| Book Circles and Books Clubs are currently one of the most popular hobbies, certainly in the English-speaking world and here on the Costa Blanca there are many book clubs. But the ever-popular Xábia Book Circle is a little different from most. Rather than discussing one book that everyone has read, each session features a theme, with subjects as diverse as “The Sea in Literature”, Evelyn Waugh”, “Poetry Please”, “Travel Writers” and "Booze in Books". Usually, after a short presentation by a member, the subject is opened up for general discussion and contributions that other members may have prepared. In the same session members can both pass on information and opinions about books they have read and receive information about those they haven’t. The format is light and informal, where the objective is to enjoy and explore literature at every level. It is as ideal for people who would like to be introduced to a wider experience of literature as it is for those who are already fully immersed in the subject. Occasionally, to break the mould, we have talks given by writers and academics, perhaps introducing us to a new book or an illuminating review on a specialist subject. The Xábia Book Circle has been in existence since the early 1990's and, like so many good things, it had small beginnings. Bernard Coleman placed an advert in a local paper - and one rainy evening eleven people turned up at his house. For a while it met in private houses and now has just about reached capacity in its present meeting room. People from different countries who are teachers, parents and grandparents, secretaries, pianists, artists, directors of companies and so on bring a wealth of experience and expertise from their lives in other countries. With members like that it is not hard to produce lively entertainment and twice a year the summer dinner and the Christmas party are enlivened by sketches, songs, poetry readings and after dinner jokes. The Book Circle is currently chaired by Tim Upton who offers a warm welcome to members, guests and visitors. So if you are interested in books - or want to awaken a latent interest - then come along to the Centro Social, behind the Centro de Salud, next to the Plaza de Constitution underground Car Park in Xábia Old Town (see map). Go to the programme link for the current schedule or telephone a committee member for more information (go to Contact us). |
  Above: Kevin Bruton, Emeritus Professor of Spanish, University of Stirling, giving a talk on Spanish literature.  |
