Look out for a comment the morning of each meeting with our exact location. As we are meeting in person, please remember to bring something to read as we usually spend some time sharing our current reads and/or reading when meeting in person. As a reminder, there is no assigned reading; please bring whatever you are currently working on. This group is super casual, sometimes we read and sometimes we talk the whole time. **** NO SHOW POLICY: Due to the high number of members on the waitlist recently we are having to reinstate our no-show policy. If you sign up and no-show to 2 events you will be removed from the group. Reminders are provided weekly to change your RSVP to allow those on the waitlist a chance to come to the meet-up, no 3rd chances with be given. Please be considerate to your fellow members. Thank you! I look forward to reading you!

* We meet inside Zazzy * Bring something to read, as we often take some time at the beginning telling each other about what we're currently reading. * I have a favor to ask of you. To offset the cost of Meetup fees (\~$200 a year), I kindly request that you consider a small donation to my my [Pledge account](https://www.meetup.com/a-different-type-of-book-club-arlington/#pledge). 😊 **NOTE: NO DISCUSSION OF POLITICS: 12/31/21 UPDATE** For the sake of polite company, moving forward, we will avoid the discussion of politics at meetings of the book club. Please let me know if you have any questions. **NON-ATTENDANCE / NO-SHOW POLICY** If you have said that you will attend this event, but no longer are able to attend, please kindly update your status to "Not Attending" so that someone on the waitlist is able to RSVP. **Because this Meetup group is popular, and typically has a waitlist, effective immediately, I'm instituting a two-event no-show policy. If you RSVP as "Attending" but do not show at two events, you will be removed from this Meetup group.** We look forward to seeing you! Best, Jay

Chapter 17, Hollywood-Paris-Hollywood, 42 pages, pp.644-686.

We are going to talk about the books we read—any books, from any genre. Whether it’s fiction or nonfiction, classic literature or something modern, everyone is welcome to share their thoughts, impressions, and favorite passages. It’s a relaxed and friendly conversation where we can discover new ideas and enjoy each other’s perspectives.

📚 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.

Come join us to discuss our July pick "Tusk Love" by Thea Guanzon! Book description: A merchant’s daughter who yearns for adventure gets more than she bargained for when she falls for a broodingly handsome stranger in this saucy romantasy from the New York Times bestselling author of The Hurricane Wars. “A true delight of a book! Spicy and heartfelt—this one is a winner all around.”—Katee Robert, author of Neon Gods As the daughter of an ambitious merchant, Guinevere’s path has been predetermined: marry into a noble house of the Dwendalian Empire, raise her family’s station, and live quietly as a lordling’s obedient wife. But Guinevere longs for a life unbounded by expectations, for freedom and passion and adventure. Those distant dreams become a sudden reality when her caravan is beset by bandits, leaving her guards slain and Guinevere stranded alone on the dangerous Amber Road. Her only chance of survival is to travel alongside Oskar, the aloof half-orc who saved her during the attack. Unlike Guinevere, Oskar’s path is not so set in stone. With his mother dead and his apprenticeship abandoned, all that’s left is a long, lonely walk to a land he’s never seen to find family he’s never met. The last thing he needs is a spoiled waif like Guinevere slowing him down—even if the spark between them sizzles with promise. Despite his cold exterior, Oskar is brave and thoughtful and unlike anyone Guinevere has ever met. And while Guinevere may be sheltered, she brings out a softness in him that he has never dared to feel before. As the flames of their passion grow, they realize that soon they’ll need to choose between their expected destinations or their blossoming romance. Written by New York Times bestselling author Thea Guanzon at the behest of Critical Role’s Jester Lavorre, Tusk Love brings the most romantic story on Exandrian bookshelves to life.

**📚 Reading Club: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid – Free to Join** We're meeting up to share thoughts on our current read, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid in a casual and welcoming atmosphere, and the discussion tends to go in unexpected directions. Discussion flows wherever the group takes it — with the book as a launchpad for wherever things lead, and people who expected a quiet evening often end up talking the longest. No requirement to finish — come wherever you are in the book, and mark the parts that surprised you most, and bring your analysis — as the group's conversation is richer for having every viewpoint in the room. Anyone is welcome regardless of reading experience — and you will find the group easy to talk with from the start, bring your reactions and leave the rest to the discussion, and the group's warmth makes it genuinely easy to join in. --- **Good to bring:** - Any notes or passages you flagged while reading - A copy of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo to reference during discussion - An open mind and a willingness to debate **A quick overview:** - Everyone finds a seat and the discussion opens whenever the group is ready - The group digs into the book and the conversation goes wherever it leads - At some point toward the end the group votes on or suggests next month's read 💡 **Worth knowing:** note the moment you felt the strongest reaction whatever that was, since your strongest reaction is usually your most interesting contribution, and you will find that even a rough note is worth more than nothing. --- 🌻 The best reading is always shared reading — sign up and bring your reading experience however partial and you will leave with more than you came with. The conversation gets better with every reader in the room. 🌻

**📖 Literary Circle: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid · No Commitment Required** We're sitting down to analyse and talk through this month's pick — The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid in a relaxed and open group setting, and you rarely leave without a new perspective. Come having read whatever you managed, and note any characters or moments you want to unpack, and bring your reading notes — because unfiltered reactions tend to open up the most interesting threads. Newcomers are always made to feel at home — and you will find the group easy to talk with from the start, bring the book and a willingness to talk, and the discussion tends to do the heavy lifting. The session is loosely structured — with disagreement and debate genuinely encouraged, and every reading of the same book turns out to be a different book. ⭐ *"Left with a completely different view of the book — the host keeps things inclusive without making it feel managed"* – returning reader 💡 **Pre-session tip:** mark the page you most want to talk about, because it takes thirty seconds and pays off for the entire session, and everything after that is just conversation. --- ✨ Reading alone is one thing — reading together is another — RSVP and come ready to talk and you will leave with more than you came with. Your seat is waiting. ✨

**🦋 Local Book Club: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid — Open to All** This month we're getting together to share reactions to The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, our selection by Taylor Jenkins Reid in a no-pressure setting where every view is welcome, and you rarely leave without a new perspective. Even a partial read is more than enough to contribute, and bring the lines that you think the group will find interesting, and bring your reading notes — because unfiltered reactions tend to open up the most interesting threads. The group is open to anyone interested — and you will find the group easy to talk with from the start, everything else is taken care of once you are in the room, and the relaxed setting means there is no pressure on you. Everything is open for debate — with all opinions treated as equally valid, and every reading of the same book turns out to be a different book. --- **Good to bring:** - A drink if you are bringing one — the evening can run long - Your copy of the book (physical or digital) - Anything you underlined or wanted to come back to - Your genuine reactions however complicated 💡 **Quick tip:** write down the one thing you would ask the author if you could, so you have something concrete to anchor your contribution, and the session repays whatever small preparation you put in. --- 🪴 A great discussion changes how you see a great book — grab a spot and bring the book and the rest is just a good evening with good people. See you at the session. 🪴

**🍵 Book Night: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid** We're gathering to look closely at The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, written by Taylor Jenkins Reid in an easy-going group where everyone contributes, and no two sessions ever feel the same. Read as much as you can before coming, and note a scene or passage that struck you, and bring your opinions — because you do not need to be an expert reader to have something valuable to say. The format is relaxed and member-led — with all opinions treated as equally valid, and the group's range of perspectives is what makes it work. This is an open group and new faces are always a good thing — and the group is warm and unpretentious in equal measure, the only requirement is showing up ready to talk, and the discussion gets richer with every new reader who joins. --- **Good to bring:** - Your best questions and your strongest opinions - A coffee or tea if you want one during the session - Notes from your reading however informal - A copy of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo to reference during discussion 💡 **A quick note:** read the last chapter even if you skipped the middle, as a single flagged scene is more useful than a general impression, and the conversation builds on it immediately. --- 🌻 Good books are better with good company — join us and bring your read and everything you need is already there when you arrive. The discussion starts when you arrive. 🌻

**🌿 Reading Club: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid** Everyone is welcome to join us to open up a conversation around Taylor Jenkins Reid's remarkable The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo in an easy-going group where everyone contributes, and great discussion is always the main event. Sessions run as open conversation — with side conversations and digressions part of the experience, and the group's range of perspectives is what makes it work. Come however far through the book you are, and bring the lines that you think the group will find interesting, and bring your questions and observations — as the discussion works best when it is driven by what actually moved you. First time here is just as good as any other time to come — and you will find it easy to join the conversation at any point in the evening, bring the book and a willingness to talk, and the evening almost always ends with people wanting to continue. --- **The evening in brief:** 1. Arrive, grab a seat, and introduce yourself if you are new — no icebreakers, just conversation 2. Members share their takes and the discussion branches out from there 3. At some point toward the end the group votes on or suggests next month's read **Bring along:** - Notes from your reading however informal - The book — dog-eared pages and all - Curiosity and a willingness to hear other readings 💡 **Good to know:** bring the line that stayed with you longest after closing the book, as it gives you something to come back to when the conversation gets busy, and you will find that even a rough note is worth more than nothing. --- 🍂 There is always more in a book than one reader can find alone — come along and add your voice and the conversation does everything else. The discussion starts when you arrive. 🍂

**💬 Community Read: The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid – Come As You Are** We're meeting up to dig into the widely read The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid in a discussion-first setting where the book drives the conversation, and the conversation is always the best part. There is no set agenda — with the discussion shaped entirely by what people bring, and the most interesting moments never come from the planned questions. You do not need to have finished the book, and mark the passages that made you stop and think, and bring your questions — as the goal is conversation not a book report. First time here is just as good as any other time to come — and you will find it easy to join the conversation at any point in the evening, nothing beyond the book and your thoughts is needed, and the discussion gets richer with every new reader who joins. --- **Worth having on hand:** - The book — dog-eared pages and all - A hot drink if you like — we are here for a while - Curiosity and a willingness to hear other readings - Sticky notes or bookmarks for your favourite parts **The evening in brief:** - A quick welcome kicks things off followed immediately by open discussion - The group digs into the book and the conversation goes wherever it leads - The evening finishes with a discussion about what to read next --- 🌿 Come for the book and stay for the discussion — join the group and help make it better and you will leave with more than you came with. Can not wait to hear your take. 🌿