Description
Join the Backstory non-fiction book club!
Each month, we read a different non-fiction book. A paperback copy of the book will be sent out about a month in advance, giving you plenty of time to read them.
Then we will all join the author on Zoom to discuss the book. It's a bit like any other book club, with the added advantage of quizzing the author herself.
Recent authors have included Patrick Radden Keefe, Sathnam Sanghera, Katherine Rundell, Sam Knight, Andrea Elliott, Lea Ypi, Cal Flyn and Barbara Demick.
UPCOMING MEETINGS
We meet monthly, usually on Tuesday evenings (UK time). More events will be added soon.
APRIL - Tania Branigan, Red Memory
Tuesday 30th April, 8pm UK time
A 13-year-old Red Guard revels in the great adventure, and struggles with her doubts. A silenced composer, facing death, determines to capture the turmoil. An idealistic student becomes the 'corpse master'. More than fifty years on, the Cultural Revolution's scar runs through the heart of Chinese society, and through the souls of its citizens. Stationed in Beijing for the Guardian, Tania Branigan came to realise that this brutal and turbulent decade continues to propel and shape China. Yet official suppression and personal trauma have conspired in national amnesia. Red Memory explores the stories of those who are driven to confront the era, fearing or yearning its return.
THE FORMAT
We met for a 60-minute Zoom each month, with roughly:
- 20 minutes discussing the book in small breakout groups, to replicate the feel of a traditional book group
- 20 minutes author interview by Tom or another member of the Backstory team
- 20 minutes Q&A with the author
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why can't I see the Zoom link in my email inbox?
Our emails to Hotmail, Microsoft and Btinternet accounts are often sent to 'junk' or 'spam' folders. We are working on a fix. In the meantime, please use an alternative email if you have one. If not, please check your junk folder!
What does the price include?
A paperback copy of the book and attendance at the book club event with the author of the book.
How much is delivery?
Local members can pick up the book for free each month from our shop in Balham. Just choose the 'pick up' option.
UK delivery is free, EU delivery is £6.95 a month and rest-of-world delivery is £9.95 a month.
When will I get my book?
Books are normally sent out about four weeks in advance of each meeting. If you subscribe closer to the meeting, your book will be sent out ASAP.
What if I just want to come to one meeting?
You can! Just choose the option for that meeting only, rather than buying a subscription. You can only make one-off purchases for the next meeting, so if you want to come to a future meeting, check back a month beforehand to book.
How long does my subscription last?
You can cancel anytime. Books are sent out a month in advance of the meeting; we cannot cancel a book that is already on its way, but will stop any subsequent books.
What if I've already got the book?
If you wouldn't like a second copy yourself, please feel free to give it to a friend or family member, or donate it to charity. Whatever you choose, you are still welcome to come to the discussion, of course. Unfortunately, it isn't possible to cancel individual copies as the administration would get far too complicated! We hope you understand.
What if I'm already a member of the fiction book club?
We are giving fiction book club members the option to join any one-off non-fiction book club session for just £5 (without the book) or for the price of the book (if you would like a copy). Just email us your request at books@backstory.london
The same arrangement applies for our non-fiction book club members looking to join one-off sessions of the fiction club.
I have another question
Please feel free to email books@backstory.london