u3a

Palmers Green & Southgate

Book Group 2

Status:Active, not currently accepting new members
Convener:
When: Monthly on Monday afternoons 1:45 pm-3:15 pm
1st Monday
Venue: Palmers Green Library

The group meets monthly, usually on the first Monday of the month except for Bank Holidays. Whether or not we meet in August will be confirmed at the July meeting

The next meeting will be on Monday 5th October at Palmers Green Library.

The book for discussion on 5th October is:

Rare Singles by Benjamin Myers

A warm, tender and funny story about unlikely friendships, second chances, and the magic of soul music

**Selected as a book of 2024 by the Guardian, New Statesman and Good Housekeeping**

'A book of rare charm by a writer who understands the magic of music' Ian Rankin
'An entertaining tale of grit, fecklessness and Northern Soul' Daily Telegraph
'The book you didn't know you need' Bobby Palmer
'A tale of soul music and second chances' Guardian
'The laureate of friendship, a chronicler of unexpected, transformative connection' Wendy Erskine
'A meditation on grief, love, and the redemptive power of music' Observer

The book for discussion on 2nd November is:

The Names by Florence Knapp


In the wake of a catastrophic storm, Cora sets off with her nine-year-old daughter, Maia, to register her son's birth. Her husband, Gordon, respected in the community but a controlling presence at home, intends for her to follow a long-standing family tradition and name the baby after him. But when faced with the decision, Cora hesitates...


Spanning thirty-five years, what follows are three alternate and alternating versions of their lives, shaped by Cora’s last-minute choice of name. In richly layered prose, The Names explores the painful ripple effects of domestic abuse, the messy ties of family, and the possibilities of autonomy and healing.


Through a prism of what-ifs, Florence Knapp invites us to consider the "one . . . precious life" we are given. Full of hope, this is the story of three names, three versions of a life, and the infinite 

Book Choice List

When the book is not available from the library, sources of secondhand books include:
1. abebooks (https://www.abhttps://pgs.u3asite.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Book-Choice-Jan-24.pdfebooks.co.uk.) around £2.80
2. Amazon marketplace - sometimes cheaper
3. The Red Cross book shop on Green Lanes in Palmers Green.

It is also possible to access audio books with your library card via www.libbyapp.com. To sign up press “yes” to Member. Library name “Enfield Consortium” Thomas Hardy House followed by Card Number and PIN Number

If you are interested in joining this book group please email the group convener, using the link at the top of this page.

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