Dear walking book clubbers,

We all love reading great books and talking about them while we walk, so why not come for a 10-minute stroll with me to hear a bit more about our Autumn picks:

In case this version is too long for you, there is a speeded up 30 second REEL over on Instagram you might want to check out.

I am really excited about our Autumn line up of books; thanks so much for your positive feedback on them. You can find links to book your spot for Mrs Palfrey at the Claremont in September at the bottom of this email, along with details of our special August Housebreaking event.

But before we get ahead of ourselves, let’s catch up with July: How did we get on with Giorgio Bassani’s powerful book about a gay doctor in 1930s Italy? And how did we enjoy being book fairies?!

July: The Gold-Rimmed Spectacles by Giorgio Bassani, translated by Jamie McKendrick

As you can see, we loved being Book Fairies on our Giorgio Bassani walk! It was really fun - thank you so much to the Book Fairy in Chief for getting us involved, and supplying all the ribbon and stickers as well as some extra books for those who couldn’t bear to part with their own. And thanks to all of you for sharing your wonderful book fairying photos - it was amazing to see all those books waiting for unsuspecting passersby on Hampstead Heath. In fact, many of us enjoyed it so much that we’ve decided if anyone would like to beribbon and deposit a book on the Heath during future walks, they are very welcome to - not compulsory by any means, but certainly an option. I’ll try to remember my stash of book fairy stickers, and the Book Fairy in Chief is now one of us walking book clubbers, so will be around on some walks to assist.

We had a great discussion about this book - on the Heath, over Zoom, and on our Live Discussion Thread. If there’s anything at all you’d like to share - either about The Gold-Rimmed Spectacles, or about what else you’ve been reading in July, please do add your comment to the Thread - it’s never too late!

In this month’s webcast about the book, you can hear a bit about what the gold-rimmed spectacles might stand for, consider how we are all vulnerable to moving from insider to outsider, and watch me try to draw a graph onscreen with my finger.

If you enjoy it, please like it or leave a comment over on YouTube to help more readers discover it.

August

Traditionally, we have a break over August, but I’m so glad that this year walking book clubber alumnus (!), the lovely Colleen Hubbard is sustaining us through the break with her generous invitation to join her for the London book launch of her brilliant debut novel, Housebreaking.

I’ll be there to ask her a few questions about her book, so if you’re free, please join us for a glass of wine and a chance to catch up with one another in a book-filled environment:

6.30-8pm, Tuesday 16th August at Daunt Books Hampstead, 51 South End Road, NW3 2QB

This is free, but we need to know numbers; RSVP directly to Colleen: colleen@colleenhubbard.com.

September

Mrs Palfrey at the Claremont by Elizabeth Taylor

Mrs Palfrey joins the elderly, rather eccentric residents of South Kensington's Claremont hotel to see out the end of her life. When, on a walk, she suffers a fall, the help she receives from an aspiring young writer proves to be a rescue in more ways than one ... Sometimes wickedly funny, sometimes painfully sad, always keenly observed, this insightful and beloved classic holds enduring appeal.

This walk is in memory of Carrie Young, one of the first walking book clubbers. She loved this book, and you can hear her (and the rest of us) discussing it on our 2013 walk with Clare Balding on Radio 4, here. We don't usually repeat books, but I felt it was important to choose one that was meaningful to Carrie. And I am SO excited to revisit this one. To donate to a memorial bench for Carrie at her local community orchard, please do so on the Just Giving page, here. All contributions are really welcome, thank you.

On the Heath: Sunday 11th September, 11.30-1pm, setting off from Daunt Books Hampstead, 51 South End Road, NW3 2QB

Book your walk place

On Zoom: Monday 12th September, 8-8.40pm

Book your Zoom place

Live Discussion Thread: Friday 30th September, 2-2.30pm

Buy Mrs Palfrey at the Claremont from Daunt Books HERE and receive 10% off using the code WBC at checkout, or just tell them you’re in the group if you’re buying it in the shop.

It’s been such a joy reading with you this year. Hope to see you in August, but if you’re out of town then bring on the Autumn!

Emily

Emily’s Walking Book Club

📚 🚶 Come for a stroll with me to hear about…