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If You Forget Me

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If You Forget Me by Pablo Neruda

I want you to know
one thing.

You know how this is:
if I look
at the crystal moon, at the red branch
of the slow autumn at my window,
if I touch
near the fire
the impalpable ash
or the wrinkled body of the log,
everything carries me to you,
as if everything that exists,
aromas, light, metals,
were little boats
that sail
toward those isles of yours that wait for me.

Well, now,
if little by little you stop loving me
I shall stop loving you little by little.

If suddenly
you forget me
do not look for me,
for I shall already have forgotten you.

If you think it long and mad,
the wind of banners
that passes through my life,
and you decide
to leave me at the shore
of the heart where I have roots,
remember
that on that day,
at that hour,
I shall lift my arms
and my roots will set off
to seek another land.

But
if each day,
each hour,
you feel that you are destined for me
with implacable sweetness,
if each day a flower
climbs up to your lips to seek me,
ah my love, ah my own,
in me all that fire is repeated,
in me nothing is extinguished or forgotten,
my love feeds on your love, beloved,
and as long as you live it will be in your arms
without leaving mine.

Nothing Gold Can Stay

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Nothing Gold Can Stay by Robert Frost

Nature's first green is gold,
Her hardest hue to hold.
Her early leaf's a flower;
But only so an hour.
Then leaf subsides to leaf.
So Eden sank to grief,
So dawn goes down to day.
Nothing gold can stay.

Im Not Really 60

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Im Not Really 60 by Ms M J Hill
That's not my age; it's just not true.
My heart is young; the time just flew.
I'm staring at this strange old face,
And someone else is in my place!

My body's not in disrepair.
I've not much grey in my brown hair.
I sometimes feel a little tired
But go for jogs when I'm inspired.

This old age thing is not for me.
Concessions given, prescriptions free.
I'll just pretend I'm in my prime.
To age too fast would be a crime.

I'm just not 60 in my head.
It's still so long till I am dead,
So please don't see me in that way.
I'm staying young, if that's OK!

The Ballad Of Rum

Unlock the World

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Unlock the World: Benefits of Joining a Global Book Club for Avid Readers

Most book clubs feel small, local, and limited. But what if your next read connected you with people from 50 countries? Joining a global book club lets you share stories with avid readers who bring fresh perspectives and heartfelt discussions. In this community-driven space, every voice matters and every book sparks new ideas. Ready to explore how an inclusive book club can enrich your reading life? Read more here.

Connect with a Global Community

global book club

Imagine turning pages with friends across the globe. Thatโ€™s the magic of a global book club. Youโ€™ll discover stories that transcend borders, all while forming connections that could last a lifetime.

Imagine turning pages with friends across the globe. Thatโ€™s the magic of a global book club. Youโ€™ll discover stories that transcend borders, all while forming connections that could last a lifetime.

Meet Fellow Avid Readers

When you join a global book club, youโ€™re not just signing up to read books. Youโ€™re entering a world of friendship with people who share your passion. Imagine chatting about the latest novel with someone in Japan, or exchanging thoughts on a classic with a friend in Brazil. No matter where you are, thereโ€™s always someone ready to dive into a story with you.

  • Real Stories:ย Maria from Spain and Joe from Canada became fast friends over their love of historical fiction. They now swap recommendations regularly!
  • Global Reach:ย With over 1,000 chapters in 50 countries, youโ€™ll find friends wherever you go.

Curious about how others have benefited from joining a book club? Check out these inspiring stories.

Share Your Literary Passions

Itโ€™s one thing to read a book; itโ€™s another to share your thoughts on it. In a global book club, you can express your literary loves and discover new favorites. Whether you adore fantasy or prefer non-fiction, thereโ€™s a space for your voice.

  • Discussion Topics:ย From character development to plot twists, every discussion offers fresh insights.
  • Personal Growth:ย Sharing your thoughts helps you see books from angles you never considered.

Need more reasons to share your literary journey with others? Explore the benefits.

Enjoy Community-Driven Events

Imagine a calendar filled with book festivals, author talks, and themed reading nights. Community events like these make book clubs exciting. They offer a way to engage beyond the pages and into real-world experiences.

  • Events Galore:ย From poetry readings to literary debates, thereโ€™s something for everyone.
  • Social Impact:ย Participate in events that blend literature with social causes, like eco-themed storytelling.

Discover more about the events that make book clubs special here.

Explore Diverse Literary Genres

Every book club meeting is a chance to explore a new genre. Youโ€™ll expand your reading list and maybe even find a new favorite. Ready to see whatโ€™s beyond your usual bookshelf?

Broaden Your Reading Horizons

In a global book club, youโ€™re encouraged to step out of your comfort zone. This might mean exploring a sci-fi novel when you usually stick to biographies or diving into poetry for the first time. Each meeting is a passport to new literary worlds.

  • Genre Variety:ย From thrillers to romance, youโ€™ll explore every corner of the literary universe.
  • Unexpected Finds:ย Members often discover hidden gems they wouldnโ€™t have picked up otherwise.

Learn how joining a book club can broaden your literary horizons by clicking here.

Engage in Literary Exploration

Books arenโ€™t just stories; theyโ€™re invitations to explore new ideas. Each discussion in your club is a chance to dig deeper into themes, characters, and plots. Youโ€™ll gain insights that turn each book into a new adventure.

  • Deep Dives:ย Explore themes like identity, culture, and morality with fellow readers.
  • Interactive Discussions:ย Engage with perspectives that challenge and enrich your own.

Discover New Perspectives

Joining a global book club is like unlocking a treasure chest of diverse viewpoints. Each book discussion introduces you to perspectives you may never have considered, enriching your understanding of the world.

  • Cultural Exchange:ย Learn about different cultures through stories and discussions.
  • Broadened Worldview:ย Gain empathy and understanding for experiences different from your own.

Inclusive and Supportive Environment

A global book club is about more than just reading. Itโ€™s about creating a space where everyone feels heard and valued. Here, inclusivity isnโ€™t just a goal; itโ€™s a way of life.

Embrace Diverse Voices

Every member brings something unique to the table. Whether itโ€™s a new perspective or a book recommendation, your voice adds value. Youโ€™ll find a welcoming environment where everyone is encouraged to share.

  • Inclusive Atmosphere:ย All voices are celebrated, making discussions rich and rewarding.
  • New Friendships:ย Connect with people you might never meet otherwise.

Foster Meaningful Discussions

Meaningful conversations are the heartbeat of any book club. Here, youโ€™ll engage in discussions that are as captivating as the books themselves. Itโ€™s a chance to deep dive into topics that matter to you.

  • Engaging Conversations:ย Discuss books that tackle big ideas and contemporary issues.
  • Shared Insights:ย Each discussion offers new insights, broadening your understanding.

Grow Through Shared Experiences

In a global book club, growth happens together. As you share stories and experiences, youโ€™ll find yourself on a journey of personal development alongside your peers.

  • Collective Growth:ย Learn from the experiences and insights of your fellow readers.
  • Empowerment Through Literature:ย Discover how books can transform your thinking and inspire change.

Joining a global book club opens doors to experiences and friendships that enrich your reading life. Ready to turn the page on your next adventure?

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The Road Not Taken

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Robert Frost (1874-1963) wasย a beloved American poet famous for his realistic depictions of rural New England life, use of colloquial speech, and profound themes of nature, individualism, and human experience, becoming the most honored American poet of the 20th century with four Pulitzer Prizes and reading at JFK’s inauguration. Key works include “The Road Not Taken,” “Mending Wall,” and “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening,” with famous lines like “Good fences make good neighbors”

The Road Not Taken Poem by Robert Frost

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,
And having perhaps the better claim
Because it was grassy and wanted wear,
Though as for that the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black.
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way
I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I,
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.

Robert Frost


Hope Is The Thing With Feathers

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Emily Elizabeth Dickinson was an American poet. Little-known during her life, she has since been regarded as one of the most important figures in American poetry. Dickinson was born in Amherst, Massachusetts, into a prominent family with strong ties to its community

Hope Is The Thing With Feathers by Emily Dickinson

'Hope' is the thing with feathersโ€”
That perches in the soulโ€”
And sings the tune without the wordsโ€”
And never stopsโ€”at allโ€”

And sweetestโ€”in the Galeโ€”is heardโ€”
And sore must be the stormโ€”
That could abash the little Bird
That kept so many warmโ€”

I've heard it in the chillest landโ€”
And on the strangest Seaโ€”
Yet, never, in Extremity,
It asked a crumbโ€”of Me.
Hope Is The Thing With Feathers by Emily Dickinson

Netflix to Acquire Warner Bros

Netflix has agreed to acquire the film and streaming businesses of Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) for approximately $82.7 billion (enterprise value), but the deal is not yet finalized and faces significant opposition. The agreement was announced on December 5, 2025, after a bidding war with rivals like Paramount and Comcast

Deal Overview

  • Acquisition Scope: Netflix is set to acquire WBD’s film and television studios, the HBO and HBO Max streaming services, and Warner Bros. Games.
  • Excluded Assets: WBD’s global networks division, including cable channels like CNN, TNT Sports in the U.S., and Discovery channels, will be spun off into a separate, independent public company named Discovery Global before the Netflix deal closes.
  • Timeline: The transaction is expected to close in 12 to 18 months, likely after the Discovery Global spin-off is completed in the third quarter of 2026.
  • Goal: The acquisition aims to combine Netflix’s massive global reach and modern hits (likeย Stranger Thingsย andย Squid Game) with Warner Bros.’ century-long library of iconic franchises, includingย Harry Potter, the DC Universe,ย Game of Thrones, and classics likeย Casablanca

Competition and Opposition

The deal is far from certain and has generated substantial controversy: 

  • Rival Bid: Paramount Skydance launched a rival, hostile takeover bid for the entire Warner Bros. Discovery company for $108.4 billion in an all-cash offer, which it argues is a superior alternative. WBD’s board is reviewing this offer.
  • Regulatory Scrutiny: The merger is expected to face intense scrutiny from competition authorities in the U.S. and Europe due to concerns it will create a near-monopoly in the streaming market, reduce consumer choice, and lead to higher prices. U.S. lawmakers from both parties, including Senator Elizabeth Warren, have voiced significant concerns.
  • Industry Backlash: Major industry unions, including the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the Directors Guild of America (DGA), have criticized the deal, arguing it would eliminate jobs, push down wages, and harm the theatrical film business. Cinema United, a trade group for theater owners, called the deal an “unprecedented threat” to cinemas.
  • Breakup Fees: The stakes are high, with Netflix agreeing to pay a $5.8 billion termination fee if the deal fails to clear regulatory hurdles. Conversely, WBD would pay Netflix a $2.8 billion fee if it accepts a different offer, such as Paramount’s

Invictus by William Ernest Henley

William Ernest Henley, born August 23, 1849, was an influential British poet, perhaps best known for his poem โ€œInvictusโ€ (1875). He is the author ofย A Song of Speedย (D. Nutt, 1903),ย Hawthorn & Lavender with Other Versesย (D. Nutt, 1901), andย For Englandโ€™s Sake: Verses and Songs in Time of Warย (D. Nutt, 1900), among others. He died in Woking, England, on July 11, 1903.

Invictus

William Ernest Henley

1849 โ€“1903

Out of the night that covers me,   

  Black as the Pit from pole to pole,   

I thank whatever gods may be   

  For my unconquerable soul.   

In the fell clutch of circumstance 

  I have not winced nor cried aloud.   

Under the bludgeonings of chance   

  My head is bloody, but unbowed.   

Beyond this place of wrath and tears   

  Looms but the Horror of the shade, 

And yet the menace of the years   

  Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.   

It matters not how strait the gate,   

  How charged with punishments the scroll,   

I am the master of my fate:

  I am the captain of my soul.

Gratitude by Edgar Albert Guest

Gratitude

by Edgar Albert Guest

Be grateful for the kindly friends that walk along your way,
Be grateful for the skies of blue that smile from day to day,
Be grateful for the health you own, the work you find to do,
For round about you there are men less fortunate than you.

Be grateful for the growing trees, the roses soon to bloom,
The tenderness of kindly hearts that shared your days of gloom,
Be grateful for the morning dew, the grass beneath your feet,
The soft caresses of your babes and all their laughter sweet.

Acquire the grateful habit, learn to see how blessed you are,
How much there is to gladden life, how little life to mar!
And what if rain shall fall to-day and you with grief are sad,
Be grateful that you can recall the joys that you have had.

Stories of Peace

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๐ŸŒฟ Stories of Peace: A Community Storytelling Walk in the Park ๐ŸŒฟ

Part of the Coventry Peace Festival 2025

๐Ÿ•Š๏ธ A Walk for Peace and Connection

What if stories could bring people closer, heal divisions, and inspire hope?
This November, Emerald Book Club invites you to experience just that at Red House Park, Coventry, as part of the Coventry Peace Festival 2025.

Stories of Peace Event emeraldbookclub.org

๐Ÿ“– Discover the Power of Shared Stories

Our event, Stories of Peace, is more than just a walk โ€” itโ€™s a journey through words, voices, and shared experiences.

As we stroll through the parkโ€™s peaceful paths, local storytellers and poets will share powerful tales and poems about peace, forgiveness, and unity.
Each stop along the walk will open a window into how storytelling connects us all โ€” across generations, cultures, and communities.


๐Ÿ’š Be Part of Something Meaningful

Imagine spending an afternoon surrounded by nature, listening to stories that warm the heart and spark reflection.

Whether you want to listenshare, or simply be part of a peaceful momentStories of Peace is for you.
Together, weโ€™ll celebrate Coventryโ€™s proud legacy as a City of Peace and Reconciliation โ€” and remind ourselves of the beauty found in every voice.

Emerald book Club members

๐ŸŒ Join Us!

๐Ÿ“… Date: Saturday 8 November 2025
๐Ÿ• Time: 1โ€“3 PM
๐Ÿ“ Location: Red House Park, Coventry
๐Ÿ’ซ Free Event | All Welcome | No Booking Required

Come walk with us.
Listen. Share. Connect.
Letโ€™s tell stories that bring peace to our city โ€” one step and one word at a time.

๐Ÿ”– About the Coventry Peace Festival

The Coventry Peace Festival celebrates the cityโ€™s ongoing role as a City of Peace and Reconciliation, offering creative and community-led events that promote unity, understanding, and hope.

Emerald Book Club is proud to be part of this yearโ€™s programme with support from Coventry City Council.

Learn More about Coventry Peace Festival

Coventry Peace Festival 2025