Reading Skills Book Club – Updates #1

Read, Talk, Improve!
Want to improve your English in a fun, stress-free way? Join the Reading Skills Book Club! You can read anything you like—books, articles, blogs, even comics—then chat about it in a friendly group. No pressure, just a great way to practice English, share ideas, and enjoy reading!

Our next meeting: 12^th February 12-13.30 will be at the Global Lounge, Senate House 1^st Floor.

At our last meeting we have covered a list of tips to help you read more, made a long list of what we are reading and discussed some places to get reading material.

Reading Tips

Reading for pleasure is a fun and relaxing way to improve your language skills. The key is to pick things you truly enjoy—whether it’s novels, graphic stories, or memoirs—so it feels exciting, not like homework. If long books seem daunting, short stories offer rich ideas in bite-sized pieces, and reading books adapted into films can make understanding easier. For second-language learners, starting with a familiar book in your native language or choosing simpler texts can build confidence. Even just 10–15 minutes of reading a day adds up, making steady progress feel effortless and enjoyable!

Books

Between Two Kingdoms – A memoir by Suleika Jaouad, exploring her battle with leukemia and her journey of self-discovery and resilience after remission.	The Queen’s Gambit – Walter Tevis’s novel about a young chess prodigy who rises to fame while confronting personal demons and societal challenges.
Educated – Tara Westover’s powerful memoir recounting her escape from a strict survivalist upbringing to pursue formal education.	Things No One Taught Us About Love – Vex King’s self-help book delving into self-awareness, setting boundaries, and nurturing healthy relationships.
Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom – An autobiography by Nelson Mandela detailing his life story, activism, and efforts in the fight against apartheid.	Grief Is the Thing With Feathers – Max Porter’s poetic exploration of grief, family, and healing through a surreal and lyrical narrative.
Infinite Jest – David Foster Wallace’s postmodern epic that intertwines themes of addiction, media, and the complexity of human relationships.	The Idiot – Fyodor Dostoevsky’s classic novel about a kind and morally upright prince navigating a society rife with corruption.
Together: The Healing Power of Human Connection in a Sometimes Lonely World – Vivek Murthy’s insightful look into the impact of loneliness and the importance of community and human connection.	A Christmas Carol – Charles Dickens’ timeless tale of transformation, where Ebenezer Scrooge learns compassion and generosity through visits from three ghosts.
The Plague – Albert Camus’s allegorical novel depicting the reactions of a town grappling with a deadly plague and exploring human nature.	Rebecca – Daphne du Maurier’s gothic masterpiece about a young bride haunted by the legacy of her husband’s first wife.
The Birds and Other Stories – A collection of eerie and suspenseful tales, including the inspiration for Alfred Hitchcock’s film “The Birds.”

 

Where to Find Books

Looking for more reads? Here’s where you can find them:

• University of Bristol Libraries: Explore the Arts and Social Sciences Library (ASSL) on the 1st floor for PN-PR Literature and children’s books section or the READS section on the same floor.
• Bristol Central Library: A great public library with a broad selection of fiction, nonfiction, and children’s books.
• Libby App: Borrow ebooks and audiobooks from your local library for free—perfect for reading on the go.
• Oxfam Second-Hand Bookshop: Located in Bristol, it’s an excellent spot for finding affordable pre-loved books, magazines and manuals.
• Dreadnought Books: Bristol most loved second-hand book shop on St. George’s road, featuring wide variety, a comfy couch area to browse and a resident cat to keep you company.
• Waterstones: Ultra browsable nationwide bookshop chain in the city center, includes a coffee shop!

You can check the Bristol Library advanced search function, remember to use the Call Name filter if you want to restrict your search to the Bristol READS collection of fictions and novels.

See you all at the next meeting!