Starting a reading group at your school, office or church

Demo preview: Marafiki currently contains sample content. Circles, books, events, schedules and membership pricing still need confirmation by the shop. The ideas below describe the proposed service, not a confirmed programme.

Marafiki means friends in Kiswahili. It is the name of the reading groups we run, and it is also the simplest description of what a book club is: friends, and a book.

Why read in a group

A book read alone is finished when you close it. A book read with others keeps going: someone noticed a line you missed, someone disagreed with the ending, someone brings a friend next time. Groups also keep readers reading when the term or the working week gets busy.

Starting one where you already are

You do not need a room or a budget to begin. A class, a staff room or a fellowship group is enough. To help us help you, send us:

• Who the readers are, for example a class, age group or department.
• Roughly how many will take part.
• What you would like to read, or leave the choosing to us.

We reply with titles that suit the group and a price for the set of copies. Copies can be collected together at the counter or delivered together.

Joining an existing club

If you would rather join than start, the clubs have their own page with what is being read and how to take part. Find it on our Marafiki Book Clubs page, or message us and we will point you to the right group.

Everyone is welcome, whether you finish the book or not.