Budapest Silent Book Club

Hello everyone,

We're excited to be back at the Magnet Community House for our next session!

An Experiment: Securing Our Own Space
To make our experience even better, we're trying something new this time. We have reserved a private area for three hours: the "Könyvkuckó" (Book Nook), the section with the bookshelves next to the café, and the children's room. This guarantees us a dedicated and quieter space to read and connect.

The cost for this reservation is 8250 HUF. To cover this, we are introducing a voluntary contribution of 500-1000 HUF per person.

Here’s how it works:

• It's completely optional. This is a trial run. Your presence is what matters most, so please don't feel obligated to contribute.
• Why we're doing this: This model allows us to have a confirmed, comfortable space without being squeezed into a busy café and removes any pressure to buy drinks or food.
• How to contribute: You can contribute via Revolut or with cash at the event.
• Transparency: All contributions will go directly to the venue booking fee. Any surplus will be put towards our Meetup group's subscription costs. After these initial trial sessions, I will share a public spreadsheet to track all funds.

If this experiment doesn't work out, we can always return to the café model with a slightly smaller group. Your feedback will be essential!

What to Expect at the Venue:

For those who are new, here’s a quick summary based on past feedback:

• The Good: The Magnet House is spacious and the staff is welcoming. There is also a nice café on-site for drinks and snacks.
• Please note: The café's opening is not guaranteed, as it typically opens only when there are at least 2-3 events running concurrently in the building. However, as we head into the colder months, Sundays are often busier, so there's a good chance it will be open for us. We still recommend bringing a water bottle just in case!
• The Pro-Tips: While our reserved area should be quieter, the building's inner courtyard is a public space and can have some background buzz. If you're sensitive to noise, headphones might still be a good idea. Also, a member-tested tip: the chairs are more functional than comfy, so feel free to bring a cushion for maximum reading comfort!

Agenda:

• 14:00 - 14:30 – Introductions & Settling In: Grab a seat, get a drink if you like, and we'll go around the circle to briefly share what book you brought and why you chose it.
• 14:30 - 15:30 – Quiet Reading Hour: Time to dive into your book and enjoy an hour of uninterrupted reading.
• 15:30 - 16:30 – Social Time & Discussion: Share your impressions of what you read, discuss any interesting quotes, or simply chat with fellow book lovers.

Whether you're a regular or a first-timer, you are welcome. The goal is simple: to take a break from our busy lives to read and connect with others.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Hello everyone,

Welcome to the Monthly Book Club — the discussion edition of the Budapest Silent Book Club for those who enjoy reading the same book and sharing thoughts together.

Each month, we pick a short book or novella (under 200 pages) — something impactful and easy to finish. The focus is on accessible reads and relaxed, thoughtful conversations.

This time, based on the recent poll, we'll be diving into the powerful and haunting Japanese classic: No Longer Human (1948) by Osamu Dazai. This semi-autobiographical novel chronicles the life of Ōba Yōzō, a young man who feels profoundly alienated from society. Hiding his true feelings behind a mask of clownish buffoonery, he narrates his descent into depression and self-destruction. It's a raw and deeply moving exploration of social anxiety, identity, and the struggle to find one's place in a world that feels incomprehensible.

🕕 Time: 18:00–20:00 – Group discussion about the book (no silent reading hour this time)
📍 Location: Altair Teaház

I’ll bring a few discussion prompts, but everyone’s thoughts are welcome. Whether you loved the book, found it challenging, or didn’t manage to finish — you’re invited.