Writing

الكتاب يتوفر مطبوعا والكترونيا (يرجى متابعة الرابط للتفاصيل) اقترحت الكتاب وتدير الحوار زكية الأجرد يختزل الكاتب الأفغاني عتيق رحيمي مأساة بلاده في غرفة ضيّقة حيث تسهر امرأة شابة على راحة زوجها، الذي كان مجاهداً في أكثر الحروب عبثيّة، بعد أن أصيب بطلقة ناريّة في رقبته. عينا الرجل مفتوحتان وجسده الهامد غارق في غيبوبة عنفه وآثامه، والمرأة تتلو على وقع تنفسّه صلواتها وأسماء الله الحسنى. يغدو الرجل الغائب عن العالم حجر صبرها، وتغدو المرأة شهرزاد الأفغانيّة التي يتدفّق من فمها المطبق سيلٌ من الكلمات اللاذعة، المشحونة برغباتٍ دفينة. تدخل في مصارحة جريئة ومناجاة هذيانيّة مع زوجها وتبوح له بأسرارها الأكثر خطورةً، متحدّيةً خوفها وخضوعها... ولد عتيق رحيمي في أفغانستان عام 1962. تابع دروسه الثانوية في كابول ثم طلب اللجوء إلى فرنسا عام 1984. صدر له عن دار الساقي: "حجر الصبر"، "ملعون دوستويفسكي"، "حبّ في المنفى". حجر الصبر - عتيق رحيمي (دار الساقي ٢٠١٣ (١٤٤ صفحة [https://www.daralsaqi.com/book/%D8%AD%D8%AC%D8%B1-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B5%D8%A8%D8%B1](https://www.daralsaqi.com/book/%D8%AD%D8%AC%D8%B1-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B5%D8%A8%D8%B1) حجر الصبر - عتيق رحيمي [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21799920](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/21799920) حجر الصبر - عتيق رحيمي ‏اقرأ الكتاب على تطبيق أبجد:‏ [https://www.abjjad.com/book/2173239903](https://www.abjjad.com/book/2173239903) كيف أحصل على الكتاب؟ مكتبة غاف التواصل عن طريق الموبايل او الواتس اب +971527798773 سعيد (متجر لتوصيل الكتب داخل الإمارات) التواصل عن طريق الموبايل او الواتس اب +971508386699 تطبيق أبجد على الآيفون والآندرويد [https://www.abjjad.com/](https://www.abjjad.com/) Kinokuniya [https://uae.kinokuniya.com/](https://uae.kinokuniya.com/) مؤسسة هنداوي [https://www.hindawi.org](https://www.hindawi.org) Storytel [https://www.storytel.com](https://www.storytel.com) نيل وفرات المتجر الاكتروني للكتب [https://www.neelwafurat.com/](https://www.neelwafurat.com/) وراقون المتجر الاكتروني للكتب [https://wrraqoon.com/](https://wrraqoon.com/) Google Play الكتب على متجر [https://play.google.com/store/books](https://play.google.com/store/books) Amazon الكتب على متجر [https://www.amazon.ae/](https://www.amazon.ae/) Virgin الكتب على متجر [https://www.virginmegastore.ae/](https://www.virginmegastore.ae/) Iqraa shelves on goodreads [https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/44694](https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/44694) Iqraa on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/iqraaarabicdubai/](https://www.instagram.com/iqraaarabicdubai/) Iqraa on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/groups/ArabicBookClubDubai](https://www.facebook.com/groups/ArabicBookClubDubai)

Welcome to the **Downtown Dubai Book Discussion Circle (every 2 weeks Tuesday)**. 📚✨ This session is about the book: "Feel Good Productivity" Book by Ali Abdaal We will try a new format & for this session (only!) you can read the book beforehand, but don’t have to. The Book Club host will pick 2-3 exercises and facilitate the session The RSVP will open 3 days before the event. Please only RSVP, if you’re actually planning **join the event on Tuesday**, so our discussions can stay rich, focused, and meaningful for everyone. ✨ -> From experience, we’ve seen that 15 people is the sweet spot for a great conversation: we have a core group of regular attendees (10 people) - and we open up every session for 5 new members, so we are excited to meet you. Few Additional Notes to make this a great event: **1️⃣ Cost**: The event itself is free to attend. You’re simply responsible for covering your own food and drinks at the cafe. 😊 **2️⃣ You plans changed?** Please kindly update your RSVP if your plans change (we usually have a long waiting list; if you free up your spot -> others can join). This small step makes a big difference in organizing a great session for all.

​The Room is a private, invitation-only gathering created for a carefully selected circle of extraordinary people. Register and get more details! Approval Required **[Join WhatsApp group (Click on Mobile / 971 55 539 4811)](https://jo.my/wa-the-room)** ​It’s a space designed for real conversations, aligned minds, and meaningful connection. * ​Every guest is carefully selected. * ​It's not a public event! It's not open networking. * ​Curated to protect the integrity of the experience. ​It is a carefully designed environment where meaningful conversations unfold naturally, and connections are built on alignment rather than agenda. \-\-\- ​Meet people who are driven by curiosity, ambition, and the desire to grow alongside others who understand the journey. ​👥 **Who’s in the room:** * ​Visionary entrepreneurs & founders * ​Exceptional leaders & decision-makers * ​Investors, operators & future builders * ​Professionals driven by curiosity, ambition, and growth ​All brought together for one reason! Meaningful connection beyond surface-level conversation. \-\-\- Register and get more details! Approval Required **[Join WhatsApp group (Click on Mobile / 971 55 539 4811)](https://jo.my/wa-the-room)** \-\-\- ​The experience is calm, refined, and intelligent. From lighting to music to flow, everything is considered. ​✨ **What to expect:** * ​Conversations that flow naturally * ​Introductions made with intention * ​Quality over quantity & depth over noise * ​An atmosphere designed for depth, not noise. ​This is a space where presence matters more than performance. Where listening is valued more than speaking and ambition is shared — not displayed. \-\-\- ​If you’ve been invited, it’s because you belong. ​Welcome to **The Room**! Where ambition finds its circle. **Registration** ✅ RSVP on Meetup. ✅ [Join WhatsApp group (Click on Mobile)](https://jo.my/wa-the-room) ​We're looking forward to welcome you to **The Room!**

Don't have a group, completely fine. badminton sessions for all levels.. Aed 45 for two hours, aed 28 for one hour come and play with us. teams will beade on levels to have exciting matched contact no +971 50 6658 933 join below WhatsApp group for regular updates. [https://chat.whatsapp.com/L5XeBmwIJ33GNRli4CF7Bc](https://chat.whatsapp.com/L5XeBmwIJ33GNRli4CF7Bc)

Meet amazing people, practice languages, and have conversations that go beyond small talk 💬🤝 Register and get more details! No late confirmation **[Join WhatsApp group (Click on Mobile / 971 55 539 4811)](https://jo.my/wa-language-society)** Join us for a fun and relaxed evening where language lovers come together to mingle and learn from one another. * 💬 Practice languages through real conversations 🌍 Meet people from different cultures and backgrounds 🎲 Play Taboo and other interactive speaking games ✨ Learn new words, expressions, and cultural insights Practice 🇬🇧 English, 🇫🇷 French, 🇪🇸 Spanish, 🇷🇺 Russian, 🇮🇹 Italian, 🇩🇪 German, 🇦🇪 Arabic, 🇹🇷 Turkish, 🌍 And many more! Register and get more details! No late confirmation **[Join WhatsApp group (Click on Mobile / 971 55 539 4811)](https://jo.my/wa-language-society)** Each session brings together native speakers and learners to practice, improve your confidence, and learn from real conversations. * 🤝 Make new friends and meaningful connections ☕ Enjoy great conversations in a friendly atmosphere 🎉 Have fun in a relaxed, social setting 🌎 Expand your social and professional circle Just friendly people, great conversations, and a welcoming environment where everyone helps each other learn and connect. Register and get more details! No late confirmation **[Join WhatsApp group (Click on Mobile / 971 55 539 4811)](https://jo.my/wa-language-society)** Don't be surprised if you leave with new friends, future coffee plans, language partners, and unforgettable memories ☕✨

**This session is for All levels of players. We Keep dedicated courts for our advanced level players.** ✅ 2 hours of badminton ✅ All levels are welcomed ✅ Feather shuttles included ✅ Professional courts at SportsBay Abuhail ✅ Great games, great people, minimal waiting time **Fee: AED 40** \*\*\* **How to Confirm Your Spot** **Step 1:** RSVP on Meetup **Step 2:** Pay immediately via Careem Pay/Bank Transfer 📲 0563213256 [Hamza] 📲 0509001406 [Waqsi] **Your spot is only confirmed after payment.** If payment is not received, your slot may be given to someone on the wait-list. \*\*\* **Cancellation Policy** Cancel **12+ hours before event** → No charge Cancel **less than 12 hours before event** → Full payment required (this applies even if you sign up within 12hrs of the game time) **No-show** → Full payment required. The cancellation policy is applicable even if there is a waiting-list on Meetup. \*\*\* **New Players** WhatsApp after RSVP: 📲 0563213256 [Hamza] 📲 0509001406 [Waqsi] [https://wa.me/971509001406](https://wa.me/971509001406) **🎯 Welcome to Badminton Lovers Dubai!** **The World's Highest-rated badminton community** from the heart of Dubai with over 11\,200 members and \(A perfect ⭐ 5 star rated ★ \| 7200\+ reviews\) – where fun\, fitness\, and friendship come together on court\! Whether you’re a **beginner eager to learn** or an **advanced player seeking competitive rallies**, you’ll enjoy: ✔ 2 hours of structured, mix-and-match doubles games ✔ Professional world-class courts ✔ A friendly, welcoming community of players of all levels \*\*\* **⭐ Why Join Us?** ✔ Dubai’s **#1 rated sports & social group** ✔ Play with 5-6 players per court → **minimum waiting time** ✔ Separate courts for **advanced competitive matches** ✔ Beginner-friendly – guidance & support provided ✔ **Feather shuttles included** + limited rackets (first-come, first-serve) ✔ Exclusive **discounts at leading sports stores in Dubai** ✔ Social, fun, and a great way to meet new friends \*\*\* **📸 Social Media Policy** * Photos/videos may be used to promote badminton & our community **👥 Guest Policy** * Guests must be registered with **name & level** * RSVP holder is responsible for guest payment & cancellations \*\*\* **🏸 Safety Guidelines & Event Rules** To ensure a safe, enjoyable, and well-organised experience for everyone, all participants are required to read and follow the guidelines below: \*\*\* **1️⃣ Personal Responsibility** * All players participate **at their own risk**. * Please ensure you are **physically fit and medically able** to play badminton before joining the session. * Warm up properly and play within your personal limits. \*\*\* **2️⃣ On-Court Safety** * Always be aware of **other players**, shuttle direction, and adjacent courts. * Avoid running into other courts or behind players during active rallies. * Stop play immediately if a shuttle or player enters your court unexpectedly. * Wear **appropriate non-marking sports shoes** to prevent slips and injuries. \*\*\* **3️⃣ Equipment & Attire** * Use suitable badminton rackets and equipment in good condition. * Badminton Lovers Dubai is **not responsible** for any damage to personal equipment. \*\*\* **4️⃣ Personal Belongings** * Players are fully responsible for their **own belongings**. **The organisers are not liable** for any loss, theft, or damage to personal property. \*\*\* **5 Liability Disclaimer** By attending this event, you acknowledge and agree that: * You voluntarily assume all risks associated with playing badminton. * **Badminton Lovers Dubai, its organisers, hosts, and volunteers are released from any liability**, claims, demands, or causes of action related to personal injury, loss, damage, or theft of belongings.

**THE ART OF WARSTRATEGY SESSION** **A closed-room HUMEIN discussion on timing, power, and strategic judgment.** **For the first time, HUMEIN privately convenes a small group for The Art of War Strategy Session, a half-day in-person discussion for people who want to study strategy as a practical craft.** **For more than two thousand years, The Art of War has endured because its subject was never simply war. It was judgment.** **In modern life, the battlefield has changed but the questions have not.** **Leaders still need to decide which battles deserve attention. Founders still need to position before they compete. Executives still need to negotiate before conditions harden. Teams still need to make decisions under pressure, uncertainty, and limited information.** **This session will move through Sun Tzu’s 13 chapters and examine how his ideas apply to modern leadership, competition, negotiation, and decision-making.** **The Room Will Center on Three Questions** **Diplomacy** **How do you win before the fight begins?** **Strategy begins before confrontation. We will examine how positioning, perception, restraint, and influence can shape outcomes before conflict becomes visible.** **Picking Your Battles** **How do you decide which fights are worth taking?** **Not every challenge deserves your energy. We will explore how to distinguish between meaningful conflict, distracting conflict, and battles that are better won by not entering them at all.** **The Perfect Timing** **When does a plan become a result?** **Good strategy is not only about what to do. It is about when to move. We will explore timing, readiness, pressure, momentum, and the conditions that turn intention into outcome.** **What Participants Will Leave With** **Participants will leave with practical frameworks they can carry into situations that matter.** **You will gain a clearer understanding of The Art of War and how its principles apply to modern leadership, negotiation, competition, and decision-making.** **You will leave with a framework for deciding which battles are worth fighting and which are best avoided.** **You will develop better judgment around timing, positioning, and strategic decision-making under pressure.** **You will also leave with a set of mental models that can be applied to business, politics, leadership, and personal negotiations.** **Tech Takeaway** **AI will be used as a strategic extension of the session.** **Participants will learn how to create a personal strategic advisory board using AI, giving them a practical way to pressure-test ideas, decisions, risks, and scenarios long after the room ends.** **Schedule** **10:00 AM** **Welcome coffee and arrival** **10:30 AM** **The Art of War Strategy Session begins** **12:00 PM** **Lunch** **1:00 PM** **Strategy session continues** **3:00 PM** **Networking and closing conversations** **4:00 PM** **End** **Admission** **Seats are deliberately limited.** **The value of the room depends on the caliber of the people in it, the seriousness of the discussion, and the willingness of participants to think with discipline.** **This is a private HUMEIN session for a small group of people who want to study strategy not as theory, but as a way of seeing, deciding, and acting with greater precision.** **Included** **✅ A personal copy of The Art of War** **✅ Access to a curated room of strategic thinkers** **✅ Valet parking** **✅ Lunch** **✅ Two coffee breaks** **To refer someone or yourself to the room, please reach out directly at hello@saturdaydubai.com** **Registration link (approval basis)** **https://luma.com/HUMEIN-artofwar** **If you can’t make it this time, you’re welcome to join our Whatsapp announcements group** **https://chat.whatsapp.com/Ee0QXOWf3187HAgdWNAHJo?s=hd&p=i&mlu=3&amv=1**

Come and have tea, meet new friends and engage in an open conversation about life's purpose, our collective responsibility towards humanity, our existence on this planet, diverse religious perspectives, spiritual insights, the interconnectedness of all people, gender equality, the convergence of faiths, and current world issues. Location: Burj Crown Building - Lounge Room on the 7th floor. Above "Baba Roma" restaurant. Free parking is available in the Dubai Opera House parking. 15 Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd - Downtown Dubai [https://maps.app.goo.gl/h5NH1VNXSHCJC7bq5](https://maps.app.goo.gl/h5NH1VNXSHCJC7bq5) Time: 19:30 for an 20:00 prompt start

Love stories, but never find the time to read? Always wanted to start reading but don’t know where to begin? **A Few Good Pages** is a weekly short story circle where we slow down, read together, and have thoughtful relaxed discussions. No pressure, No prep! We meet **every Saturday** to read and discuss **one or two short stories**—quick reads that stay with you. Whether you’re a **wannabe reader** looking to get started, a **busy book lover** who wants to rebuild reading habit, or someone who enjoys **sharing perspectives on a great story**, you’ll fit right in. You don't need to prepare anything in advance - Just show up. Over the past year, we've read and discussed over **200+ short stories,** building a warm, reflective community that values attention, curiosity and consistency. Join our WhatsApp Group for updates: https://chat.whatsapp.com/IpIMc6c87W49FJIg1cRDJk?mode=hqrt2 **Cost & Membership** * First session : **Free** * Drop in : AED 30 per session * Membership options available for those who want to build a consistent reading habit. **Location** Location : L'eto Cafe, 1st floor, Mall of Emirates (D7 is the closest parking Entrance) Please update the RSVP if there's any change in your plans :-) Come for the stories, stay for the discussions!

Here’s the original version with the wording changed to “WhatsApp me”: 🎉 Bite Club Dubai 🎉 Bite Club is a friendly social community that brings people together through fun events, great venues, and meaningful connections. Whether you’re new to Dubai or simply looking to expand your social circle, Bite Club offers a relaxed and welcoming environment to meet like-minded people. 📍 Upcoming Events Next Week 🎲 Wednesday – Game Night at Jones Social, Hilton Embassy Suites Join us for an exciting evening of games, laughter, networking, and socializing in a relaxed atmosphere. The perfect midweek event to meet new people and have fun. 🥂 Thursday – Ladies Night at LSB, Barsha Heights Enjoy a stylish social gathering with great drinks, good music, and a vibrant crowd. Whether you’re coming with friends or attending solo, it’s a fantastic way to unwind and connect with new people. At Bite Club, the focus is simple: good people, great venues, and memorable experiences. 📲 For more information and reservations, WhatsApp me on 056 764 4538. Short enough to read, detailed enough to know what’s happening. Humanity’s eternal struggle with event invitations continues. 🍸✨🤝

Things don't always go according to plan. Goals get delayed. Opportunities fall through. Life takes unexpected turns. But what if setbacks aren't roadblocks? What if they're part of the journey? 📖 Our next Primexar Book Club read is: **Surrounded by Setbacks** **by Thomas Erikson** Join us as we explore resilience, growth, and how to navigate life's inevitable challenges without losing sight of what matters. 📅 4th of July ⏰ 4 PM 📍 JLT 💬 RSVP to reserve your spot through WhatsApp here: 0506905962

🎨 FREEHAND Creative Words Game Join us for a relaxed and fun creative session where imagination, collaboration, and artistic expression come together. FREEHAND is a creative community organized by Canvasians Events and Conferences, bringing together artists, designers, photographers, creative professionals, students, and anyone interested in art and creativity. During this session, we play the FREEHAND Creative Words Game. A theme or "world" is selected first, then random word cards are drawn from a prepared deck. Each participant interprets the word in their own way and creates a drawing inspired by the selected theme. In the collaborative version of the game, participants work on shared artworks. After 10 minutes, each drawing is passed to another participant, who receives a new word and continues developing the artwork. The process continues until multiple artists have contributed to the same piece. In the individual version, several random words are selected, and each participant creates a complete artwork inspired by those words and the chosen theme. There is no right or wrong interpretation. The goal is to explore creativity, discover new ideas, and enjoy the artistic process in a friendly and supportive environment. ✅ Free participation ✅ Paper, colors, and materials provided free of charge ✅ Open to all skill levels ✅ Feel free to invite friends and family ✅ No pressure, no competition, just creativity Participants are welcome to order food, coffee, or drinks from the café according to their preference. Orders are paid individually by each participant. The venue generously hosts our gathering without charging us, and FREEHAND does not charge any attendance fee for this activity. Come draw, collaborate, meet new people, and enjoy an evening of creativity. Join us for our next **Dubai** **Freehands art** meetup! - Free 🖌️☕ 📍 **Location:** Le Pain Quotidien, Dubai Marina Mall ⏰ **Time:** 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM Unwind, sketch, and let your creativity flow in a cozy, inspiring atmosphere. Whether you're a seasoned artist or just love to doodle, this is the perfect space to express yourself, meet like-minded creatives, and enjoy great conversations over coffee. Bring your sketchbook, enjoy a warm drink, and let your imagination take over! No experience needed—just your passion for creativity! **📩 RSVP Now!** Let us know you're coming, WhatsApp: +971554413995, so we can save you a seat. Can't wait to see you there! 🎨✨ Check our previous gatherings photos: https://www.meetup.com/freehand/photos/35584362/ #FreehandImagination #ArtMeetup #DubaiArtists #SketchAndSip

Love stories, but never find the time to read? Always wanted to start reading but don’t know where to begin? **A Few Good Pages** is a weekly short story circle where we slow down, read together, and have thoughtful relaxed conversations. No pressure, No prep! We meet **every Thursday** to read and discuss **one or two short stories**—quick reads that stay with you. Whether you’re a **wannabe reader** looking to get started, a **busy book lover** who wants to rebuild reading habit, or someone who enjoys **sharing perspectives on a great story**, you’ll fit right in. You don't need to prepare anything in advance - Just show up. Over the past year, we've read and discussed over **200+ short stories,** building a warm, reflective community that values attention, curiosity and consistency. Join our WhatsApp Group for updates: https://chat.whatsapp.com/IpIMc6c87W49FJIg1cRDJk?mode=hqrt2 **Cost & Membership** * First session : **Free** * Drop in : AED 30 per session * Membership options available for those who want to build a consistent reading habit. **Location** Hosted at Soul Side Wellness, 2603, The Dome Tower, Cluster N, JLT. Please update the RSVP if there's any change in your plans :-) Come for the stories, stay for the discussions!

Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 7:00pm on Wednesday, February 11 at Streetlight Guild. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. **SCHEDULE:** 6:45ish - Quick introductions 7:00 - Timer starts: write for 1 hour 8:00 - The End **OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING** happens before and after the writing hour. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. **BEING LATE IS OKAY:** just show up and get settled! If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing & I look forward to seeing you at Streetlight Guild! **WHAT SHOULD I BRING?** Whatever you need to be able to write! You're welcome to bring earplugs/headphones if noise will bother you! **OTHER IMPORTANT DETAILS:** * **RSVP:** Please RSVP by 6:00pm the evening of the meeting. This helps me know how many to expect, and if we'll need additional space! * **COVID:** While masks are not required, please be mindful of the other writers around you and their comfort levels. * **WIFI/OUTLETS:** Outlets are limited, so please ensure your devices are charged when you come! But Streetlight Guild does have free WiFi! Yay! * **PARKING:** There is free public parking at Streetlight Guild.

We'll meet at The Capital One Café, 167 Easton Town Center, Space A-103. This is in the main mall where the Microsoft store used to be, on your left if you're standing at the bottom of the AMC Theater escalator. Join us on Saturday for an hour of uninterrupted wordmaking! • What we'll do Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 10AM on Saturday mornings. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. SCHEDULE: 10:00 - SESSION 1: quick intros. 10:10 - timer starts: write for 1 hour. 11:10 - chat / take off / keep writing. OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 11A-11:30ish. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. BEING LATE IS OKAY: just show up and get settled, then check-in with me after the session. (I’ll be the person with the Shut Up & Write! sign.) If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing and I look forward to seeing you! • What to bring Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block noise or the occasional conversation by other patrons. Electrical outlets are limited, so charge your devices before whenever possible. See you at The Café on Saturday!

Greetings writers! Come down and join your fellow wordsmiths for one hour of uninterrupted writing time in the upper level of the Market District Supermarket in Upper Arlington. The main entrance of the shopping center opens onto stairs/elevator leading up to the 2nd floor cafe section where we will have a table displaying a sign with the Shut Up & Write logo. Writing is largely a solitary craft. Practicing with others in a community setting may be the thing you need to fire your own routine. We’ll meet on Wednesday evenings, starting the clock at 6:30, following a brief period of introductions. This is solid writing time and all inclusive. Any project is acceptable, be it fiction, non -fiction, work or homework assignment. All is welcome and will remain private to you. The market boasts a Starbucks, a full service bar and various affordable food options. Parking is plentiful, free Wifi is provided as well as outlets for charging your devices, though they are somewhat limited, so plan accordingly. Show up as early as you like, or stay late. This group tends to socialize some, both before and after the alloted time, but this is not mandatory to you. Feel free to come and go as you please and late arrivals are welcome. The cafe may be noisy on occasion so headphones/ earbuds are reccommended as you see fit. Please try to RSVP if possible so that we may grab enough seats for all—the venue can be busy at times. Feel free to message me privately wth any questions and/ or concerns you may have. Happy writing!

Let’s meet and discuss John Updike's Rabbit, Run, the first in his series of four novels following the life, hopes, and disappointments of former local basketball star, Harry "Rabbit" Angstrom, as he fitfully confronts and evades adulthood.

The topic for July is "Shoes" Speak Easy: true stories, told live. The idea is simple: an audience, an open microphone, and great stories. Hilarious, gripping, poignant- it's up to you. Audiences are invited to come to listen or come to tell as folks from all corners of Columbus offer their stories live on stage! Held at Wild Goose Creative's warm, intimate space, this night of tales occurs on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Doors open at 6:30 pm, show starts at 7:00 pm. Please arrive early if you want to tell, as we generally only have room for a limited number of tellers, and the sign-up sheet has a tendency to fill up fast. Formed around the idea that people need stories--they're what hold and draw us together--SpeakEasy celebrates the strangeness and commonness of being human. And in a world of smartphones, Facebook, Twitter, and more . . . it gives people a real, breathing, in-person way to connect. The night is geared for true stories of all kinds, taking the best tales told around kitchen tables, in darkened pubs, on the street corner, and at late-night parties and giving them an audience. Speak Easy is also a great outlet for performers, writers, and artists looking to share their favorite stories and perfect their skills. We strongly encourage tellers to please tell the story rather than read it so we keep within the spirit of good storytelling and stay engaged with the audience. All are welcome. Hang around after the show for a drink and build community!