Novel Reading
Meet other local people interested in Novel Reading: share experiences, inspire and encourage each other! Join a Novel Reading group.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Check out novel reading events happening today here. These are in-person gatherings where you can meet fellow enthusiasts and participate in activities right now.
Discover all the novel reading events taking place this week here. Plan ahead and join exciting meetups throughout the week.
Absolutely! Find novel reading events near your location here. Connect with your local community and discover events within your area.
Novel Reading Events Today
Join in-person Novel Reading events happening right now
Read & Reflect: A Social Reading Circle.
Shared Pages, Shared Insights.
đ 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 readingâin the calm setting of a library or the cozy atmosphere of a cafĂ©.
Hereâs how it works:
First part: Quiet reading on your ownâbring a book youâre exploring, whether itâs 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 othersâ choices.
Build real connections by sharing and listening deeply.
Socialize around something meaningful instead of small talk.
Horse by Geraldine Brooks
1850s Kentucky, 1950s NY, and 2019 Wash DC. âA fascinating saga based on the famous 19th-century racehorse -Publishers Weekly. Smithsonian scientists find themselves unexpectedly connected through their shared interest in the horseâone studying the stallionâs bones for clues to his power and endurance, the other uncovering the lost history of the unsung Black horsemen who were critical to his racing success. âBrooks makes a masterly case for the power of retelling.â âNYTimes. âThereâs something bordering on the supernatural about Brooks. She seems able to time travel. Boston Globe. (401 pgs)
In March 2025, the Defense Dept ordered that the book removed from the library of the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD, listing it as one of 381 books banned for addressing topics related to diversity, equity and inclusion. Winner of Library of Congress (LOC ) new Prize for American Fiction 2025
BreadBreakers Community Dinner: Dialogue Over Divisions
**In a time of division and isolation, come be part of the community that's rebuilding the town square, one table at a time.**
In BreadBreakers, we use the common space of the dining table to have conversations where neighbors can **hear, be heard, and know one another.** If you're hungry for good conversation and deeper community, join us for a Community Dinner in Reston and help blaze the trail to a healthier, more connected society and democracy.
Hereâs how it works: For just two hours, multiple tables of people set aside the need to "win" and instead focus on sharing, listening, and connecting. Guided by experienced table hosts, we'll tell our stories, try to understand each other, and practice being in community with those with different views or backgrounds.
**At this dinner, participants will get to choose between three different topics, including some current events.** Topics range from the political, to the "slice of life", to the spiritual, to the philosophical, to the off-the-wall - but no matter which table you choose to sit at, you can be sure it'll be like no dinner conversation you've had before! You can also **suggest a topic** by emailing us at BreadBreakersInfo@gmail.com.
Food will be provided for free. For those who wish to provide a donation to help fund BreadBreakers, you can [give here](https://pushpay.com/g/restorationrestonumc?fnd=pO6G-N7oO7FH7Mp1u-x6mA&fndv=Lock&r=No&lang=en&src=pcgl) or at the event.
We'll have vegetarian and gluten-free options available. If you have any additional dietary restrictions (Celiac Disease, vegan, etc.) please let us know at BreadBreakersInfo@gmail.com so that we can implement the appropriate food handling procedures.
**Join us, invite a friend, and be a part of the movement to mend our fractured society and normalize a better way of talking with one another.**
BreadBreakers, an initiative by [Restoration United Methodist Church](https://restorationreston.org/breadbreakers) in Reston, VA, is a religiously inclusive community. All faiths and all stripes are welcomed. Our leadership, volunteer team, and community include people who attend Restoration and people who don't.
Shut Up & Write!Âź in Washington DC
Join us for some focused writing time. All writers and all experience levels are welcome and donât worry, no one will see what you've written. This session is about getting your writing done and meeting other writers in your area.
Bring your writing materials (such as a notebook or a charged laptop - outlets are limited.) And if you'd like to tune out other patrons at Sonny's or any overhead music, we recommend bringing headphones or earplugs.
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!
When you show up, I will be sitting at a table with folded "Shut Up & Write" table cards. Say hello to everyone, grab a drink, and get your writing tools ready. Once youâre all settled, take some time to chat with your fellow writers. Once everyoneâs arrived, I will lead quick introductions and then set the timer for our quiet and focused writing session.
Afterward, weâll have time to chat and get to know each other. We often talk about our successes and challenges as writers. If you donât have time to stick around, no worries!
**A note about the format**
We donât host critiques or readings. These events are a safe space for writers of all skill levels and genres to work on their craft, so no one will read or critique your writing.
For our full event schedule, visit [https://shutupwrite.com](https://www.shutupwrite.com).
**Other Important Details:**
**WiFi name/password:** Name - Sonny's/Doubles Guest; Password - pingpong
**Travel / Parking info:** Sonny's is on the D40/D4X bus line and about a 15 minute walk from either the Columbia Heights or Georgia Ave/Petworth metro lines. There is limited on-street parking.
**Venue Guidelines:** Please thank our hosts by purchasing something.
Ladies' Knight - Social Chess for Women
Ladiesâ Knight is a welcoming **bi-weekly womenâs chess social and community** designed for **beginners through advanced players**. Play, socialize, and build confidence in a fun, supportive environment alongside other women.
There won't be structured chess lessons, but enjoy a relaxed, social chess atmosphere to improve your chess strategy and tactical skills while connecting with other women in the DMV chess community.
Novel Reading Events This Week
Discover what is happening in the next few days
Time to Read-In Person
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!
NEW LOCATION: Reading Time (In-Person) {Near Clarendon Metro}
* 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). đ
**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
Read & Reflect: A Social Reading Circle.
Shared Pages, Shared Insights.
đ 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 readingâin the calm setting of a library or the cozy atmosphere of a cafĂ©.
Hereâs how it works:
First part: Quiet reading on your ownâbring a book youâre exploring, whether itâs 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 othersâ choices.
Build real connections by sharing and listening deeply.
Socialize around something meaningful instead of small talk.
April Discussion - Under the Udala Trees (Chinelo Okparanta)
This month weâll be reading Under the Udala Trees by Chinelo Okparanta! Weâll also we creating the poll for Juneâs book, so come with ideas.
Here is the description of the book from Storygraph:
Inspired by Nigeria's folktales and war, Under the Udala Trees is a deeply searching, powerful debut about the dangers of living and loving openly.
Ijeoma comes of age as her nation does; born before independence, she is eleven when civil war breaks out in the young republic of Nigeria. Sent away to safety, she meets another displaced child, and the star-crossed pair fall in love. They are from different ethnic communities. They are also both girls.
When their love is discovered, Ijeoma learns that she will have to hide this part of herself. But there is a cost to living inside a lie.
As Edwidge Danticat has made personal the legacy of Haiti's political coming-of-age, Okparanta's Under the Udala Trees uses one woman's lifetime to examine the ways in which Nigerians continue to struggle toward selfhood. Even as their nation contends with and recovers from the effects of war and division, Nigerian lives are wrecked and lost from taboo and prejudice. But this story offers a glimmer of hope-a future where a woman might just be able to shape her life around truth and love.
Novel Reading Events Near You
Connect with your local Novel Reading community
"Under the Oak Tree" by Suji Kim
Join us for lunch/tea at Asterisk Supper Club to discuss our May book "Under the Oak Tree" by Suji Kim
Lady Maximilian is the daughter of the powerful Duke Croyso, but she is rarely allowed outside her familyâs sprawling castle for fear that her stutter will tarnish their noble name. When she is forced to marry Sir Riftan, a lowborn knight caught in one of her fatherâs schemes, Maxi doesnât dare hope for happiness, let alone love. Her stumbling communication and his gruff manner sour their relationship before it can begin, and Riftan leaves without a word the morning after their vows are exchanged.
Now, three years after their disastrous wedding night, Riftan has returned as a war hero. To Maxiâs surprise, despite rumors that he was offered marriage to Princess Agnes, a beautiful and renowned sorceress, Riftan still wants Maxi for his wife. And when he comes to claim her, his longing becomes a desire that bewilders Maxi, even as she is overcome by the scorching heat that Riftanâs presence ignites within her. As she learns to navigate the intricacies of her new life, Maxi will find herself and her courage, and discover that she is anything but powerless.
April Book Club Meetup
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. Itâs a story about longingâto 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! đ
Monthly Meet Up (Assassinâs Apprentice)
This month weâll be reading Assassinâs Apprentice by Robin Hobb. Feel free to come even if you donât finish the book!
How Lucky by Will Leitch
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.
Pop-up Book Club 3: The Ballad of The Sad Café, by Carson McCullers
Letâs meet and share our thoughts about Carson McCullersâ novella, The Ballad of The Sad CafĂ©.
LGBT Reads: In-Person Book Discussion
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.
Independent Bookstore Day and Lunch!
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 isnât your run-of-the-mill bookstore; itâs a 32-room literary wonderland that would make even the most seasoned bibliophileâs 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.
























