Women's Book Club

Greetings crew, for a first novel I looked at early candidates, \~300pg or less, and positive reader recommendations. The Correspondent by Virginia Evans was a clear standout. Please join us upstairs at Zorba's Cafe to discuss the novel. We'll also discuss and choose a second novel at the meeting. **“A small book with a surprisingly large emotional radius.”** — *The New York Times Book Review* **“Elegant in form, piercing in effect.”** — *The Atlantic*

📚 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.

Celebrate National Women’s Month with DCBitches and DMV D&D Group on March 11th at Andy’s NoMa! This will be a night filled with drinks, conversation, and good ole nerdy conversation! Whether you are an experienced adventurer or someone new to the TTRPG world, this event is for you! **Can't make any of the events? Want to stay in the loop? No worries! Join the [DMV D&D Group](https://discord.gg/bDvGRtKfhR) to stay aware of all future events!**

**🖥️ *It wants to be heard… so be afraid of the silence this Friday the 13th.*** **👋 What’s up guys**! Watching a horror movie on **Friday the 13th** sounds pretty perfect to me. This new film premiered at the **Fantasia Film Festival** to positive reviews from critics, though of course we’ll decide for ourselves if we agree. The movie has now been picked up by **A24** and is being released exclusively here in the U.S. This Canadian horror film is written and directed by **Ian Tuason** in his directorial debut. It centres on a paranormal podcaster who becomes haunted after receiving mysterious audio recordings from a couple plagued by a supernatural entity. From what I understand, the film is a **sound-driven, slow-burn thriller**, leaning heavily into audio-based immersive horror and a strong sense of isolation. If you’re a horror aficionado like myself, meet me at the **Look Dine-In Bar at 6:30 PM** for a quick catch-up before the film. The screening starts at **7:40 PM (Screen 11)** — feel free to join me in **Row D9**, or grab whichever seat works best for you. After the film, we’ll regroup and share our highlights (and maybe a few theories) for our **[Letterboxd](https://letterboxd.com/movieroadhouse)** **reflections**. If you’re into this kind of **audio-driven horror sub-genre**, then this one might be right up your alley. **See you guys there!** **Jonny** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- 👉 **HEADS UP** * If you sign up and later can’t make it, please 🙏 drop us a quick message (or change your RSVP) — it really helps with planning. You can also follow me **[@jonnyhideout](https://www.instagram.com/jonnyhideout/)** or our **[@nova_cinemaclub](https://www.instagram.com/nova_cinemaclub/)** on instagram for fun updates. 🗓 **SCHEDULE BREAKDOWN** * **6:30 PM:** Drinks (Look Dine-In Bar) * **7:40 PM:** Movie (Screen 11) * **10:30 PM:** Review 📱**STAY CONNECTED** * Join our WhatsApp or Telegram groups (available by request), or hop onto our **[WhatsApp Channel](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb73gBj2v1Iky4AX7U2D)** or **[Telegram Channel](https://t.me/novafilmclub)**[ ](https://t.me/novafilmclub)for quiet updates without the chat. Whatever you prefer! 🎬 **PLOT DETAILS** * The host of a popular paranormal podcast becomes haunted by terrifying recordings mysteriously sent her way. [Trailer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6uDeBYDHu4) 🎟️ **TICKET INFO & PRICES** * **Price:** From $13:50 * **Members price:** From $0.00 * **Tickets**: Look Dine In 📍**VENUE ADDRESS** * 1667 Silver Hill Dr, McLean, VA 22102 🔊 **HOW WE ROLL** * Have fun, be respectful, and no abuse of any kind * Three-time no-show limit (applies after your first attended event), please update your RSVP if your plans change * This group is for over-18s only 🌐 **FOLLOW US ONLINE** * [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/nova_cinemaclub) * [Letterboxd](https://letterboxd.com/movieroadhouse) * [WhatsApp Channel](https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb73gBj2v1Iky4AX7U2D) * [Telegram Channel](https://t.me/novafilmclub) * [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@movieroadhouse) * [Facebook Page](https://www.facebook.com/novacinemaclub) * [Facebook Group](https://www.facebook.com/groups/novacinemaclub) * [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/jonnyhideout/) (Jonny) 🫂 **RELATED HANGOUTS** * [Movie Roadhouse London](https://www.meetup.com/movieroadhouse/) * [The Hideout: Film Club London](https://www.meetup.com/thehideoutlondon/) * [Cosmic Nightmares Book Club London](https://www.meetup.com/cosmicnightmareslondon) * [Ani-Mates: London Animation & Art Group](https://www.meetup.com/london-motion-design-and-animation-group/?eventOrigin=your_groups) * [Film & TV Review London](https://www.meetup.com/film-chat/?eventOrigin=your_groups)

* 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

This meeting will be dedicated to talking about the entirety of "Stoner" by John Williams. 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.

We will discuss two short stories from Fumio Yamamoto's "The Dilemmas of Working Women": "The Dilemmas of Working Women" (title story) "Naked" "The Dilemmas of Working Women" (title story)

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!

Note: RSVPs for this event open when our prior meetup has ended. For March, we will be reading The Correspondent by Virginia Evans. The hardcover runs 304 pages and it was published in 2025. The GoodReads blurb is Sybil Van Antwerp has throughout her life used letters to make sense of the world and her place in it. Most mornings, around half past ten, Sybil sits down to write letters—to her brother, to her best friend, to the president of the university who will not allow her to audit a class she desperately wants to take, to Joan Didion and Larry McMurtry to tell them what she thinks of their latest books, and to one person to whom she writes often yet never sends the letter. Sybil expects her world to go on as it always has—a mother, grandmother, wife, divorcee, distinguished lawyer, she has lived a very full life. But when letters from someone in her past force her to examine one of the most painful periods of her life, she realizes that the letter she has been writing over the years needs to be read and that she cannot move forward until she finds it in her heart to offer forgiveness. Filled with knowledge that only comes from a life fully lived, *The Correspondent* is a gem of a novel about the power of finding solace in literature and connection with people we might never meet in person. It is about the hubris of youth and the wisdom of old age, and the mistakes and acts of kindness that occur during a lifetime. Sybil Van Antwerp’s life of letters might be “a very small thing,” but she also might be one of the most memorable characters you will ever find.

**Our March pick is *God of the Woods* by Liz Moore.** **This month’s novel is an award-winning literary mystery that blends family drama with psychological suspense. It explores women’s voices and relationships while delivering an exciting, eerie, and deeply suspenseful story. The book is 576 pages in print or 14 hours and 35 minutes on audiobook.** Early morning, August 1975: a camp counselor discovers an empty bunk. Its occupant, Barbara Van Laar, has gone missing. Barbara isn’t just any thirteen-year-old: she’s the daughter of the family that owns the summer camp and employs most of the region’s residents. And this isn’t the first time a Van Laar child has disappeared. Barbara’s older brother similarly vanished fourteen years ago, never to be found. As a panicked search begins, a thrilling drama unfolds. Chasing down the layered secrets of the Van Laar family and the blue-collar community working in its shadow, Moore’s multi-threaded story invites readers into a rich and gripping dynasty of secrets and second chances. It is Liz Moore’s most ambitious and wide-reaching novel yet.

Welcome, readers! Our March read is **_The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver._** The story follows Taylor Greer, a young woman from rural Kentucky who leaves home for the West, only to find herself unexpectedly becoming the guardian of an abused Native American toddler named Turtle. In Tucson, Arizona, they form a makeshift family with a diverse group of people, including Guatemalan refugees and a single mother, exploring themes of motherhood, community, belonging, and finding hope in hardship. The story blends humor with serious issues, creating a story about finding family in unexpected places. 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! 📖

**Our April novel is: *The Hong Kong Widow* by Kristen Loesch** **This month’s novel blends gothic atmosphere with historical fiction and chilling horror, set against the haunting backdrop of China. The book is 368 pages in print and 10 hours and 42 minutes on audiobook.** In 1950s Hong Kong, Mei is a young refugee of the Chinese Communist revolution struggling to put her past in Shanghai behind her. When she receives a shocking invitation—to take part in a competition in one of the city's most notorious haunted houses, pitting six spirit mediums against one another in a series of six séances over six nights, until a single winner emerges—she has every reason to refuse. Except that the hostess, a former Shanghainese silent film star, is none other than the wife of the man who once destroyed Mei’s entire life. It is promised the winner will receive a fortune, but there is only one prize Mei wants: revenge. Decades later, the final night of that competition has become an infamous urban legend: The police were called to the scene of a brutal massacre but found no evidence, dismissing it as a collective hallucination. Mei knows what she saw, but now someone else is convinced they know what she did. She must uncover the truth about the last night she ever spent in that house—even if the ghosts of her past are waiting for her there. . . .

This will be the first ever Book Club Meet up for this group! * We will be discussing Dating After the End of the World by Jeneva Rose (if you would like a free EPUB copy of this book to read on kindle, message me & I can send you the ebook) * ***Changed the book from Daggermouth due to it being independently published and hard to find in print**** * Feel free to attend even if you haven't started or finished the book ◡̈ ! * Small snacks will be provided. You’re welcome to bring your own snacks & drinks too! * Even if the meetup event shows full, you are welcome to come. If you can no longer attend the event, no worries, just please try to update your status on meetup for it.

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. It’s a story about longing—to 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! 📖

Semi in honor of March being International Women's Month Columbus libraries: [https://cml.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S105C3454709](https://cml.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S105C3454709) Location: SOW Plated Menu: [https://www.sowplated.com/menu-brunch/](https://www.sowplated.com/menu-brunch/) Book summary: In 2006 Julia Lerner is living in Moscow, a recent university graduate in computer science, when she's recruited by Russia's largest intelligence agency. By 2018 she's in Silicon Valley as COO of Tangerine, one of America's most famous technology companies. In between her executive management (make offers to promising startups, crush them and copy their features if they refuse); self promotion (check out her latest op-ed in the WSJ, on Work/Life Balance 2.0); and work in gender equality (transfer the most annoying females from her team), she funnels intelligence back to the motherland. But now Russia's asking for more, and Julia's getting nervous. Alice Lu is a first generation Chinese American whose parents are delighted she's working at Tangerine (such a successful company!). Too bad she's slogging away in the lower echelons, recently dumped, and now sharing her expensive two-bedroom apartment with her cousin Cheri, a perennial "founder's girlfriend". One afternoon, while performing a server check, Alice discovers some unusual activity, and now she's burdened with two powerful but distressing suspicions: Tangerine's privacy settings aren't as rigorous as the company claims they are, and the person abusing this loophole might be Julia Lerner herself. The closer Alice gets to Julia, the more Julia questions her own loyalties. Russia may have placed her in the Valley, but she's the one who built her career; isn't she entitled to protect the lifestyle she's earned?