Geeky Book Club: April Meeting - The Year of the Witching

Who are we? We are a group of "geeky" readers who meet monthly to discuss fantasy and sci-fi novels.

What are the meetings like? Our meetings are focused on discussing this month's novel. If you've ever been frustrated after attending a book club where no-one actually talked about the book (or even finished it!) geeky book club may be for you! Questions will be provided to help guide the discussion, and we encourage you to share your own thoughts and takeways with the group.

What kind of books do you read? We generally alternate between fantasy and sci-fi novels each month. Our books are chosen by vote; once you've attended your first meeting you will receive links to vote on our future books.

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This month we will be reading Alexis Henderson's 2020 fantasy novel, The Year of the Witching, a blend of fantasy, historical fiction and the paranormal.
A young woman living in a rigid, puritanical society discovers dark powers within herself in this stunning, feminist fantasy debut.
In the lands of Bethel, where the Prophet’s word is law, Immanuelle Moore’s very existence is blasphemy. Her mother’s union with an outsider of a different race cast her once-proud family into disgrace, so Immanuelle does her best to worship the Father, follow Holy Protocol, and lead a life of submission, devotion, and absolute conformity, like all the other women in the settlement.
But a mishap lures her into the forbidden Darkwood surrounding Bethel, where the first prophet once chased and killed four powerful witches. Their spirits are still lurking there, and they bestow a gift on Immanuelle: the journal of her dead mother, who Immanuelle is shocked to learn once sought sanctuary in the wood.
Fascinated by the secrets in the diary, Immanuelle finds herself struggling to understand how her mother could have consorted with the witches. But when she begins to learn grim truths about the Church and its history, she realizes the true threat to Bethel is its own darkness. And she starts to understand that if Bethel is to change, it must begin with her.

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Welcome, new members, to Geeky Book Club! Whether you're a lifelong lover of reading, picking it back up after a break, or just getting into it, we are happy to have you join us! We meet monthly to discuss fantasy and sci-fi books, and occasionally for other social events in-between.

Please keep the following in mind:

• Space is limited; if you are no longer able to attend please cancel your booking so that someone else can attend in your place.
• The library is attached to a community centre. We are meeting in the program room inside the library, not a community centre room.
• We love a good debate, but please remember to keep it respectful and on-topic. Everyone is welcome at geeky book club and discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated.
• If you have any questions or concerns, please use the link to contact us at the bottom of this page. Geeky book club is hosted by an independant group, not the library, so the library staff may not be able to answer your book-club-specific questions.

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