Books, Writing & Ideas groups in Birmingham

Escape into African Fiction – Saturday Book Club

Saturday Book Club

🌍 Welcome to 'Escape into African Fiction – Saturday Book Club' I started this book club as a way to build a community with people who share a love of fiction. More specific to this group are people who enjoy or want to explore African Fiction. I look forward to meeting you!! 🌍 Club Meetup’s are on the first Saturday of each month 11:00-12:30 🗳 At the end of the session, we’ll vote on our next read—bring your suggestions. 🌍 Lets kick off this club with a book by the Brilliant Author - Akwaeke Emezi: 'Fresh Water'. If you’ve already read it, come along and share. You can find it on Amazon and worldofbooks.com. Or your library. And if you’re a hybrid reader-listener like me, you can find it on audible, amazon music and Spotify. Meet, greet and get up to date information.

Philosophy and Psychology book club

We will be reading: The Unbearable Lightness of Being — novel by Milan Kundera (Open Session) If everything in life happens only once, does it matter at all — or does that make it harder to live? Format This session is part of our Open Session format: discussion-driven and accessible to a range of reading backgrounds. About In The Unbearable Lightness of Being, Milan Kundera explores the tension between freedom and meaning. Drawing loosely on Friedrich Nietzsche’s idea of eternal recurrence, the novel contrasts two ways of living: Lightness — freedom, impermanence, lack of lasting consequence Weight — commitment, responsibility, and meaning Through the lives of Tomas, Tereza, Sabina, and Franz, Kundera examines: love and fidelity freedom and responsibility desire and attachment whether a life lived only once can truly matter Connections to Previous Readings Camus — The Myth of Sisyphus If life has no ultimate meaning, should we embrace it or resist it? The Schopenhauer Cure How desire, illusion, and attachment shape human relationships. Kundera approaches these questions through story rather than argument — letting different ways of living unfold side by side. For Discussion Is freedom from commitment a form of liberation — or a subtle kind of emptiness?

Birmingham Philosophy Playground

Fortnightly event - Inside The Hair and Hounds Enjoy getting a drink, sitting with other open-minded individuals, and splitting into teams. We discuss three big questions within an hour surrounding different insightful topics. Then we re-group and discuss the ideas together. Topics change each time. Doesn’t require any previous knowledge of philosophy. Any and all people and opinions welcome. Official time is from 7pm-9pm but all are welcome to stay longer. We usually occupy the area near the billiards tables when you come and find us! (Donations appreciated) More info - 📝 We encourage staying on topic but the 'playground' aspect of our group means exploratory conversation is common! Some topics may be more challenging or controversial than others, so come with an open mind, ready for diverse perspectives. Above all, we ask every member to engage with kindness and respect.

Philosophy and Psychology book club

For Thinkers, Skeptics, and the Existentially Curious Dive into books that dissect the illusions of self, reality, and happiness. From Dostoevsky’s existential rebels to Metzinger’s Ego Tunnel, we explore questions like: Is your "self" real—or a biological mirage? Can Buddhism and Schopenhauer cure modern despair? Does evolution hide reality from us? Is optimism a lie? We’re not here for easy answers. We’re here to question, unsettle, and reframe—whether discussing Tolstoy’s search for meaning, Fromm’s critique of consumerism, or Yalom’s therapy for life’s absurdity. What to expect: Lively debates about consciousness, free will, and the myths we live by. A mix of modern science (Why Buddhism Is True) and classic philosophy (Notes from Underground). A welcoming space to challenge ideas, share insights, and laugh at the chaos of being human. For anyone who suspects reality isn’t what it seems—and wants to talk about it over a pint.* Session formats: 🔹 Deep Sessions Small group (max 6 participants) Focused on close reading of dense primary texts Slower, more sustained discussion These sessions are designed for those comfortable engaging with abstract material. To maintain discussion quality and reduce no-shows, Deep Session RSVPs will require either prior attendance or a brief note indicating recent philosophical reading or interest in the session. 🔹 Open Sessions Group size up to 10 participants Accessible, discussion-driven format Suitable for newcomers and a range of reading backgrounds Both formats remain part of the same club. Members are welcome to attend either or both, depending on interest and reading preference. This structure allows us to: preserve focused discussion for heavier texts remain open and welcoming to new members maintain a consistent and engaged group