Coming Events
An Exclusive Encounter with Mai Jia, China’s Bestselling Author
Meeting CHINA'S No.1 BESTSELLING AUTHOR Mai Jia 麦家 at SOAS, University of London, Tuesday, March 18 · 5:30 - 7pm GMT
Mai Jia's debut novel in 2002, Decoded, has been translated into 33 languages. Selected among the Best Ten Novels of 2014 by The Economist and among the best 20 spy-novels of all time by The Telegraph. In 2019, his sixth novel, The Colonel and the Eunuch, became an instant bestseller with over 4,000,000 copies sold.
“China’s answer to John Le Carré” ——The Financial Times
“A literary superstar” ——The Telegraph
“Unsurprisingly you don’t find too many spy novels in China, but Mai Jia, has managed to sneak on to the scene to become the country’s highest-paid novelist.”—— The Times
This is a joint event of the Chinese Department, SOAS and London Reading Club.
Languages: Chinese with English interpretation.
Click here to book a place.
For more ongoing activities, please check our Coming Events page.
Latest Highlights
London reading Club 10th Anniversary Celebration
In the evening of 1st October 2024, members and friends gathered together to celebrate 10th Anniversary of London Reading Club.
President Bai Xianping addressed the attendees: "Ten years ago today, on the morning of October 1, 2014, our first reading gathering was launched in a small meeting room on the second floor of Channing Library. As the founder and host of the first session, I underestimated everyone's enthusiasm for reading and never imagined that we could continue this journey for a decade. Over these ten years, we have held activities in seven different venues, successfully hosted 108 reading sessions, and never paused even during the pandemic. We have organized nearly 160 online discussions and shared almost 600 books both online and offline, with our membership growing from just a few dozen to nearly 300 today. Looking back, it seems like a natural progression, but those who know the journey understand that it has involved countless efforts and perseverance, along with many ups and downs. There were times when I thought about giving up... but thankfully, we persevered, and I feel deeply proud and honored by this remarkable achievement! " (Click here to see Bai's full speech)
Mr. Quintana, former director of Channing Cross Library, delivered a speech: "Over the years the club have been part of the life of the library. You have helped us to organise and promote our own activities, attended many of the Chinese culture events we organised, providing participants as well as audience... Thank you very much for your help...Most important, you have helped us to keep Charing Cross library relevant, not just in the eyes of the Chinese community in London and further afield, but also in the eyes of the Council members and the authorities on whose decisions the continuity of the site depends. " (Click here to see Mr. Quintana full speech)
Take a look at our full list of past events over 10 years.
Book Reading Event - Serious Money
Many readers joined us for a riveting dive into the world of London’s elite at the Serious Money: CWIC & LRC Book Reading Event on June 1st, Saturday. Caroline Knowles, esteemed author and sociologist, took us through her latest work, "Serious Money: Walking Plutocratic London." This book exposes the opulent yet paradoxically isolated lives of London’s super-rich, showcasing their influence over the city’s landscape through luxury developments and exclusive communities.
In this event, we heard stories of lavish lifestyles, hidden inequalities, and the stark realities of a city divided by wealth. Hosting the event was Han Jing, a seasoned video journalist from China Daily Europe. This enlightening session challenged our views on wealth and urban development. (Book website)
Appreciation of Qing Dynasty Porcelain
To explore the beauty of Chinese porcelain, an indispensable stop is the Kangxi wucai (Famille Verte) and the Yongzheng famille rose porcelains of the Qing dynasty.
Porcelain from the Kangxi period came in a wide variety, but none were more cherished than the Kangxi wucai. Evolving from the initial attempts in the Yuan Dynasty and widespread production in the Ming Dynasty, Wucai reached its zenith during the Kangxi period. Kangxi wucai porcelain is celebrated for its rich and vivid colours, commanding shapes, and exquisite craftsmanship. The finely crafted Kangxi wucai porcelain has been highly coveted by collectors for centuries, especially among overseas collectors, with its value steadily climbing...
We were very delighted to have esteemed experts in the field, Vice Chair of the British Chinese Collectors Club, Wan Tang, and Jiaxuan Ding, to guide us through this captivating realm with their wealth of knowledge and expertise. Click here for more details of this event.
MEET FUCHIA Dunlop
On March 20th, British food writer Fuchia Dunlop presented her new book "Invitation to a Banquet" at the Charing Cross Library, where she met with our members and non member readers.
Fuchsia is a cook and food-writer specialising in Chinese cuisine. In the 1990s, She went to live in the Sichuanese capital, Chengdu, and ended up taking a professional chef’s training course at the Sichuan Higher Institute of Cuisine. Since then, for the last three decades, she has continued her explorations both of Sichuanese food a and of Chinese cuisine more broadly. She has won various awards for her writing, including four James Beard Awards in the United States, Fortnum and Mason Cookbook of the Year (2020), Guild of Food Writers Food Writer of the Year (2022), The Kate Whiteman Award (2009, 2013) The Andre Simon Award (2017), the IACP Jane Grigson Award (2009). She was also shortlisted for the Art of Eating Prize in 2017.
Click here for more details of the event.
Click here for full report of the event by European Times journalists.
About London Reading Club
OUR MISSION
MEMBER BENEFITS
OUR MISSION
At London Reading Club, our mission is to create a welcoming and inclusive space for all members to meet, connect, and build meaningful relationships through a common enjoyment of reading. You do not need to be an avid reader or a keen literary critic; we only ask that you are open to reading one book a month and come willing to contribut
At London Reading Club, our mission is to create a welcoming and inclusive space for all members to meet, connect, and build meaningful relationships through a common enjoyment of reading. You do not need to be an avid reader or a keen literary critic; we only ask that you are open to reading one book a month and come willing to contribute to the discussion! We strive to foster a sense of community and belonging, allowing everyone to find their reading niche and experience the joy and depth of literature.
OUR VALUES
MEMBER BENEFITS
OUR MISSION
EMPATHY - One of the most wonderful things about reading is how it transports us, across the world and through time, into the shoes of people we would never meet. We read each book and attend each discussion with open minds and hearts.
INCLUSIVITY - We bring together people from many diverse backgrounds to share ideas, expand horizons, and
EMPATHY - One of the most wonderful things about reading is how it transports us, across the world and through time, into the shoes of people we would never meet. We read each book and attend each discussion with open minds and hearts.
INCLUSIVITY - We bring together people from many diverse backgrounds to share ideas, expand horizons, and experience the joy of reading together. We listen to each and every view with respect, and strive to learn from one another.
COMMUNITY - Through our club, members discover friendships that extend far beyond the reading room. We actively foster these connections by hosting regular activities, including talks and workshops with special guests, visits to museums and exhibitions, and even trips abroad.
MEMBER BENEFITS
MEMBER BENEFITS
MEMBER BENEFITS
As a member of London Reading Club, you will have access to exclusive events, discounts at local businesses, and the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals. Furthermore, you will join a thriving community of social enthusiasts!
Explore the exclusive perks of our society, including monthly reading groups both online and in pers
As a member of London Reading Club, you will have access to exclusive events, discounts at local businesses, and the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals. Furthermore, you will join a thriving community of social enthusiasts!
Explore the exclusive perks of our society, including monthly reading groups both online and in person, and enlightening lectures and workshops led by experts and special guests. Engage in festive celebrations, one-of-a-kind tours, museum and exhibition visits, and unique events like our annual overseas team-building trip. Our membership also grants you access to dedicated benefits offered by partner organisations. Join us today to immerse yourself in literature and culture, make unforgettable memories, and build connections to last a lifetime.
