Category: Reading Skills Book Club

This month’s book club meeting took us on a journey through time, language, and personal growth—proving once again that books are more than just words on a page. Here are some highlights from our chat!

Want to join us? Book here for our next meeting on the 5th of March!

Re-reading: A Different Book Every Time?

Ever picked up a book you read years ago and felt like you were reading something completely new? Turns out, re-reading isn’t just revisiting a story—it’s seeing it through a new lens. One of us went back to The Pursuit of Love by Nancy Mitford after nearly a decade and found details they had completely missed the first time. Others noticed this in academic books too—especially with subjects like mathematics, where experience changes how we process information. It’s like books grow with us. Or maybe we grow with them?

Lost (and Found) in Translation

Translation is tricky business. One reader had a bilingual reading experience—switching between Spanish and English versions of the same book—and realized just how much gets altered in translation. Another pointed out how Trainspotting and A Clockwork Orange had to invent entirely new slang in translations to capture the same rebellious energy. And then there was the realization that subtitles in movies can strip away humor and nuance—like when a Catalan film’s clever wordplay was turned into something… well, kind of bland in English. The takeaway? If you can, reading in the original language might be worth the effort!

Shakespeare: Marriage, Morality, and Mystery

We had a deep dive into Measure for Measure, one of Shakespeare’s lesser-known plays, which left us with more questions than answers. Is marriage a legal contract, or does mutual agreement make it valid? What happens when a seemingly virtuous leader abuses power? And why does Isabella stay silent at the end when the Duke proposes? Silence as consent? Or resistance? We also discovered a great hack—watching performances instead of just reading the text. Shakespeare is meant to be seen, not just read!

The Weight of Loneliness in Literature

One of the most moving discussions was about The Heart is a Lonely Hunter—a book filled with characters seeking connection but failing to truly understand each other. The main character, Singer, is mute, yet everyone around him treats him as their personal confidant, assuming he understands them completely. But does he? And who really understands him? The novel paints a heartbreaking picture of isolation, and while it’s not exactly a light read, it made us think deeply about how we perceive relationships and communication.

You read all the way until here? You might be RSBC material! Join us for our next meeting on the 5th of March! Or if you are looking for a book to pick up, check out the list of book that were discussed last session.

 

A list of all the books talked about in our last sesh!

The Pursuit of Love – A novel by Nancy Mitford that explores the romantic adventures of the Radlett family in 20th-century England.	Love in a Cold Climate – Another of Nancy Mitford’s novels, this book continues the story of the Radletts, focusing on the enigmatic Polly Hampton.
Measure for Measure – A play by William Shakespeare that delves into themes of justice, morality, and mercy in Vienna.	The Heart is a Lonely Hunter – Carson McCullers’ debut novel portrays the profound isolation and longing of various inhabitants in a small Southern town.
A Biography of John von Neumann – This biography delves into the life of John von Neumann, a pioneering mathematician and physicist known for his contributions to quantum mechanics and computer science.	Earth Eater – Written by Dolores Reyes, this novel tells the story of a woman with the supernatural ability to find missing persons by consuming earth.
The Great Gatsby (Japanese Edition) – F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic, translated into Japanese, capturing the decadence and tragedy of the Jazz Age.	Trainspotting – Irvine Welsh’s gritty portrayal of a group of friends navigating life and addiction in Edinburgh.
A Clockwork Orange – Anthony Burgess’ dystopian novel explores themes of free will and the nature of evil through its delinquent protagonist.	Bridget Jones’s Diary – Helen Fielding’s humorous account of a single woman in London, chronicling her personal and professional misadventures.
Pride and Prejudice – Jane Austen’s classic novel delves into issues of class, marriage, and morality through the story of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy.	Short Stories by M.R. James – A collection of horror stories by M.R. James, renowned for their atmospheric tension and supernatural elements.
A Book by Truman Capote – While the exact title isn’t specified, Truman Capote’s works range from true crime narratives like ‘In Cold Blood’ to novellas like ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s.’

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!