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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Check out 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 reading events taking place this week here. Plan ahead and join exciting meetups throughout the week.
Absolutely! Find reading events near your location here. Connect with your local community and discover events within your area.
Reading Events Today
Join in-person Reading events happening right now
AI & The Human Experience — A Curated Dinner Conversation (50% off food)
If AI tools are already becoming part of your daily life, this dinner is for you.
Explore AI over dinner at a Michelin-listed London restaurant. Tools, opportunities and real conversation.
**Meet2Click Curated Conversations**
Each Meet2Click Curated Conversation dinner centres around a carefully chosen topic or shared interest, designed to spark thoughtful conversation and meaningful connection.
**Curious about how AI is changing our lives — and want to explore it in a relaxed dinner setting?**
Artificial Intelligence is evolving rapidly. New tools, ideas, and breakthroughs are reshaping how we work, create, and think.
Instead of abstract debate, this evening is about sharing what we’re discovering in real life.
Two days before the dinner, guests will receive a short, accessible overview of interesting AI tools — simply to spark ideas.
At the table, we’ll explore:
• Is AI making us smarter or lazier?
• What is the most exciting real-life use of AI right now?
• What should humans protect in an AI-driven world?
No technical background required.
**Launch Season Benefit**
During our initial Meet2Click dinners, guests will enjoy **up to 50% off food** at the restaurant.
This introductory benefit is available for a limited launch period.
Food and drinks are paid individually, directly with the restaurant.
**Details**
Location: CHEZ MAL BRASSERIE & BAR, 18-21 Charterhouse Square, Barbican, London EC1M 6AH
**Date: 8 April 2026, 19.30h**
**Ticket price:** £15 per person *(includes your seat and contribution to the evening — food and drinks ordered and paid individually at the restaurant)*
Seats are intentionally limited to encourage meaningful conversation and genuine connection.
Just an open, relaxed exchange of ideas over dinner.
**Additional Information:** Photos or videos may be taken during the event for promotional purposes. Should you wish to opt out, please notify the host upon arrival, and your preferences will be respected.
Unique Combined Process Retreat
**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.
Blackheath to Eltham via Severdroog Castle in Oxleas Wood (6 miles}
This is a new walk, and there is plenty to see on it.
We will meet at 10.45 am downstairs in Blackheath Coffee and will leave at 11.15 am. (This is next to Blackheath Railway Station,}
Our walk will take us along roads and we will go to Severndroog Castle in Oxleas Wood which is well worth visiting cost £5 adult £3 concession} .
{Severndroog Castle is an elegantly preserved Gothic tower situated in the delightful gardens of Castle Wood on Shooter’s Hill, one of the highest points in London.
The ‘castle’ was commissioned by Lady James, probably as a memorial to her husband, and designed by architect Richard Jupp in 1784.
Severndroog enjoyed extensive renovations in 2013-2014, when rooms featuring beautiful ornate ceilings and chandeliers were restored to their original state.
On the ground floor, the Severndroog Tea Room serves fresh hot and cold options for breakfast, brunch, lunch and tea, including plenty of choices for children.
Admission to Severndroog Castle includes the castle rooms, where volunteers will tell you the story of Sir William and Lady James, the building’s uses over the years and the campaign to save the castle.
Your ticket also includes access to the Viewing Platform, where you can enjoy spectacular panoramic views of London and the seven surrounding counties.}
Lunch will be at the cafe in the wood {as image above shows} where the food is very good. or you can bring your own.
Our walk will end at The Tudor Barn where we can have a drink which is near Eltham Railway Station.
Outward
Trains run from to Victoria, Charing Cross, Waterloo East, Lonon Bridge Stations to Blackheath Rail Station. You can also get the SL4 bus from Canary Wharf
.
Return
Eltham Station is on the same line as Blackheath Station but 2 stops down.
You can also get the 132 bus from Eltham Station to North Greenwich Station where you can get the Jubilee Line.
£7 meet up fee required (Please have the right change.}
Walking Boots would be preferable fo this walk.
If you need any more info please ring Paul on 07530 675739 {this is not a smart phone] or email paulc200850@yahoo.co.uk
\*JOIN OUR 45+ NOT GRUMPY FACEBOOK COMMUNITY \*
<[https://www.facebook.com/45plusnotgrumpy/](https://www.facebook.com/45plusnotgrumpy/)>
Comic and Manga Creators Group London
If you are you interested on creating your own comic, but need help to put your vision together or do not know were to start then we may have the solution for you.
Come talk shop with fellow creators, share experiences, ideas, techniques and tips to help each other grow and have a chance in the industry.
Friday Coffee Catch-up
Hi all, hope you’re well. We’re planning to meet for a coffee at Tintico on Friday (8 May) for a catch-up, and also share a few short inspirational stories to brighten the day. Please feel free to join us for the catch-up session.
Activation Play: A Playground for the Creatively Curious
**Discover what play can create.**
Activation Play is rooted in a simple idea: when we play, we open up. Through playful, theatre-inspired activities, we create a space where you can relax, have fun, and explore new ideas and ways of expressing yourself, no experience needed.
Whether you are an artist, a creative, or someone who would not usually describe yourself that way, this experience is designed to meet you where you are. Play is not just for performance. It is a powerful tool for everyday life. It can lift your mood, reduce stress, build confidence, and help you think more freely, connect more openly, and respond more creatively to the world around you.
As the session unfolds, play becomes the pathway. Ideas start to flow, confidence builds, and expression comes naturally, not forced. You will make, share, and connect with others in a way that feels real, not rehearsed.
Come to play. Leave with more energy, a fresh perspective, and new ways to bring creativity and connection into your day-to-day life.
To get 25% off of your ticket please click this [Link to our sign up sheet](https://forms.gle/R6MjSSTvTpLUhQpVA "https://forms.gle/R6MjSSTvTpLUhQpVA") before checking out. Discount code will be offered upon completion of the form.
Shut Up & Write!® Waterloo, Friday evenings - Auberge pub
Join us for a weekly session of friendly and focused writing time. From 6pm every Friday:
We'll be at the Auberge pub, across road from Waterloo. See full location info for how to find us. There'll be a sign at our table.
\*(Please see full access info, further down.)
......
* We shut up for 1 hour of scheduled focus time - 6.30 to 7.30. ...Then time to chat or carry on at your preference.
This is for writing of any description or experience level. Somewhere to get on with your own work, and connect with new people.
Most importantly to not feel isolated in your pursuits, however big or small.
i.e. If you're looking to further your writing interests; and for a comfortable social space; ...or just need somewhere to sit and focus before you go home on a Friday - you're welcome to stop by.
Please RSVP to give us an idea of who is coming / how many.
........
**6:00pm - 6:30pm**
* Find our table and grab a seat. Plus any food or drink.
* We'll take 5-10 minutes to say who we all are, and welcome anyone new.
* (No need to say what you're working on, but feel welcome to).
**6.30pm - 7.30pm**
* No talking. One hour.
* You can leave the table at any point.
* Anyone arriving late feel free to find a seat, we'll give you a silent wave. You won't get glared at!
**7.30pm**
Once 'Shut Up' time is over:
* You are welcome to head off straight away, no pressure to stick around.
* You are welcome to stay to chat with other members, as late as you wish.
* Or you're welcome to just keep writing - if you're in the zone, no need to stop just because others have.
The time is for you, to get the most benefit.
.
**FACILITIES / ACCESS**
Mobility access is limited:
There is a step to enter pub, from pavement (one entrance only) - Venue will provide ramp for step-free entry.
Toilets are on ground floor. \*However there is no accessible or private toilet space. Apologies.
(The closest are in the main station concourse, nearby.)
Do contact if you would like clearer info before attending.
**FOOD**
There is food served all evening / including vegan options.
You're welcome to eat whilst writing.
**WI-FI**
There should be working Wi-Fi, if you need it!
'Auberge Secure' PW: waterloo
**DOG-FRIENDLY**
Dogs also welcome.
.
If you have additional queries re. access or other requirements, do message us via Meetup or contact the Auberge directly.
.
**A note about the format**
We don’t host readings and feedback. (But we can signpost to events that do).
Whether you're writing for a professional goal, academic project, private thoughts and wellbeing, or purely casual enjoyment, (or still deciding!) - don't worry we won't be asking each other to share details.
You can just arrive, make yourself comfortable with anything you need, and get on with whatever you decide.
No-one will be reading your work or judging if you've met targets. We don't set group goals and deadlines: we're just here to help each other with our own - where needed.
Or to switch off and talk about something else completely, if you need that instead!
This is a social event and aimed at bringing new people together. Not just a co-working space.
**Respect**
Please also note our Code of Conduct: [www.shutupwrite.com/code-of-conduct](https://www.shutupwrite.com/code-of-conduct)
...And be aware this is an informal event open to adults of all ages and backgrounds.
i.e. We expect everyone who attends will treat each other with appropriate respect and awareness, and feel able to interact comfortably.
Any concerns don't hesitate to raise them with us.
For a full view of events, visit [https://shutupwrite.com](https://www.shutupwrite.com).
Reading Events This Week
Discover what is happening in the next few days
Memories, Dreams, Reflections: An Autobiography by Carl Jung
‘*I can understand myself only in the light of inner happenings. It is these that make up the singularity of my life, and with these my autobiography deals*’ Carl Jung
An eye-opening biography of one of the most influential psychiatrists of the modern age, drawing from his lectures, conversations, and own writings.
In the spring of 1957, when he was eighty-one years old, Carl Gustav Jung undertook the telling of his life story. Memories, Dreams, Reflections is that book, composed of conversations with his colleague and friend Aniela Jaffé, as well as chapters written in his own hand, and other materials. Jung continued to work on the final stages of the manuscript until shortly before his death on June 6, 1961, making this a uniquely comprehensive reflection on a remarkable life.
Look forward to discussing this with you at the Metronome!
Fundamentally by Nussaibah Younis - London Book Club - Chapters & Conversations
**Fundamentally by Nussaibah Younis**
***Shortlisted for Women's Prize 2025***
*"By normal, you mean like you? A slag with a saviour complex?'*
Nadia is an academic who's been disowned by her puritanical mother and dumped by her lover, Rosy. She decides to make a getaway, accepting a UN job in Iraq. Tasked with rehabilitating ISIS women, Nadia becomes mired in the opaque world of international aid, surrounded by bumbling colleagues.
Sara is a precocious and sweary East Londoner who joined ISIS at just 15.
Nadia is struck by how similar they are: both feisty and opinionated, from a Muslim background, with a shared love of Dairy Milk and rude pick-up lines. A powerful friendship forms between the two women, until a secret confession from Sara threatens everything Nadia has been working for.
\*\*\*
Chapters & Conversations is a space for fiction lovers to connect over great stories and lively chats!
Whether you’re into literary fiction, contemporary novels, or fantasy worlds, we’re here to explore it all together. We’re hoping to meet fellow bookworms who enjoy getting lost in a good story and are open to sharing thoughts, laughs, and recommendations.
At each event, we’ll dive into a chosen book, chat about characters, themes, and twists - above all, it’s about community, curiosity, and a shared love of reading!
Stasia and Yana:)
May Meeting 1 - Real Life (Brandon Taylor)
In our first meeting of May, we discuss Brandon Taylor's *Real Life.* Shortlisted for the Booker Prize in 2020, the novel was the much-lauded debut for the Alabama-born writer. 'Deftly zooming in and out of focus, *Real Life* is a deeply affecting story about the emotional cost of reckoning with desire, and overcoming pain.' (Book jacket)
'A campus novel told from the perspective of a Black student, Taylor’s powerful tale embraces themes of grief, desire and alienation in rich, eloquent prose.'
-Waterstones
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/46263943-real-life
We will discuss the Real Life in the Real Greek - Bankside. So come along for some tasty Greek fare on a Sunday afternoon as we dive into this fascinating premier.
N.B. We will be charging an event fee of £3, non-refundable, to discourage no-shows and contribute to the running costs of the group. Please only sign up if you intend to come along as space is limited to make for an effective discussion!
Guided Breathwork journeys in Tooting
In these sessions, we will start to cultivate a relationship with our breath, so that we are able to work WITH it and USE it day to day, developing an inner sense of presence, self connection and resilience so that we are better equipped to navigate 'life'.
We will also explore techniques to deepen and expand our relationship with our selves, others and with our past through our breath, and experience a guided conscious connected breathwork journey to release emotional blockages and tap into our inner wisdom for clarity, healing and transformation. You may experience a profound shift in your consciousness, deep inner healing and letting go, and a (re)connection with your true, authentic self.
This event is ideal for those interested in self-help and self-evolution, energy healing, and exploring the depths of their spiritual nature.
These workshops offer you a supportive space to let go of limiting beliefs, rejuvenate your energy, and awaken to the full potential of your being. Whether you are new to breathwork or have been practicing for years, this session will offer you a unique opportunity to dive deep into the healing power of your breath
About Kate -
Kate first experienced the incredible healing and transformational power of her own breath in 2016. Blown away by the insight, clarity and deep inner healing that unfolded in just one session, she went on to train with Transformational Breath and to then get certified as an Alchemy of Breath Facilitator in 2018.
She has explored many modalities including Rebirthing and Holotropic, but primarily follows the Alchemy of Breath philosophy to breathwork, taking an intuitive approach to holding space for whatever wants to unfold and encouraging breathers to listen first and foremost to their own body and intuition, and to allow their breath to guide them wherever it is they need to go.
Kate believes that we are our own healers, and that if we can simply breathe – here – now – and be willing and open to receive – then we can connect with that inner knowing, our eternal wisdom, and find all the answers we are looking for, all of the resolution we crave, and all of the guidance we need, to step forward in alignment with our true self, resourced and able to live our very best life.
**General House keeping - Please read!**
Please kindly make payment by bank transfer of £15 upon booking to secure your spot directly as spaces are limited to 5 per session.
Band details - Kate Stephens, Lloyds Bank, Account No 01103229 Sort code 302580.
Spaces are limited so pre booking and payment is required.
Please kindly arrive on time at 11am.
Please bring a bottle of water and a blanket (not essential) and an open mind and heart. You may also like to bring a note pad and pen.
**Health & Safety first -**
If you have any of the following conditions, this kind of Breathwork may not be right for you - Bipolar, Schizophrenia, acute heart conditions, cardiovascular disease, epilepsy, aneurysms, glaucoma, history of stroke, and the presence of severe psychiatric symptoms.
If you have any of these please contact me directly at [breatheherenow01@gmail.com](mailto:breatheherenow01@gmail.com) before you book a session. It is paramount to me that your safety comes first!
Book Swap Social Event - Make New Friends Who Love Books
Do you have spare books lying around your home? Do you want to read new interesting books for free while socializing with interesting people? This is the event for you.
We will enjoy nice drinks and snacks together at a beautiful lounge bar in London. You can bring your books and exchange them with whoever has the books you want to read. Since this is a Science and Philosophy book club, it would be great for you to bring non-fiction books that are insightful and thought-provoking. If you want to bring fiction books that are scientifically or philosophically insightful, feel free to bring those as well.
Since it is a social event, I encourage everyone to make deep meaningful conversations and make new friends. You can come alone or bring your friends with you. If you come alone, there is no need to be shy or scared. I will welcome you and introduce you to cool interesting people to speak with. Also feel free to come even if you forget to bring any books.
Drinks, boardgames, creative social!
Join at the Well & Bucket in Shoreditch, London for a fun chilled meet-up!
Boardgames will be available and you’re welcome to bring games to play too!
This event is for Sat 9th May, from 3pm - Whether you’re looking for creative chats or just some time for drinks and laughs, meet new people and have a good time at the vibrant Well & Bucket pub for this creative social meetup.
This is a free creative social following a steampunk photography workshop, those who aren’t attending the photography workshop are welcome to join for the social part! Drinks and food can be purchased from the bar on the day.
Thanks,
@multifacetedcreatives
Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1987918848790
Photography workshop Meetup event info: https://meetu.ps/e/PRGhn/HjdNH/i
Reading Events Near You
Connect with your local Reading community
May Book Club Meetup
Welcome, readers!
Our May read is **_Kindred_ by Octavia E. Butler.**
The story follows Dana, a Black woman living in 1976 California, who is suddenly pulled back to a Maryland plantation before the Civil War. She learns her survival is tied to a white slaveholder’s son. Forced to move between centuries, she must endure the brutal realities of slavery while fighting to hold on to her identity. Tense, intimate, and unforgettable, Kindred explores how the past refuses to stay buried.
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! 📖
June Book Club Meetup
Welcome, readers!
Our June read is ***Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible*** ***Voyage***
**by Alfred Lansing.**
A work of nonfiction, and one of the most astonishing survival stories in history, we follow Sir Ernest Shackleton and his crew after their ship is crushed by Antarctic ice. Stranded in one of the harshest environments on Earth, the men endure months of isolation, freezing temperatures, and near starvation—yet refuse to give up hope. Lansing brings their ordeal to life through vivid detail and firsthand accounts, capturing both the brutality of nature and the resilience of the human spirit. At its core, the story is a powerful testament to leadership, perseverance, and the unbreakable will to survive against impossible odds.
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 **all** **drinks must be purchased at the bar.**
Happy reading! 📖
"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 family’s 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 father’s schemes, Maxi doesn’t 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 Maxi’s 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 Riftan’s 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.
You Exist Too Much by Zaina Arafat
[Columbus library link to book](https://cml.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S105C3351321)
Location: The Goat River South
219 S High St, Columbus, OH 43215
Street parking is free on Sundays
[Menu](https://static1.squarespace.com/static/686d3ed16745133042482c5f/t/68ff654dbb03b96875430bde/1761568077220/all_brunch-20250311.pdf)
Book summary:
On a hot day in Bethlehem, a twelve-year-old Palestinian-American girl is yelled at by a group of men outside the Church of the Nativity. She has exposed her legs in a biblical city, an act they deem forbidden, and their judgement will echo on through her adolescence. When our narrator finally admits to her mother that she is queer, her mother's response only intensifies a sense of shame: 'You exist too much,' she tells her daughter. Told in vignettes that flash between the U.S. and the Middle East--from New York to Jordan, Lebanon, and Palestine--Zaina Arafat's debut novel traces her protagonist's progress from blushing teen to sought-after DJ and aspiring writer.
"Metal Slinger" by Rachel Schneider
Join us as we discuss our June pick: Metal Slinger by Rachel Schneider!
Book description:
Even though she's not one of them, Brynn has spent her life among the Alaha, training to be a guard and waiting for the chance to attend the annual market hosted by the Kenta–the very same people who exiled her adopted community to a life at sea. Going to the market is a rite of passage eagerly anticipated by all young guards, but Brynn does not anticipate breaking a century-long peace treaty while there. Nor does she plan for the intense encounter with an enemy soldier that now threatens to unwind the fragile coexistence between their people–and everything Brynn once believed about herself to be true.
Brynn's loyalty to the Alaha is tested when the truth of her identity is brought to light by this soldier who's taken an oath to bring her back to where she belongs. Narrowly escaping death on the violent high seas, Brynn's connection to the Alaha is further tested when she learns about the world of magic she's been denied. She was once certain of her fate and where she belonged, but the dark, knowing eyes of this stranger have her questioning everything, including her heart.
Packed with knife fights and seafaring adventure, METAL SLINGER is the smash-hit start to the romantic fantasy duology, the Fire & Metal series





















