Shelf Interest: A Book-ish Costume Night!

Want to get more into reading? Looking to mix with people with similar interests to you? Shelf Interest Book Club offers the opportunity to connect with others through a love for reading stories from authors within the African Diaspora.

Our October in-person event is a costume gathering to celebrate our favourite characters in entertainment. We'll be joined by JJ Bola - an esteemed author and educator that uses his journey to inspire and engage others in understanding different journies.

Born in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, JJ Bola migrated to the UK at the age of 6. He is a poet, writer and educator passionate about using the power of storytelling to uplift, empower and transform. His debut novel, No Place to Call Home (published in 2017 by Own It!) details the journey of a family coming from the Congo to the UK to seek asylum as refugees, which Bola said "tackles the questions of belonging and identity.”

What to expect at our event

• Meet JJ Bola: we'll be conducting an interview with JJ Bola where our guests will have the opportunity to ask questions!
• Get your books signed by JJ Bola!
• Have some tasty canapés: The Flygerians will be preparing light canapés for us to enjoy!
• Play some games: Team up with different people and work together to win!
• Best costume wins a prize!

Join our book club

Gold book club members get their tickets FREE

Silver book club members get their tickets at a 50% discounted rate

See our last in-person event.