Someone asked today if there is a book club, so I thought I'd try starting one. Not the usual type of club where everyone reads the same book - I thought we could write a synopsis of a book we've recently read, to give each other ideas for new books to read.
I have a Kindle subscription, so all of mine will be available on there for people who also subscribe.
Anyone taken part in a World Book Night before?
"World Book Night - 7 to 8 pm (BST) - Thursday 23 April 2026
We’re excited to Go All In during the National Year of Reading 2026! This year, we’ll be uniting adults across the UK with reading, by encouraging everyone to join in the #ReadingHour from 7-8pm. Dedicate time to reading alone, having a book club meeting, listening to an audiobook, or reading to children at bedtime.
The National Year of Reading is reconnecting reading with the things that already inspire us – from playlists and football matches to films, food and family time. It’s reading that fits how we live, not the other way around.
If you’re into it, read into it."
We could do a neurodivergent reasonably adjusted version where, during that hour, people might:
Just a synchronised, 1 hour, read-in / listen-in / sign-in / image-in (as best supports our individual communication / energy / attention levels at the time).
If people have other duties, or would be cycling / driving / working during that particular hour (also aware of our global timezone richness within the forum) - why not shift the hour to better suit your schedule that day and have a go anyway, "on and around 23 April"?
After all, as the charity The Reading Agency describes it:
"We want you to get involved in World Book Night 2026! We love to see the creative events and activities that happen across the country on and around 23 April. Whether you’re celebrating with friends, family or colleagues, you can join in."
If you are trying to get back into reading etc. - maybe, this might be the nudge needed to prompt you to try a visit your local library sometime that day?
Afterwards, if people wished, we could share in this thread - what we read and experienced during the hour, plus, how it all went (no perfection required, real life does happen too!).
What do you feel?
Any interest?
There are still 4 weeks remaining to give it some thought!
Tomorrow evening;
I have set aside some time to read some of:
"Mindful Soldier" by Ash Alexander Cooper.
"Written by former soldier Ash Alexander-Cooper OBE and world-renowned trauma specialist Dr Jessica K. Miller, this dynamic book offers practical skills and techniques to help readers tackle trauma, build resilience and overcome life's toughest obstacles - personal and professional - with confidence.
Overcoming childhood trauma, embracing uncertainty, relationship breakdowns, self-doubt, recovering from failure - these topics and more are covered with real insight, plus practical exercises to help build resilience.
Drawing on first-hand experiences and cutting-edge research, Mindful Soldier is a must-read for anyone seeking to adapt, learn and thrive in the face of adversity."
'An essential and inspirational guide to surviving and thriving, whatever life throws at you.' - Bear Grylls
'A remarkable book - wise, painfully open, honest and very thoughtful' - Rory Stewart
'A powerful reminder that resilience and vulnerability aren't opposites, but companions, shedding light on what it truly means to endure, heal and lead by positive example.' - Levison Wood
Currently available in:
Paperback scheduled to be released on 7 January 2027.
(As can be seen in the Kindle read sample, all the Author's profits are being donated to two veterans' charities (which "provide mental and physical support to those most in need as a result of their service").
Tomorrow evening;
I have set aside some time to read some of:
"Mindful Soldier" by Ash Alexander Cooper.
"Written by former soldier Ash Alexander-Cooper OBE and world-renowned trauma specialist Dr Jessica K. Miller, this dynamic book offers practical skills and techniques to help readers tackle trauma, build resilience and overcome life's toughest obstacles - personal and professional - with confidence.
Overcoming childhood trauma, embracing uncertainty, relationship breakdowns, self-doubt, recovering from failure - these topics and more are covered with real insight, plus practical exercises to help build resilience.
Drawing on first-hand experiences and cutting-edge research, Mindful Soldier is a must-read for anyone seeking to adapt, learn and thrive in the face of adversity."
'An essential and inspirational guide to surviving and thriving, whatever life throws at you.' - Bear Grylls
'A remarkable book - wise, painfully open, honest and very thoughtful' - Rory Stewart
'A powerful reminder that resilience and vulnerability aren't opposites, but companions, shedding light on what it truly means to endure, heal and lead by positive example.' - Levison Wood
Currently available in:
Paperback scheduled to be released on 7 January 2027.
(As can be seen in the Kindle read sample, all the Author's profits are being donated to two veterans' charities (which "provide mental and physical support to those most in need as a result of their service").
