What we’re about
NB: If you're an author who's been asked for a PDF or to pay to be featured in a future discussion, unfortunately that's a scam from an email address unrelated to the group.
A book club in SE London, everyone welcome. We aim to meet once a month on a Monday 7pm to discuss a book chosen by those who attended the previous one.
There isn't a particular theme to this book club but we'll read more or less equal numbers of books by female and male authors.
Upcoming events (2)
See all- Award-nominated fiction: All Fours (2024) by Miranda JulyThe Shirker's Rest, London
"An irreverently sexy, tender, hilarious, and surprising novel about a woman upending her life... The author and film-maker explores dance, desire, mortality and transcendence on a wild autofictional journey."
The book contains descriptions of sexual activity, panic attacks, suicidal thoughts, fatphobia, medical trauma and stalking. Shortlisted for the 2025 Women's Fiction Prize, it is moderately challenging (and fairly long) rather than a plot-driven page-turner - don't forget you can read this free online preview before deciding to attend:
https://www.google.co.uk/books/edition/All_Fours/wl1OEQAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1If you've been before and would like to help pay for the Meetup group, you can contribute "£1-2" per meeting (now collected around Dec & Jun). This optional payment does not apply to your first meeting and no-one is turned away for lack of funds.
General plan: by 7pm some of us should be in the upstairs room at the pub but we usually start by discussing books to read in future in case anyone arrives late. Typically we'll talk about the book until after 8pm, when there's a short break to go to the bar, then any further discussion till after 9, though of course you can leave at any point.
The Shirker's Rest takes cards, not cash, and serves a range of soft drinks, wine and spirits in addition to their beer and cider selection https://theshirkersrest.co.uk/drinks/ - they don't have a kitchen but encourage you to order from https://yardsalepizza.com/menu/ ..!
COVID-19 safety measures
This is indoors though we should be able to open at least one window. Please do not attend if you feel unwell, or have a positive Covid test/symptoms - you are encouraged to a) be as vaccinated as you can, b) wear a mask if you prefer, c) follow current Covid precautions, especially if you're at risk of passing on or catching the virus. - Mon book choice: title TBCThe Shirker's Rest, London
If you've been before and would like to help pay for the Meetup group, you can contribute "£1-2" per meeting (now collected around Dec & Jun). This optional payment does not apply to your first meeting and no-one is turned away for lack of funds.
General plan: by 7pm some of us should be in the upstairs room at the pub but we usually start by discussing books to read in future in case anyone arrives late. Typically we'll talk about the book until after 8pm, when there's a short break to go to the bar, then any further discussion till after 9, though of course you can leave at any point.
The Shirker's Rest takes cards, not cash, and serves a range of soft drinks, wine and spirits in addition to their beer and cider selection https://theshirkersrest.co.uk/drinks/ - they don't have a kitchen but encourage you to order from https://yardsalepizza.com/menu/ ..!
COVID-19 safety measures
This is indoors though we should be able to open at least one window. Please do not attend if you feel unwell, or have a positive Covid test/symptoms - you are encouraged to a) be as vaccinated as you can, b) wear a mask if you prefer, c) follow current Covid precautions, especially if you're at risk of passing on or catching the virus.
