Reading

The next book is Theo of Golden by Allen Levi. If you’re interested, read the book if you want to, and join us for dinner at Mountain View. The booking will be under Olivia.

Every Quarter we will be reading a classic, in addition to the monthly books. There will be enough notice to potentially read all the books, if you wish. This quarter we will be reading/discussing[ ](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7624.Lord_of_the_Flies?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_17)***[The Bell Jar - Sylvia Plath](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56616095-the-bell-jar?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=5GjHUHAM1M&rank=1)***. If you have not read the book, you are more than welcome to join. Be aware, there will be spoilers! 18:30 - 18:45 - Meet, get drinks, get settled (upstairs) 18:45 - 20:00 - Discuss the book When done: pick book for next meet and socialize **The Venue: [Shinner and Sudtone](https://shinnerandsudtone.co.uk/)** A lovely little pub with a variety of craft beer. Usually quiet on a Monday and we get the upstairs area. They serve food and dogs are most welcome. **The Book:** [ ](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7624.Lord_of_the_Flies?ref=nav_sb_ss_1_17)***[The Bell Jar - Sylvia Plath](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56616095-the-bell-jar?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=5GjHUHAM1M&rank=1)*** The Bell Jar chronicles the crack-up of Esther Greenwood: brilliant, beautiful, enormously talented, and successful, but slowly going under -- maybe for the last time. Sylvia Plath masterfully draws the reader into Esther's breakdown with such intensity that Esther's insanity becomes completely real and even rational, as probable and accessible an experience as going to the movies. Such deep penetration into the dark and harrowing corners of the psyche is an extraordinary accomplishment and has made The Bell Jar a haunting American classic.

Join us in discussing The Coin by Yasmin Zaher, Winner of the 2025 Dylan Thomas Prize The Coin's narrator is a wealthy Palestinian woman with impeccable style and meticulous hygiene. And yet the ideal self, the ideal life, remains just out of reach: her inheritance is inaccessible, her homeland exists only in her memory and her attempt to thrive in America seems doomed from the start. In New York, she strives to put down roots. She teaches at a school for underprivileged boys, where her eccentric methods cross boundaries. She befriends a homeless swindler, and the two participate in a pyramid scheme reselling Birkin bags. But America is stifling her - her wilfulness, her sexuality, her principles. In an attempt to regain control, she becomes preoccupied with purity, cleanliness and self-image, all while drawing her students into her obsessions. In an unforgettable denouement, her childhood memories converge with her material and existential statelessness and the narrator unravels spectacularly. In enthralling, sensory prose, The Coin explores nature and civilisation, beauty and justice, class and belonging - all while resisting easy moralising. Provocative, wry and inviting, The Coin marks the arrival of a major new literary voice. Everyone is welcome, regardless of what they thought about the book; we love hearing all kinds of opinions! You can join even if it's fully booked. Hope to see you soon! You can also join our Instagram account here: [https://www.instagram.com/goodbook.bookclub?igsh=djlwMW9wYXg2anFt](https://www.instagram.com/goodbook.bookclub?igsh=djlwMW9wYXg2anFt)

**UNIQUE COMBINED PROCESS RETREAT** **March \| April \| May \| June \| Sept \| Oct \| Nov 2026** Dear Constellation Explorer, We’re delighted to invite you to a unique 3-day retreat that brings together two powerful healing modalities: **Systemic & Family Constellations** and **Ceremonial Plant-Spirit Work**. This immersive experience is designed to support deep emotional healing, release of trauma, and reconnection with your inner wisdom. Whether you are seeking **personal growth**, **support of your spiritual awakening journey** or **facing emotional challenges**, even if they are life-long, participants in the Combined Process are **reporting major shifts and breakthroughs** in many aspects of life. ✨ **What Awaits You:** • **Healing Fusion** – Masterfully facilitated constellation sessions alongside traditional plant-spirit ceremony • **Trauma Release** – Space to address long-held emotional imprints, PTSD, depression, and complex trauma • **Small Group Setting** – Intimate circle of max 8 participants held by 4 experienced facilitators • **Sacred Integration** – Deeply guided work and personal support throughout the process • **Nature Immersion** – Held in beautiful, sun-drenched natural locations across Europe This retreat is not just a healing space — it’s an invitation to **transform your life** by reconnecting with what’s real, raw, and ready to be released. 🌀 **Who is it for?** • Those committed to their inner work • Seekers ready to open to new levels of self-awareness and growth • Professionals looking to deepen their own process in a safe, sacred setting 📩 **Enrollment is by application only**, to ensure the retreat is aligned with your needs. Attending is subject to a personal interview via Zoom. **Retreat Price is €895** (£777) including all **3-day sessions, ceremony, medicine and 3 meals a day** \- not including flights or accommodation\. £200 enrolment deposit is required to reserve your place\, the remaining fee will be paid onsite in Euros\. 👉 To request full retreat details and apply, email us at: **nature@earth.is** Are you ready to take the next step on your healing path? We would be honoured to hold space for you.

This month’s book is Tom Lake by ann Pratchett. It’s been recommended by the BBC and ReeseWitherspoon’s book club and The Times placed within the top 50 novels of the year (2024). It’s spring and Lara’s three daughters have returned to the family orchard. They want their mother to tell them about her romance with a film star with whom she once shared a stage. This is a book about youthful love, married love and the lives parents lead before children. It explores what it means to be happy even when the world if falling apart,

London's Friendly Book Club's pick for June is **Yesteryear** by **Caro Claire Burke**. Natalie lives a traditional lifestyle – and has the social media accounts to prove it. Her charming farmhouse on her working ranch is artfully cluttered, her husband is a handsome cowboy, her homemade sourdough boules are each more beautiful than the last. So what if there are nannies and producers and industrial-grade ovens behind the scenes? What Natalie’s followers don’t know won’t hurt them. Then, one morning, Natalie wakes up in a strange, horrible version of reality. Her home, her husband, her children—they’re all familiar, but something’s off. Is this a hoax? A reality show? A test from God? Natalie knows just two things for sure: this isn't her perfect life, and she must escape, by any means possible. [[Now being adapted into a major film starring Anne Hathaway.]] Please only RSVP if you think you'll be able to make this event. **We host three sessions per book, you only need to attend one.** Everyone is welcome! Grab your copy and join us for a relaxed and engaging discussion.

*[Jade War](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41716919-jade-war)*[ ](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41716919-jade-war)by Fonda Lee (608 pages) Genre: Fantasy • Urban Fantasy • Crime **Summary:** The Kaul family’s struggle for control of jade—and the soul of Janloon—intensifies in this action-packed sequel to *Jade City*. With rival clans still locked in a brutal power struggle, the No Peak Clan faces growing threats not just from within the city, but from foreign interests eager to exploit the island’s most valuable resource. As loyalties are tested and the battlefield expands beyond Janloon’s borders, the Kauls must navigate shifting alliances, political intrigue, and the heavy burden of legacy. War is no longer contained to the streets—it’s global, and the cost will be devastating. *Jade War* raises the stakes with deeper character arcs, explosive confrontations, and a sweeping look at power, family, and survival in a world where jade is everything. *** Join the Sci-Fi/Fantasy Series Squad! 🚀📚 If you’ve ever gotten halfway through a fantasy or sci-fi series and needed a little group support to finish, this is your crew. We’re reading one book a month together—so you can keep pace, stay motivated, and enjoy deep-dive discussions without feeling overwhelmed. *** **How It Works:** 🪐 Series Focus: We’re continuing the Green Bone Saga this June with *Jade War*. If you're hooked (and you probably will be), we’ll keep going with the series together. 🙌 No Pressure Zone: Didn’t finish the book? No stress. Come anyway—we’ll chat about the world-building, characters, favorite quotes, and wildest twists. *** 📍 Join us at the Dog (Surrey Street) in Croydon on Wednesday 17th June at 7:00 PM Grab a drink, choose your clan loyalties wisely, and let’s dive back into the high-stakes, jade-fueled world of Janloon together.

New members are always welcome. :) **Description:** ***No One Writes to the Colonel*** (Spanish: *El coronel no tiene quien le escriba*) is a [novella](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Novella "Novella") written by the [Colombian](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colombia "Colombia") writer [Gabriel García Márquez](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gabriel_Garc%C3%ADa_M%C3%A1rquez "Gabriel García Márquez"). It also gives its name to a short story collection. García Márquez considered it his best book, saying that he had to write *[One Hundred Years of Solitude](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/One_Hundred_Years_of_Solitude "One Hundred Years of Solitude")* so that people would read *No One Writes to the Colonel*.

Natalie lives a traditional lifestyle – and her followers are sick with envy. Her charming farmhouse on her working ranch is artfully cluttered, her husband is a handsome cowboy, her homemade sourdough boules are each more beautiful than the last. So what if there are nannies and producers and industrial-grade ovens behind the scenes? What her followers don’t know won’t hurt them. Then, one morning, Natalie wakes up in a strange, horrible version of reality. Her home, her husband, her children―they’re all familiar, but something’s off. Is this a hoax? A reality show? A test from God? Natalie knows just two things for sure: this isn't her perfect life, and she must escape, by any means possible. ————————————— Join us for a coffee and a chat at Brockwell Park (weather permitting!)

This is a **free** event proudly supported by [Mindful Peace Academy, ZhengDe](https://zhengde.org/home) In the following Saturdays, we will hold mindful activities and reflective reading sessions at the Caledonian Park Community Centre. **27 June 14.30-17.00 Breathe, Brew & Be Present** Hand-brew coffee tasting Reading and discussion: A Moment of Awakening that Changes Everything **4 July 14.30-17.00 Finding Balance** Transitional Chinese Healthy Qigong Exercise: Baduanjin (Eight Pieces of Silk Brocades) Reading and discussion: A Moment of Awakening that Changes Everything **11 July** **14.30-17.00 Discovering Self and Happiness** Taichi Mindfulness Ball Reading and discussion: What is happiness? Who am I?

In this event, we will discuss about a science or philosophy book chosen by London Science and Philosophy Book Club. The attendees will be divided into groups and each of them will focus on a chapter in the book. This month we will discuss about a fascinating book called Supersense: From Superstition to Religion by Bruce Hood. If you haven't read the book, it's no problem. I will bring you up to speed with the discussion materials. We will meet in a nice lounge area at 6 p.m for introductions. Please come on time so you will not miss out on valuable discussion midway. If you end up in the waitlist, feel free to show up. Book Description: Why is it that Tony Blair always wore the same pair of shoes when answering Prime Minister's Questions? That John McEnroe notoriously refused to step on the white lines of a tennis court between points? And that President-elect Barack Obama played a game of basketball the morning of his victory in the Iowa primary, and continued the tradition the day of every following primary? Superstitious habits are common. Do you ever cross your fingers, knock on wood, avoid walking under ladders, or step around black cats? Sentimental value often supersedes material worth. If someone offered to replace your childhood teddy bear or wedding ring with a brand new, exact replica, would you do it? How about £20 for trying on a jumper owned by Fred West? Where do such feelings come from and why do most of us have them? Humans are born with brains designed to make sense of the world and that need for an explanation can lead to beliefs that go beyond reason. To be true they would have to be supernatural. With scientific education we learn that such beliefs are irrational but at an intuitive level they can be resistant to reason or lie dormant in otherwise sensible adults. It now seems unlikely that any effort to get rid of supernatural beliefs or superstitious behaviours will be completely successful. This is not all bad news - such beliefs are a useful glue that binds us together as a society. Combining brilliant insight with witty example Hood weaves a page-turning account of our 'supersense' that navigates a path through brain science, child development, popular culture, mental illness and the paranormal. After reading SuperSense, you will realize why you are not as reasonable as you might like to think - and why that might be no bad thing. Agenda: 6 p.m to 7 p.m: Introduction and Socializing 7 p.m to 9:30 p.m: Book Discussion 9:30 p.m to late night: Drinks, Dinner or Feel free to go home

🌹 London singles, live on Zoom A laid-back community night of speed dating with locals your age. Quick rounds, real chat, all from the couch. Pick your age group to join: Ages 18-32: [sign up](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=501&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=London&groupurlname=readers-compass-literary-social-club&ar=18-32&face_v=6.0) Ages 30-46: [sign up](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=501&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=London&groupurlname=readers-compass-literary-social-club&ar=30-46&face_v=6.0) Ages 40-58: [sign up](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=501&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=London&groupurlname=readers-compass-literary-social-club&ar=40-58&face_v=6.0) Ages 55+: [sign up](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=501&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=London&groupurlname=readers-compass-literary-social-club&ar=55+&face_v=6.0) RSVPing tells us you're keen, but your seat is only saved once you finish sign-up at your age link. Just bring an open mind. See you there. 💜

Welcome, readers! Our July read is ***A Short Walk Through a Wide World*** *by Douglas Westerbeke*. We'll follow a young woman bound by a mysterious condition that forces her to keep moving across the globe. As she journeys through vibrant cities, quiet landscapes, and centuries of time, each stop reveals new connections, fleeting relationships, and deeper questions about belonging. The novel blends adventure with introspection, exploring what it means to search for home when you can never stay in one place. It’s both a love letter to the vastness of the world and a poignant meditation on identity, memory, and human connection. 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!

You might check out the [Columbus Book Festival](https://www.columbusbookfestival.org/) the weekend prior! Celebrating Pride Month and Juneteenth [Columbus library link to book](https://cml.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S105C3366564) We're going some place new! (to us) Location: [Tupelo Honey](https://tupelohoneycafe.com/) 1678 W. Lane Ave., · Columbus, US [Menu](https://tupelohoneycafe.com/columbus/menu/) Book summary: A singular and stunning debut novel about the forbidden union between two enslaved young men on a Deep South plantation, the refuge they find in each other, and a betrayal that threatens their existence

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.

Join us to discuss our August read, Dire Bound, as we paint small canvases! Book description: Fourth Wing meets The Hunger Games in this spicy, page-turning romantasy where humans and direwolves forge unbreakable bonds and fight for survival at all costs. Only the worthy survive the Bonding Trials. She’ll risk her life—and her heart—to be one of them. Meryn Cooper has always hated the Bonded, elite warriors who form mental links with the massive, vicious direwolves they ride. While they live in luxury, Meryn struggles to keep her family out of poverty. When her little sister, Saela, is kidnapped—stolen across the border by the immortal monsters her country has spent centuries fighting—Meryn’s world falls apart. Desperate to cross the front and save her sister, Meryn enlists in the army and is thrown into the deadly Bonding Trials, where any mistake will cost her life. Now Meryn must survive four months of training at the castle. She is bound to a feral direwolf who refuses to communicate. The other trainees would love to spill her common blood. And her cold and beautiful instructor, Stark Therion, is eager to punish any weakness. Everything is a competition, and everyone is out to get her—everyone except the dangerously handsome crown prince, whose attention adds another target to her back. In the castle, every smile hides a knife…and the halls hide dark secrets. It’s bond or bleed. Duel or die. Failure is ruin.

This month we’ll be reading Masters of Death by Olivie Blake. Feel free to attend even if you don’t finish the book!

We’re still working to get more people into these Meetups, but our goal is to give PlayYourCourt members a few social tennis outings each week in addition to your practice sessions and Challenge League matches. These Meetups are co-ed, super laid back, and all skill levels are welcome. Post your skill level and a suggested court in the comments section so we can round up as many players as we can for some tennis fun! Also, if you’re looking to meet new practice partners or play some matches and you aren’t already in the PlayYourCourt Community, you can go here to see what we’re all about and sign up: https://www.playyourcourt.com/tennis-community/columbus-oh/meetup/ If you love tennis, we’d love to have you! Be sure and watch the quick video that explains how everything works. Happy hitting! - Scott