The joy of an online book group

I started an online book group called Bookface during lockdown, thinking that a small group of friends who loved to read and discuss books might like to join.

Unable to meet in person I missed chat around great recommendations for books and podcasts and I wanted to know what friends and colleagues were enjoying.

What started as a way to stay connected during the pandemic has since grown into a global community of 2800 members, spanning five continents.

We also now have monthly swap events with guest authors who share their own stories on the books they've written. Guests include Doug Allan, Sam Baker, Guy Grieve, Nikki May, Helen Fitzgerald and Helen Fields.

More than 30 sold-out events in Glasgow show there is a passion for meet-ups such as these. Authors and guests travel from all over the UK to join us.

The benefits of this online book club have been immense, the members of our community and me personally.

The Bookface format has allowed us to diversify our reading selections as with members in over 27 countries, we have access to a much wider range of books, authors, and perspectives.

Another benefit is the sense of community it has created. As a result of Bookface we've also come across authors which we may not otherwise have found.

I've read so many brilliant books, discovered new talent, met really interesting people and discovered some wonderful reads which will stay with me. Three of these I'm sharing below. I'm always open to a great recommendation, so please share yours!

John Boyne's novel "The Heart's Invisible Furies" is widely considered to be a modern masterpiece, and it's not difficult to see why. The book has been praised by critics and readers alike for its compelling storytelling, unforgettable characters, and exploration of complex themes.

The story follows the life of Cyril Avery, an Irishman born to an unwed teenage mother in the 1940s. The book is divided into seven sections, each covering a different decade of Cyril's life, and each part is set against the backdrop of major events in Irish history. This structure allows Boyne to explore the changes in Irish society over the course of several decades and it also provides a framework for Cyril's personal journey of self-discovery.

Cyril Avery is a flawed and deeply human protagonist who readers cannot help but root for.

He is a gay man growing up in a conservative and homophobic society, and his struggle to accept himself and find his place in the world is a major part of the book. Boyne explores the idea that our identities are not fixed, but are rather shaped by the people and events in our lives, and that we have the power to redefine ourselves if we are willing to take risks and make difficult choices.

"The Heart's Invisible Furies" is a book that speaks to the power of storytelling and the importance of sharing our stories with others. Boyne's book reminds us that our stories are what connect us to one another, and that by sharing them, we can build bridges of understanding and empathy.

Valerie Perrin's "Fresh Water for Flowers" is a beautifully written novel that tells the story of Violette Toussaint, a cemetery caretaker in a small town in France. The novel explores themes of love, loss, grief, and redemption, and it is a moving and powerful tribute to the beauty and complexity of life.

I loved this book because of its vivid and evocative writing. Perrin's prose is lyrical and poetic, she has a talent for creating vivid and detailed descriptions of the world around her. Whether describing the beauty of the cemetery where Violette works or the pain of a character's loss, her writing is always powerful and affecting.

"Fresh Water for Flowers" is a beautiful book that explores themes that are universal and timeless. The novel deals with loss and grief, and it does so in a way that is both poignant and uplifting. It's also a meditation on the beauty and fragility of life.

Set in a small town where everyone knows everyone else's business, the characters are all interconnected. It reminds us that even in the darkest moments, there is always hope and love to be found if we are willing to reach out to those around us.

Anthony Doerr's "All the Light We Cannot See" is currently being made into a film and is a masterful work of historical fiction that tells the story of two young people whose lives intersect during World War II. The novel explores themes of love, loss, sacrifice, and the power of human connection, and it is a stunning example of the power of storytelling.

Doerr is a master of language, and his writing is both lyrical and evocative. This is a book which explores the human cost of war in a way that is both heart-breaking and inspiring, celebrating the resilience and courage of the human spirit.

With Bookface we've created a global community of readers, we've expanded our horizons and we found a sense of connection and purpose that has sustained us through difficult times.

If you love to read and have not yet joined an online book club, I highly recommend giving it a try. You may be surprised at how much it enriches your life.

You can join my group here and look out for Bookface events in London, Glasgow and New York.