Love books and enjoy a good conversation? Why not come along to the Portsmouth Humanists Book Group?

We meet bi-monthly to discuss a different book each time, sharing our thoughts, reactions and different perspectives in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. 

The books cover a wide range of subjects and styles, and our discussions often lead well beyond the pages of the book into questions about people, society, ideas and the world around us.

You don’t need to be an avid reader or a literary expert - whether you loved the book, disliked it, or are still wondering what on earth the author was trying to say, your views are welcome! 

The emphasis is on interesting conversation and enjoying the company of fellow readers.

Come along, meet some new people, discover some interesting books and join the discussions. 

You may even discover your next favourite book along the way!

December’s book will be Is a River Alive? by Robert Macfarlane.

Among other positions, Robert Macfarlane is Professor of Literature and the Environmental Humanities at Cambridge University, and is a widely-appreciated author of books about landscape, nature and their relationships with human cultures.

In Is a River Alive? he journeys to three different rivers, each facing particular threats, and meets with people from very different backgrounds seeking to engage with and protect them.

As is usual with Macfarlane, the book is beautifully written and a real pleasure to read.

Importantly however, although one can clearly gauge his sympathies, he does not explicitly answer the question in the book’s title, leaving the readers --us-- to consider and discuss the issues arising.