
What started out as a couple of enthusiastic readers in Glasgow hoping to discuss the relationship between Connell and Marianne from Sally Rooney’s Normal People turned into a group in Barcelona of approximately 15 members, gathering to discuss books, poetry, contemporary issues, and everything in between.
That’s right, it’s the GLOCAL Book Club! Each meeting, members will usually gather at a book store cafe, where a topic decided at the previous meeting will be discussed within the context of books members have recently read. Topics may range from a contemporary issue to a type of literature, for example: racism, feminist literature, dystopian futures, poetry… The list goes on, and those are just some of the topics the GLOCAL Book Club has waded into thus far.
Unlike a lot of book clubs, members are not required to read the same book at the same time. Instead, meetings are a place where people can share their ideas and recommendations — and often, people do end up reading the same books!
In February, the GLOCAL Book Club held a special event — poetry night! Readers gathered at one member’s house and shared their favourite poetry over fine (or cheap!) wine and cheese. The night was an overall success — people shared poems from their home countries, some even in their own languages. Some poems covered topics like feminism, racism, and war, while others touched on the contradictions, complications, and every day nuances of the human mind and of society more generally. Some members even shared their own poetry — a truly moving experience for attendees.

The GLOCAL Book Club has some exciting events planned for the upcoming months, including an event (to be announced!) on April 23 — World Book Day — as well as a possible field trip to Madrid for the El Retiro Bookfair in June.
The GLOCAL Experience will be sure to keep those interested informed via social media channels regarding future official events. And, if you are a current GLOCAL student and wish to join the GLOCAL Book Club, please contact Anna Dodd to be added to the WhatsApp group.
What's everyone reading?
The Handmaid’s tale by Margaret Atwood
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
Normal People by Sally Rooney
Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardine Evaristo
Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón
All About Love: New Visions by bell hooks