Join Age UK Camden’s Book Group and Reap the Rewards!

For many older people, joining a book group is about so much more than reading (although that is so often a great joy in itself!) More than a reading group, book clubs provide a valuable opportunity for socialising and making new friends, honing communication skills, staying aware of world events and issues and a great way to see things from another’s viewpoint.  

If this sounds appealing you may be interested in joining like-minded people at one of Age UK Camden’s popular book groups, which are held monthly at the British Library, at Henderson Court in Hampstead and at Belsize Park Community Library. 

Age UK Camden has just announced its titles for its 2023 and it’s an enticing list with something to suit all tastes and perhaps introduce new genres or authors to your library. 

The book club is led by writer and journalist, Emily Rhodes “Each month we discuss a new book, giving the Camden community the opportunity to come together and share ideas and opinions on the latest novel and the themes the author explores. You can be as involved as you like, join our monthly meetings, take part in our Facebook discussions, or if you just want to read a new book – that’s fine too. I can’t wait to discuss these wonderful books!” 

Age UK Camden Book Club Titles for 2023 

January 2023: The Salt Path by Raynor Winn 

The inspiring, life-affirming true story of a couple who embark on a long coastal walk after becoming homeless. 

February 2023: Ali & Nino by Kurban Said 

A classic tale of romance and adventure between a Muslim boy and Christian girl at the start of the twentieth century in Azerbaijan. 

March 2023: Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens 

The exquisite novel behind the recent hit film, this is at once a coming-of-age story, a murder mystery and an ode to the natural world.  

April 2023: The Enchanted April by Elizabeth von Arnim 

This delightful 1930s novel sees four women decide to escape the domestic troubles of rainy London for a month in Tuscany. 

May 2023: The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak 

A magical tale of love and division that moves between 1970s Cyprus and London. 

June 2023: Eight Months on Ghazzah Street by Hilary Mantel 

A haunting, suspenseful dark comedy about an English woman’s stay in Saudi Arabia by the late double Booker winner. 

The Belsize Community Library book club takes place on the last Monday of the month from 4pm-5.30pm, the British Library group on the last Wednesday of the month from 11am-12.30pm and at Age UK Camden’s Henderson Court in Hampstead on the last Thursday of the month at 3.45pm-5pm. 

Simply drop in and sign up on the day. Age UK Camden also has a virtual group for those who are not able to attend in person. 

Nikki Morris, Chief Executive at Age UK Camden said, “Book clubs are a wonderful way to prevent social isolation and loneliness, providing social contact and a focus of conversation for that group. Social isolation has been associated with a higher risk of depression and linked to an increased risk of dementia. Our first book group took place virtually in lock-down and it has been incredibly rewarding to launch our in-person groups and see them flourish.”  

For more information please contact Annabelle.Williams@ageukcamden.org.uk