Book Clubs London

Deeper Discussion: Should people in the West have more children?

Should people in the West have more children? Fertility rates across Europe, North America, Japan, South Korea and other developed societies have fallen well below replacement level. Aging populations, shrinking workforces, strained welfare systems, and shifting cultural attitudes toward family, work, and meaning are no longer distant projections—they are present realities. There are also controversial concerns such as native people in the west are being replaced by foreign immigrant population who have higher birth rate than the natives. Natalism, once a fringe or purely religious concern, has re-entered mainstream discussion as both a demographic and a civilizational question. There is a unique meaningful joy in raising one's own children which is largely been ignored in the current culture while being in favour of building one's own career. This Deeper Discussion gathering invites a serious, open, and unhurried examination of the topic. We will move past slogans and surface talking points to explore the harder terrain. The atmosphere we will encourage is one of curiosity, logic, critical thinking and less ideological emotional outbursts. This is not a debate with predetermined sides or a lecture. It is a facilitated conversation designed for people willing to sit with complexity, hear opposing perspectives, and think carefully about what kind of future is possible—and desirable—for Western societies. Expect thoughtful exchange, rigorous questioning, and space for disagreement without virtuous performance. Agenda: 6 p.m to 7 p.m: Introduction and Socializing 7 p.m to 9:30 p.m: Topic Discussion 9:30 p.m to late night: Drinks, Dinner or Feel free to go home

Cosy Silent Reads☕️📚📖

Hello, This event is for anyone who enjoys reading and wants to do it in the quiet company of others. We’ll be reading together in complete silence no pressure to talk, just bring whatever you’re reading and settle in. When you arrive, grab a drink from the café if you like, find a comfy spot, and start reading. We’re usually there for about 2 hours, but feel free to come and go whenever it works for you. Looking forward to meeting you! Dee

Deeper Conversations - Monthly book club (Sept '26) - Crime and Punishment by FD

Join us for our monthly book club, where we dive into thought-provoking **fiction** that challenges perspectives, sparks imagination, and opens doors to meaningful conversations. Whether you're a lifelong reader or rediscovering the joy of novels, this is a space to explore stories that stay with you long after the final page. **This Month's Book - Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky** It follows a troubled young man living in poverty in 19th-century St. Petersburg as he wrestles with morality, ambition, isolation, and his own increasingly dangerous ideas. It’s a dark psychological novel exploring guilt, conscience, suffering, and what people owe to one another. IMPORTANT - Please only RSVP if you are planning to FINISH the book. If you have RSVP'd but think you won't be able to finish the book please change your RSVP to No to make space for others in advance and not on the last day. Regulars get moved from waitlist to confirmed on priority. If you are not on the confirmed RSVP list on the day of the event, you will not be let into the event. No show policy: If you RSVP but don't plan to attend, please make sure to cancel your spot at least 24 hours in advance, so someone else can take it. Two no shows without cancelling or cancelling last minute will result in a ban from future book club events. This ensures we communicate the correct numbers to the venue. **How does it work?** \*Brief introductions and reflections on what struck you most * Moderated discussion exploring plot, themes, and characters \*Open conversation where different interpretations are welcomed ️ * We wrap up by sharing insights and connections made **What to Expect?** **Close Reading:** We go beyond surface-level plot summary. Expect discussions that examine the author's choices, narrative techniques, and the questions left lingering in the silence between pages. **Thoughtful Dialogue:** This isn't a race to share opinions—it's a space for genuine exploration. We listen, we reflect, we build on each other's insights. **Meaningful Connections:** Great fiction holds up a mirror to the human experience. Through discussing characters' choices and moral dilemmas, we often discover something about ourselves and each other. **How to get the most out of this event?** **Finish the Book:** Please attend only if you've completed the book. Spoilers will flow freely, and the richest discussions come from those who've made the full journey. **Ground it in the Text:** Bring your interpretations, but anchor them in what's actually on the page. Quote passages. Reference scenes. Let the author's words guide us. **Respect & Openness:** Every interpretation matters. Make space for quieter voices. Challenge ideas, not people. Stay curious rather than defensive. **Why a Fiction Book Club?** **Explore the Human Condition:** Fiction lets us inhabit lives we'll never live, forcing us to confront questions about identity, morality, love, and loss. **Sharpen Your Thinking:** Close reading develops critical thinking—noticing what the author chose to include, exclude, and how the story is told matters as much as what happens. **Deepen Connections:** Discussing characters' choices and moral dilemmas creates surprisingly intimate conversations with fellow readers. **Who is this event for?** \*You find yourself thinking about books long after you've finished them * You want more from book discussions than "I liked it" or "I didn't" \*You're curious how others interpret the same story differently * You value thoughtful dialogue over debate ️✨ \*You're looking for meaningful connections with fellow readers **What's in it for you?** * **Fresh Perspectives:** Discover interpretations you'd never have considered alone \***Deeper Understanding:** Unpack themes and symbols that enrich your reading \*\*\*Genuine Connection: \*\*Bond with others over shared literary experiences \*\*\* A Space to Think: \*\*Slow down from the noise and engage with ideas that matter **Ready to dive deeper into stories that matter?** Join us for an evening where fiction becomes a gateway to understanding ourselves and each other. ✨ **We really hope to see you there!** **About Deeper Conversations** We have a mission at Deeper Conversations to improve the quality of people's lives through conversation. All our events are centred around the concept of connecting deeply, because we believe we all deserve to be seen, felt and understood for who we really are. To have the 'deeper conversation' approach when relating with others can change our lives and can change the world. **Our Values** \*\*\* Respect: \*\*Treat everyone with kindness and consideration. ❤️ \*\*\* Open-mindedness: \*\*Be open to different perspectives and ideas. \*\*\* Active Participation: \*\*Share your thoughts and engage in meaningful discussions. ️

Make New Friends At A Bookshop

Do you want to meet new people in a relaxing chill atmosphere surrounded by new books? Do you dislike loud and smelly places like pubs and clubs? This is the event for you. Science and Philosophy Book Club is creating a new kind of meetup where people who love books and knowledge can meet new friends in a big book shop. We will explore around different sections of the book shop together as a group while making interesting conversations with each other. We will go to both fiction and non-fiction areas. If you feel shy and feel nervous to come alone, I will make sure you will feel comfortable and accomodate to your needs. I will help introduce you to others so you can go over the barrier of anxiety when approaching a new person. We will meet on the ground floor lounge area of Doubletree Hilton Hotel at 6 p.m. It is an amazing cosy bar with classy vibes. We will wait for everyone to show up while getting some drinks and socializing. At 7 p.m we will head to the Waterstones book store near Russel Square and UCL. After we explore the book store, we will come back to the hotel bar and stay there for the rest of the night. This event requires £5 donation to cover the venue fees. You can pay via cash or card. Thank you for helping the book club!

Book shop exploring (Liverpool Street → Brick Lane)

In the digital age💻📡📱, do you still like getting a physical book to read? Where do you buy them? Amazon? Waterstone? Blackstone? How about join us for a bookshop crawl, let's try to find some hidden gems of independent bookshops. (Or just tag along for a chat😁) Don't worry, it's not a marathon, don't feel under any obligation to finish all the bookshops. The two hour time is just a guidance, some shops take longer and some are less. If you ever want to stay in one shop for longer (I know, been there, done that😂) feel free to do so, you can join us at other shops. (See itinerary below) Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with any of the shops, so you are not obliged to buy any books, just get whatever you like. *** 📚💃🏼 📖💃🏿☕️ ITINERARY ☕️💃🏾🍷💃🏻🍴📚 We will all meet outside the Liverpool Street Station at street level. Don't worry if you are late, join us in along the walks. Then the tour shall begin! 1: Libreria Bookshop Address: 65 Hanbury St, London E1 5JP 2: Books Iconica Address: The Tea Rooms Old Truman Brewery, 91 Brick Ln, London E1 6QL 3: Brick Lane Bookshop Address: 166 Brick Ln, London E1 6RU *** Wow, you made it, hopefully you have found some books that will make you happy🎈🎉✨. For people who likes to have more socials or talk more about books (or just to show off your purchases😆), we can find some place for a cup of coffee or a late lunch. *** Google map link for the bookshops: (Not ready yet, will update in the future)

Book Swap Social Event - Make New Friends Who Love Books

Do you have spare books lying around your home? Do you want to read new interesting books for free while socializing with interesting people? This is the event for you. We will enjoy nice drinks and snacks together at a beautiful lounge bar in London. You can bring your books and exchange them with whoever has the books you want to read. Since this is a Science and Philosophy book club, it would be great for you to bring non-fiction books that are insightful and thought-provoking. If you want to bring fiction books that are scientifically or philosophically insightful, feel free to bring those as well. Since it is a social event, I encourage everyone to make deep meaningful conversations and make new friends. You can come alone or bring your friends with you. If you come alone, there is no need to be shy or scared. I will welcome you and introduce you to cool interesting people to speak with. Also feel free to come even if you forget to bring any books.

Deeper Conversations - Monthly Book Club (Oct '26) - The Bell by Iris Murdoch

Join us for our monthly book club, where we read thought provoking fiction and get together to share our thoughts, different interpretations, and whatever the book left us thinking about. Whether you read all the time or are just trying to read more, everyone is welcome. **This Month's Book: The Bell by Iris Murdoch** Set around a small religious community in the English countryside, The Bell follows a group of people trying to make sense of their relationships, beliefs, desires and the choices they make. First published in 1958, it gives us plenty to talk about around love, morality, freedom, faith and how well we really understand ourselves and other people. **IMPORTANT: Please only RSVP if you are planning to finish the book. If you've RSVP'd but don't think you'll be able to finish it, please change your RSVP to No in advance rather than on the last day, so someone else can take your place. Regulars get priority when moving from the waitlist to confirmed.** **No show policy: If you can no longer attend, please cancel your spot at least 24 hours in advance so someone else can take it. Two no shows without cancelling, or two last minute cancellations, will result in a ban from future book club events. This also helps us give the venue accurate numbers.** **About Deeper Conversations** We have a mission at Deeper Conversations to improve the quality of people's lives through conversation. All our events are centred around the concept of connecting deeply, because we believe we all deserve to be seen, felt and understood for who we really are. To have the 'deeper conversation' approach when relating with others can change our lives and can change the world **Our Value** \*\*\ *Respect: \*\*Treat everyone with kindness and consideration. ❤ \*\*\* Open-mindedness: \*\*Be open to different perspectives and ideas \*\*\ *Active Participation: \*\*Share your thoughts and engage in meaningful discussions.

Enfield Pride-Focused Gay Career Speed Dating

**UPDATE: This event has been rescheduled and is now set to begin at 2:00 PM on Sun, Sep 20 (local time).** Virtual gay speed dating via Zoom tailored for men in Enfield. Enjoy brief individual sessions with fellow local gay men, organized by age group, all from the comfort of your home. It is a laid back night for gay singles that focuses on genuine dialogue without the need for a crowded bar. [Register here to join](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=510.0&productType=onlineSpeedDatingGay&city=Enfield&groupurlname=silver-halide-society-film-photography-collective&face_v=6.0) Please note: simply clicking RSVP does not guarantee your attendance. Ensure you finalize your registration using the provided link because availability is restricted and the event might be called off if participation is insufficient.

Big Talk Chats: Our Origins - The Cosmic Debate

When you look up at the stars, what is the first thought or instinct that goes through your mind? Do you ever ponder: Did a Creator set our world in motion, or is the universe a random cosmic event? Time is precious. Here we cherish non-boring big picture chats and interactions with interesting people that are fully engaging, soulfully enriching, inspiring, and leave you a bit wiser than when you arrived. In that spirit today’s fully hosted laid back social coffee chat will offer a perfect haven for naturally inquisitive and curious **independent big picture thinkers** drawn to the mysteries of life, the universe and the unknown. An adrenaline caffeine infused fun afternoon of thought-provoking causal chats exploring interconnected topics spanning the epistemology aspects of **philosophy,** **neuroscience**, **physics, cosmology** and **theology** over a mug of sweet coffee or Chardonnay if that's what brings out your sharp debating skills Whether you've studied physics, identify as an atheist, or simply feel a deep sense of wonder about existence, you are welcome. You don't need an in-depth background in science or philosophy - just an open mind, your own stories, and a willingness to explore life's biggest questions. Chaired by a former Reuters journalist & published empirical researcher (I recognise statistical causality and significance don't make something true) - exploring topics in pursuant of the "truth" since a teenager. There'll be no strict structure - a relaxed friendly space to openly chat, exchange ideas without judgement, but I'll preside to promote inclusivity and zone in on specifics to avoid people digressing onto unrelated tangents to ensure particpants derive maximum utlity and engagement from attending **==== Sample of conversational threads ===** might include: 1. Many profess that god is an invisible force that can't be seen yet we can't directly see quarks, black holes, or dark matter but we know they exist in reality via inference through quantum mathematics, particle accelerators, and gravitational lensing and waves. None of that can be said about God - there is zero empirical evidence, just blind faith. So is anyone who declares there is proof of god delusional or just stupid? 2. Despite the fossil records, the detection of cosmic microwave background radiation from over 13.8 billion years ago and radiometric isotope dating with half-lives exceeding the biblical timeline, many **religions refuse to answer questions on** dinosaurs, evolution, space and the age of the universe. When the first physical evidence of exoplanets was confirmed, the Vatican - realising that other life in the galaxy was highly likely — issued statements proclaiming if we found aliens that would not contradict the existence of god. Was this because the foundation of their belief system was threatened? 3. The fundamental numbers that govern our universe such as gravity, the cosmological constant and the ratio of gravity to electromagnetism - seem to sit within an impossibly narrow margin for life as we know it. The odds of this happening by pure chance are estimated at less than 1 in 10^120. Such extreme precision could suggest these constants were deliberately tuned for life. But what if an infinite number of universes exist with different laws? Then it becomes a 100% mathematical certainty that at least one would accidentally have the right conditions for life and we simply happen to live in that one? Does the discovery of *quantum superposition /* disappearing neutrons imply these **parallel universes exist**? 4. If **Elon Musk** is right and that we live in a simulation created by an alien civilization or runs as a computer software, who created our creators? At what point does the chain of causes have to stop at an uncaused "base reality"? 5. Similarly if God created the universe then as my philosophy professor once rightly postulated: "If God created Adam, who created God Lucas?" Yep - that inconvenient flaw **debunks every fairytale religion** out there - night as well believe witchcraft practised by Harry Potter at **Hogwarts** is real! Proponents will argue before god there was nothing. So how you get something from nothing? If god came out of nothing then why can't the universe? 6. Does the fact that 15% of people who have had NDEs report they were in hell prove God exists? Could pleasant experiences of happiness be purely endorphin-driven? If a morphine antagonist is given instead, could that evoke a demonic experience? 7. What existed before the **big bang**? I believe our reality is the product of a black hole - what astrophysicts term as white holes. What you reckon? 8. We know there are trillions of galaxies and planets in our universe. James Webb has ffund early black holes just 1 million years after our universe was born that make no sense. Dark matter and massive empty space for life only to exist on our planet - really? Through the lens of volume efficiency, the universe looks absurdly wasteful: atomic nuclei and electrons occupy less than 0.00000000001% of an atom's volume—the rest is empty space held apart by force fields. Yet, from an engineering perspective, this "empty" space is brilliant: the electromagnetic force allows electron clouds to form stable shells, creating room for chemistry, carbon atoms, and DNA to self-assemble automatically. Does this underlying stability point to intentional design, or just natural physical emergence? 9. If a higher intelligence or God did create our universe, what could the purpose and motive be? Love, connection, artistic expression, or simply exploring what complex systems can do? 10. Given the irrefutable scientific evidence for evolution at both micro and macro scale, is denying it is basic delusion as thinking the earth is flat. Could panspermia explain the origin of life on earth? 11. Has a profound personal experience, a mystical moment, or a sense of awe in nature ever made you feel connected to something higher? How do our personal experiences shape what we believe compared to logic or science? ***So how do we get to the "truth"?*** Both in my journalism days and in my consulting work applying advanced empirical research techniques to answer difficult questions - it becomes clear the truth is often elusive. No matter how much we triangulate evidence - we can only provide part answers. As George Box once said "All models are wrong, but some are useful" What we think we know and reality diverge leading to that great **paradox of knowledge.** And as the boundary between knowns and unknown converge, we end up with cognitive dissonance and more questions. In that spirit - every credible philosopher & scientist acknowledges - we'll never get to the complete truth but could **a** balanced approach guided by Immanuel Kant's pragmatism and Aristotle's deductive reasoning at least be a starting rationale framework? **=== RENDEZVOUS POINT ===** We will meet in the outside back garden of this lovely posh Islington pub. 10 mins walk from Highbury & Islington station. Ask for me by name or I will post in commrents exactly what table we are at. I'll be wearing a **Starwars identifier** and will share mobile hotline just before event start and table number/location. Lucas - The Unenlightened Desperately Seeking Answers

September Book Club Meetup: The Vivisectors by Missouri Williams

London's Friendly Book Club's pick for September is **The Vivisectors** by **Missouri Williams**. In a famed but crumbling university city overrun by vegetation, where power is held in a fragile balance between the academics and a contingent of rogue gardeners, Agathe spends her days listlessly propping up the career of her fraudulent professor boss. One day, a campus scandal erupts: Adam, a contrarian and the pet student of her boss, comes into heated conflict with a rising young professor, with both men claiming discrimination. As the crisis consumes the university, Agathe’s boss instructs her to gather information by befriending Adam. Agathe soon finds herself both caught up in the events tearing the city apart and increasingly drawn towards the alluring student at the heart of it all. But can anyone be taken at their word in a struggle over the truth? Coursing with icy suspense and rendered with violent precision, The Vivisectors is a new kind of love story for a broken era. Missouri Williams holds up a mirror to humanity’s most intimate contradictions in a novel of blazing spiritual reckoning. Please only RSVP if you think you'll be able to make this event. **We host three sessions per book, you only need to attend one.** Everyone is welcome! Grab your copy and join us for a relaxed and engaging discussion.

London Feminist Books Group 118th Meet: Goddesses, Whores, Wives & Slaves

The Doors of Perception by Aldous Huxley

In this event, we will discuss about a science or philosophy book chosen by London Science and Philosophy Book Club. The attendees will be divided into groups and each of them will focus on a chapter or one of the main ideas in the book. This month we will discuss about a fascinating book called The Doors of Perception by Aldous Huxley. If you haven't read the book, it's no problem. I will bring you up to speed with the discussion materials. We will meet in a nice lounge area at 6 p.m for introductions. Please come on time so you will not miss out on valuable discussion midway. If you end up in the waitlist, feel free to show up. Book Description: In 1953, in the presence of an investigator, Aldous Huxley took four-tenths of a gram of mescalin, sat down and waited to see what would happen. When he opened his eyes everything, from the flowers in a vase to the creases in his trousers, was transformed. Huxley described his experience with breathtaking immediacy in The Doors of Perception. In its sequel Heaven and Hell, he goes on to explore the history and nature of mysticism. Still bristling with a sense of excitement and discovery, these illuminating and influential writings remain the most fascinating account of the visionary experience ever written. Agenda: 6 p.m to 7 p.m: Introduction and Socializing 7 p.m to 9:30 p.m: Book Discussion 9:30 p.m to late night: Drinks, Dinner or Feel free to go home