This month we look at the work of contemporary Welsh writers…
North Books’ alternative book club edges away from the usual convention of only inviting readers to discuss a single book (though this can happen from time to time) to opening up our evenings to a more general celebration of our shared love of storytelling and the people behind the words on the page.
Thoughts in the pot so far include asking readers to choose any work from a given writer to encourage a wider discussion of the author’s creativity and output. We are also interested in dedicated genre events as well as putting poets, journalists, songwriters and historians in the mix. Fiction, non-fiction and everything in between.
It’s a book club but it’s an evolving one. It will be one thing one month and something else the next time we meet – always, though, it will belong to the group and it will be shaped by you. The only common denominator will be words – and a conversation about them.
JOIN US
Participation is free if the book is purchased in advance from North Books at a 10% discount. Otherwise it is £5 on the night. To join the group, please email Jules on jules@northbooks.co.uk.
You are welcome to come along to the first session for free to see if it’s your cup of tea.
THE WORK
The June session of Hay Reads.
On our fourth session of 2025, Wednesday 20 August, let's talk about the work of contemporary Welsh writers.
There are plenty of short reads available in the bookshop and these are just a few suggestions (above).
We have hosted a number of Welsh authors since opening and Kathy Biggs, Diana Powell and Meredith Miller are just three.
Most are actually pretty slim reads so there maybe opportunity to read more than one writer’s work. Manon Steffan Ros has a wealth of awards to her name (Feather, The Blue Book of Nebo) and Clear, by Carys Davies is a Welsh writer of note who seems to transcended barriers. Salt and Lace by Catrin Kean are other novels that have caught readers attention and have enjoyed success.
As always, let either Peter (who runs Hay Reads) or Jules in the bookshop know if you are planning on attending.