Books and Literature Discussion Group
Hosted by Ray Hardisty
Every set of statistics currently tells us that the benefits of reading are being embraced by more people than ever before. Driven in large part by the pandemic, book sales across the world are up, library use has increased, and magazine circulation has hit record levels, all signalling a resurgence of interest in the written word, despite ever-growing competition from social media and the internet.
Evidence shows that regular reading is one of the best things we can do for ourselves, improving our mental health, fostering creativity, and enhancing our intelligence. Reading is thus not just an enjoyable hobby, but also an aid to relaxation and education. Whatever the genre, fiction or non-fiction, the benefits are enormous.
That’s why u3a Communities has relaunched our Books & Literature group, to investigate who is reading what, when and why. Meeting monthly at 7pm on the fourth Tuesday (UK time), we’ll explore these questions through both fiction and non-fiction genres and works. We’ll cover literature in all its guises, from classical to modern, and printed, audio and online.
The programme for each meeting will, whenever possible, be set by our members, so why not join us on our literary journey by signing up to our mailing list using the subscribe form or for anything else, including suggestions for topics, you can contact us at books@u3acommunities.org.
Next Online Meeting
The Literary Contribution of 300 million books
Soon after the demise of Jeffrey Archer we discuss his contribution through: 31 novels 11 children's books 7 short story collections 3 prison diaries and 3 plays A massive output,[...]
Latest Post
Previous Meetings
Science Fiction of Iain M Banks, Tonight
Apologies this is a late reminder for this evening's session but domestic u3a has had me in a spin. But, hopefully, tonight we can discuss the contribution Banks made to[...]
Let’s discuss if the novel is really dead
We constantly hear that the novel is dead. But stories keep being written and published. So is it really? Bring your own thoughts and examples
Hilaire Belloc was he a great writer or simply grumpy
Tonight, we go back in time to discuss the formidable output of some 500 works of literature across multiple genres, who at the same time managed to fall out with[...]
Daniel Defoe… The ignored classical author
Sadly, the man who wrote tales like Robinson Crusoe and Moll Flanders is an ignored author in the current rush to reread the Classics. Why? Is he marred by some[...]
Discussion on the Poetry of Philip Larkin
Just over a century after Philip Larkin passed away we will chat about what his poetry means to us today. We will start with his "A study of reading habits"[...]
Books and Literature Unusual Book Titles of 2025
It's your chance to let your hair down by talking about unusual book titles! Some of the past have included: The Mushroom At The End Of The World The Woman[...]
Books and Literature January Meeting
Discussion. Winnie the Pooh was 100 on Christmas Eve. Are his Hundred Acre Wood adventures simply a pleasure of the past? Or do children still enjoy Pooh today? As grans[...]
Our favourite festive film from a book
Come along armed with your favourite Christmas viewing based on a book. And the reasons why it is your top choice. There are hundreds to choose from. But if you[...]
What did Just William mean to us?
We take a trip back in time to the Richmal Crompton's stories of William Brown and his family. Not so popular now, they were a read back in the days.[...]
Why is Jane Austen so popular today?
In the past few years Jane Austen adaptations have filled our TV screens. Why? She lived more than 200 years ago so why the fascination?
