Book Clubs London

🔭NASA Confirms Life on Mars: View With Wine, Music & Telescopes ☾P Date☽🪐

If you're looking for sensational headlines - this group is defo not for you! But seriously - do you look up and marvel with insatiable curiosity at both the beauty and the wonder of the **universe?** How it began, our place in it, how life evolved and where else in the cosmos other non-microbial life might live (99% of stars have exoplanets orbiting - some similar to Earth )? And nah I didn't make it up - unless you live in hibernation or have zero idea about our greatest endeavours - you'll know **NASA really did find the best evidence to date of ancient life on Mars.** This follows scientific verification of the biological signatures of microbe life discovered on Venus a few years ago So we'll defo take a look at the red planet as well the majestic rings of **Saturn** and it's potential life harbouring moon, the international space station, Tau Ceti star with **2 Earth like planets** orbiting in the habitable zone, remnants of **supernova** witnessed by our early ancestors plus a range of other fascinating celestial wonderments (comets, star systems, **galaxies**) over drinks and engaging chats and banter this Sept fully hosted by me - a passionate amateur astronomer and former global Reuters journalist covering cutting edge big picture science related stories. In between observing - we'll have **drinks and engaging chats** on all astronomy related topics for those inclined (Astrobiology, SETI/Femi Paradox, cosmology, space exploration, exoplanetology, astrophysics etc) as well as non space chatter and banter too. No doubt I'll hear the usual jokes we've all heard hundreds of times before! If those don't make you laugh, then my impersonation of Los Angeles ET will! 👽 **====Free Astronomy Club =====** Over the years we have enjoyed numerous social evenings of stargazing and thought provoking chatter with people of all ages and varying levels of astronomy knowledge - so complete beginners that are genuinely curious about the universe are very welcome. If you are just looking to meet generic randoms that you have nothing in common with / share passio**ns** then there are other groups that easily cater for that. The world renowed **BBC Television Sky at Night** also attended our events pre covid and interviewed some of us for it's show that aired on BBC1 in Feb 2019. BBC **Radio London** (94.9 FM / digital) were there Aug 2023 to cover our meteor shower event broadcasting live to millions of Londoners for 3 hours You don't need a telescope as you will be able to view through scopes belonging to me and other club members (as long as you behave responsibly and don't temper with expensive equipment). If you have your own telescope/binoculars feel free to bring along and I can help you setting it up if you're a newbie. **====ITINERARY=====** We will meet outside Camden Station. After a short wait for anyone delayed, I will escort everyone to our observation point in the park about 15-20 minutes walk away and brief you in terms of what to expect, observing etiquette, tips, equipment handling and take any questions you have - weather general or astronomy/cosmology related. **After Drinks:** on work nights - unless I have a important 9AM deadline for a client presentation or something - most of us usually head our way back to Camden for another drink till about 1am - yes even on a skool night. I will annouce the pub to all on the walk back. **===What Can You Expect To See (this time of year)? ====** * Orion Nebula * Jupiter and 4 moons * Meteors * Andromedia Galaxy * Saturn, rings & moon * Star clusters such as the Pleiades & Owl Cluster etc * International Space station fly by * Venus & Mercury * Binary & tripple star systems (think planet *Tatooine in* Starwars!), * Neptune * Uranuus * Mars * Our moon * A look towards the galactic centre where that supermassive £22b black hole sits (Sagittarius A) More here from Jodrell Bank Observatory/Astrophysics Centre: [http://www.jb.man.ac.uk/astronomy/nightsky/](http://www.jb.man.ac.uk/astronomy/nightsky/) Guide to viewing the cosmos for beginners: [https://phys.org/news/2018-05-universe-distant-starstips-cosmology-backyard.html#jCp](https://phys.org/news/2018-05-universe-distant-starstips-cosmology-backyard.html#jCp) **===Weather Dependent=====** The event is subject to clear skies forecasts on the night so if on the actual afternoon of the event the weather forecasts looks unsuitable beyond doubt then I will postpone so please check the event status on the day of the event . If this event is still listed here at 5PM on the day, it will be going ahead at the designated day and time! Happy Stargazing Lucas Skywalker (Amateur Musical Astronomer)

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

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!

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. ️

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

🌌Coffee Chats: Life, The Universe & Meaning of It All 🤔☕

When you look up at the stars, what is the first thought or instinct that goes through your mind? Do you ever ponder: Why are we here? Did a Creator set our world in motion, or is the universe a random cosmic event? What are the odds of not just you existing right now but the entire universe itself? Time is precious. Here we cherish non-boring chats and interactions 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 thinkers** drawn to the mysteries of life, the universe and the unknown to share ideas on exciting thought provoking topics no one else has the courage to talk about. An adrenaline caffeine infused fun afternoon of thought-provoking causal chats exploring interconnected topics spanning **philosophy** (epistemology aspects)**,** **neuroscience**, **cosmology** and **theology** over a mug of sweet coffee or Chardonnay if that's what you need to express your true views! Whether you've studied philosophy, cosmology or theology or simply feel a deep sense of wonder about existence, you are welcome. You don't need an in-depth background - just an open mind, a willingness to explore life's big questions and potentially share some stories 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 say that because God is an invisible force, he cannot be seen, and so no physical evidence can prove his existence. Yet, while we cannot directly see quarks, black holes, or dark matter, 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 a creator which is based just on blind faith. So, is anyone who declares there is proof of God delusional, or simply mistaken about what constitutes empirical evidence? 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 media 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. So imagine a wonderful, powerful, almighty God created the entire universe. Then why does this God not help kids in pediatric oncology wards? A deity that promises you a heaven tomorrow in echange for suffering today, but only if you believe? What kind of caring snake oil salesman god promotes transactional marketing? Yes, many great philosophers such as Hume and Kant have tackled the contradiction, and surely the only explanation is that the universe operates on indifferent physical and biological laws rather than divine governance? 4. The probability that we exist today through evolution is 99.999%. This is backed by genetics (our DNA/RNA traces back to a single common ancestor and we are \~ 98.8% identical to apes), fossil records spanning millions of years, and evolution observed in living things real-time both at organism level and species. But what about the the universe we live in itself? Is it purely random?" 5. Based on the precision of cosmological natural laws that govern our universe (gravity, dark energy, ratio of gravity to electromagnetism etc) the odds are estimated at less than 1 in 10^{120}, i.e practically zero - suggesting our world could of been fine tuned. So yes - atoms, stars, planets and eventually us emerged from one particular set of physical rules. But what if an infinite number of universes exist with different laws? It then becomes a 100% certainty that at least one would have the right conditions for life, and we simply happen to live in that one? Does the discovery of quantum superposition or 'disappearing neutrons' (9 second neutron lifetime discrepancy) imply these **parallel universes** actually exist? 6. Clinical prayer trials including **Cochrane** meta-analyses reviews testing the impact of third-party prayer on patient recovery, mortality rates or re-hospitalization show zero statistical evidence of divine intervention effects in randomized controlled trials. So aside from a placebo effect which we can easily get from a sweet, praying for anything is complete waste of time! Does this mean he doesn't care about you in this life let alone afterlife? 7. Was God just a man-made, artificial ideological construct invented to build empires and control people, similar to a tyrannical states? Both Christianity and Islam are guilty of terrible acts, as evidenced by centuries of Islamic imperial domination prior to the Crusades, where hundreds of thousands of Christians and members of other faiths were killed all in the name an ideology. 8. If **Elon Musk** is right and we live in a simulation created by an alien civilization or a computer software, who created our creators? At what point does the chain of causes have to stop at an uncaused base reality? 9. Similarly if God created the universe then as my philosophy professor once rightly postulated: "If God created Adam, who created God Lucas?" Does that inconvenient flaw **debunk every religion** out there? Is there any difference between a fairytale and religion? What makes God true and witchcraft practised by Harry Potter at **Hogwarts** false? 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? What existed before the **big bang**? 10. Does the fact that 15% of people who have had NDEs reporting that they went to 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? 11. If a wise supreme intellectual entity of genius created the universe, then why has it been so easy for us mortal humans to crack the code of life? We can create species in a lab, including humans. Surely a God would have made it impossible to decode our own biological source code by creating life using physical laws that defy human comprehension? And what if we humans, through AGI, build a synthetic intelligence that surpasses our own collective cognitive abilities? Surely this upends religious narratives, suggesting creation is not a top-down divine miracle, but an evolutionary ladder? 12. We know there are trillions of galaxies and planets in our universe. James Webb has found 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 one planet - really? 13. The mobile or laptop you are using right now to read this is mostly **empty space**. The solid bits [the nucleus and electrons] take up less than 0.00000000001% of an atom's volume - held open by invisible energy force fields [electromagnetism]. Yet, without this "empty" space, nothing would exist because all the complex molecules that we we are made of like carbon and DNA could not form. Does this perfect engineering point to intentional design, or just natural physical emergence? 14. 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? 15. Evidence of reincarnation and cellular memory in organ transplants is recorded in clinical settings, yet these ideas are rejected by major religions because they are incompatible with scriptural tenets regarding afterlife. Is this because religions are just rigid ideological inventions governed by sacred texts written by human prophets communicated to by a God that created billions of species yet miraculously happen to speak the same language as them? Why would a cosmic universe creator not reflect universal cosmic truths rather than reflect specific cultural, linguistic, and biological biases of ancient humans? 16. 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? 17. If God created a universe with purpose of life then why did he not protect it throughtout the Earth's evolution where it could of vanished without any trace? Does data on actual five mass extinction events prove we are just lucky anomalies, not the plan? **So, does God exist?** I take real-world data on the above across medical trial, fine-tuning cosmological constants (for the universe to exist/expansion speed of), molecular biology & cellular genetics [likelihood of observing complex, self-organizing DNA and RNA under natural evolution versus divine creation], natural evil, divine silence, and quantum cosmology) to empirically estimate **the god GOD EQUATION.** The model estimates the **probability of a God at a maximum of 2.47%!** (built using Bayesian Probabilistic Inference guided by Occam's Razor - I can share more on my methodolgy and parameters used if interested) ***Is this ulimate "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

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)

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.

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

In-Person SBC at the London Night Cafe

Book Swap Meetup 📚📚📚

Basic Ideas: 🌞 📚☕ Any books sitting there collecting dust? Some holiday gifts? Or it’s a book that has changed your life that you want to share? Feel free to bring book(s) to discuss or swap, we usually have more books than people in the end, so feel free to pop along just to have a chat as well. Aiming for every 4 weeks book swap meetup. Note: The event is free to attend, so the only cost for you will only be buying a drink at the location, so coffee/tea/beer etc.

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.