Bookclub 

Writers’ Centre Kingston Bookclub aims to bring something different to the typical literary discussion group. Held once a month, each session will be run in a slightly different manner and may ask participants to read the selections (which may range from novels, poetry, essays, etc) and potentially write a response to the reading, which may be creative or critical. Meetings will encourage participants to engage with one another, the reading, and potentially any writing exercises. 

Stanley Picker Gallery and the Writers’ Centre Kingston are excited to invite you to the third session of the newly formed book club, organized by KU student, Dacy Lim. The meeting will take place on Wednesday 24 January 2018, 5-7pm.

For this session, we will be reading Octavia E. Butler’s Parable of the Sower, which follows young Lauren Olamina as she traverses the dangerous landscape of a barren Los Angeles in the not-so-distant future. Butler is one of the first black female sci-fi writers to gain recognition in a predominantly white male genre. Her work excels at combining reality with science fiction, engaging readers to question the current state of affairs. 

As the date draws nearer, we will send an email to all participants asking for some small piece of writing or reflection regarding Butler’s work. 

If interested, please RSVP by emailing Dacy at K1609123@kingston.ac.uk

Previous bookclubs

Wed 18th October, 5-7pm / at Stanley Picker Gallery
Kingston University Nursery, 3 Portland Rd, Kingston upon Thames KT1 2SG www.stanleypickergallery.org
For the first meeting, we will look at one of two artists exhibiting at Stanley Picker, Elaine Lustig Cohen. We will be reading a selection of artist statement’s, essays, and fiction to discuss ideas on public versus private art. For this meeting, work on something with the knowledge that we will not be sharing it with each other- it is a private piece of your choosing.

Suggested reading includes Grendel by John Gardner - a 1971 novel by American author John Gardner. It is a retelling of part of the Old English poem Beowulf from the perspective of the antagonist, Grendel.

Wed 15th November, 5-7pm / at Stanley Picker Gallery
Kingston University Nursery, 3 Portland Rd, Kingston upon Thames KT1 2SG www.stanleypickergallery.org
For November’s meeting, we will look at a selection of poetry and essays aimed at a discussion on poetic voice and reader/poet relationships. Please bring with you a piece of your own work which is inspired from the readings. This can be poetry, a short prose piece, opinion piece, or visual art. 

Suggested reading includes. Are We Human? By Beatriz Colomina and Mark Wigley