Reading, Thinking, Talking: A Curated Book Group

Would you like to read more in 2026 but don’t know where to start? Are you struggling to find the time to read whole books? Then this 10 week curated reading group is definitely for you.

Each week we will explore a different area of writing, from poetry to short fiction, biography, memoir, the graphic novel, audio books and much more. We will be reading bite sized, carefully selected texts with plenty of time for discussion and conversation. No pressure to read a complete book or to buy books to take part – everything will be provided. We will also explore developing good reading habits and hints and tips to make time read more in our busy lives.

Even if you can’t remember the last time you finished a novel or your bedside table is groaning with the books you’ve been meaning to read, this course will give you two hours a week to do a deep dive into writing that might be new to you. No previous experience of belonging to a reading/book group is necessary.

In each session we will read and discuss one or two examples within the session’s theme. You will receive these a week in advance to allow you time to read and think. Each session will be supported by a PowerPoint presentation and additional handouts as appropriate. We will spend time discussing our reading and our reactions to the texts in a safe, inclusive and supportive environment.

Week 1

• Introductory session/Ice breaker activities
• What gets in the way of our reading/hints and tips to finding time to read
• What is the canon. And does it matter…
• 100 books you should read before you die…does this list help or terrify?
• Plus some short poetry.

Week 2

• Short fiction/short stories – or what to read when you don’t have much time, looking at work from two leaders in the field of short story writing.

Week 3

• Memoir writing – reading to find out about other people’s lives.

Week 4

• The graphic novel – because books with pictures count too!

Week 5

• Reading contemporary poetry for pleasure.

Week 6

• The audio book or how to read big books without actually reading them.

Week 7

• Comic and humorous writing.

Week 8

• Student led session – your recommendations for a good read.

Week 9

• The who done it – murder and mayhem as entertainment.

Week 10

• Student led session – more recommendations for a good read.
• Programme evaluation and our reading plans for the rest of 2026.

About the tutor:

Tutor Cathi Rae is a widely published poet, spoken word artist, multiple poetry slam winner, workshop facilitator and experienced teacher of adult education. Her work has appeared in journals, online magazines, poetry anthologies and art exhibitions. Cathi has performed throughout the UK at poetry events, festivals and arts events, and has been described as a spoken word icon! She has an MA in Creative Writing and PhD in Poetry from the University of Leicester. And she probably doesn’t read enough either!

Further information:

Participants must be aged 18+.

A notebook and pen will be provided.

This 10-week course runs on Thursday evenings, 6-8pm, starting on 15 January and ending on 26 March 2026.

Note: No session on Thursday 19 February 2026.

If the course/workshop you’d like to book is sold out, we do operate a waiting list – simply contact our box office team on 0116 252 2455 / arts-centre@le.ac.uk and ask to be added to the waiting list. We’ll then contact you if a place becomes available, with absolutely no obligation to accept it if you’ve made other plans!

Please ensure that you agree to our updated Terms & Conditions before booking as courses/workshops are non-refundable in some circumstances.

We aim to make all our sessions as accessible as possible and carers/PAs are very welcome – just remember to book their free place when you book your session. If you’d like to talk to us in advance of booking or attending your sessions to discuss your access needs, our Box Office team is here to help! Email arts-centre@le.ac.uk, pop in or call 0116 252 2455, open 7 days a week.

We have four blue badge parking spaces outside Attenborough Arts Centre, plus double yellow line roadside parking very close to the building for blue badge holders for up to three hours if our parking spaces are occupied.

Free parking for all customers is available after 5pm on weekdays and all day at weekends in the University of Leicester car park next door to Attenborough Arts Centre on Lancaster Road. The closest public car park

for parking at all other times is Victoria Park, 5-10 minutes walk from us (near De Montfort Hall).