Words Weekend, which is coming to Gateshead in December, will create a word bank to record and explore local dialects. Here’s how you can get involved. Read More
Review: The First Time Lauren Pailing Died
Alyson Rudd’s debut novel is an enchanting tale of loss, love and making the most of your life. Read More
Review: Hormonal by Eleanor Morgan
Eleanor Morgan’s new book, Hormonal, unravels the mysteries of how hormones have such an impact on our lives. This is an essential read for every woman. Read More
Words Weekend is coming to Gateshead
Brace yourselves, wordsmiths. A brand new, totally awesome spoken word festival is coming to Gateshead this December. Here’s everything you need to know about Words Weekend.
Review: Saltwater by Jessica Andrews
Jessica Andrews’ debut novel is a lyrical exploration of youth, class and family bonds. It’s glorious. Read More
5 best independent bookshops in the North East
In honour of Independent Bookshop Week, here is my guide to the five best indie bookshops in the North East. Read More
Review: The Shape of the Ruins by Juan Gabriel Vasquez
Vasquez’s epic novel was shortlisted for this year’s Man Booker International Prize and the Book and Brew book club officially shadow judged it for The Reading Agency. Here’s what I thought of the book. Read More
5 free resources for reading groups
If you run a reading group, you need these five free resources in your life.
1. Reading Groups for Everyone noticeboard
Reading Groups for Everyone is a fantastic resource set up by The Reading Agency. You can list your reading groups in its directory and get the latest news and information about book club reads.
The hidden gem is the noticeboard – a place where you can apply to receive review copies of upcoming and published books for your group. All you need to do in return is share your reading journey on social media and provide a review of the book. It’s also the place where The Reading Agency puts out calls for book clubs to shadow judge literary prizes and get involved in other bookish activities. What are you waiting for?
Check out the noticeboard here.
2. Book Riot book club in a box
Book Riot’s book club in a box guide is a great introduction to starting a book club – including how to find a good venue, what to read and how to get the conversation started.
You can also sign up to its reading group newsletter for ongoing advice on keeping your club going.
3. Love Reading recommendations
Love Reading has a searchable database to help you find your next reading group read. You can register on the list to build your own online TBR pile and can print off extracts from your favourite titles to preview with your group.
4. Penguin Random House reading group guides
PRH is one of the biggest publishers in the UK so you’ll probably be reading one of their titles at your book club soon. They have a fantastic directory of reading group guides to accompany their bestselling books, which includes extracts and talking points for each title.
5. Simon and Schuster book club favourites
Another huge publisher with a great online repository of bookish content. Find book club-friendly books, browse reading guides, enter competitions and get the chance to bag some free e-books.
Find out how I did it…
I set up the Book and Brew book club in 2015 and we’ve been going strong ever since. Find out how I set it up and get my tips for running your own book club here.
New book recommendations for June
June is a great month for new book releases. Holiday reads start hitting the shelves and the weather warms up nicely for some outdoor reading. Whether you’re looking for a read for the plane, beach or back yard, here are my recommendations for what to read in June. Read More
