Great books. Brilliant conversations. New friends.
Love reading? Enjoy a good conversation? Fancy meeting some new people?
Welcome to Bookshelf Friends, a friendly, relaxed and inclusive community bringing book lovers together in Hammersmith and online.
We meet monthly to discuss brilliant books, share ideas, discover new favourites and make new friends. Whether you're a lifelong bookworm or just getting back into reading, there's a place for you.
What's on
by Daphne du Maurier
Join us for a wonderfully dark and atmospheric read from the author of Rebecca. Set against the wild and windswept Cornish moors, Jamaica Inn is a gripping Gothic tale of mystery, danger and secrets.
We'll be meeting in a friendly local pub close to Hammersmith station for a relaxed discussion.
by Shelby Van Pelt
A wonderfully heartwarming and unusual novel about friendship, grief, unexpected connections and the remarkable bonds that can form between very different lives.
Join us from wherever you are for a friendly, relaxed discussion with fellow book lovers.
by Bonnie Garmus
Our next Hammersmith read. Date to be confirmed, so check back soon or keep an eye on Eventbrite.
Join us for a delightful two-and-a-half-hour wander around the charming streets of Notting Hill, exploring a variety of fantastic independent bookshops.
Discover hidden gems, browse beautiful bookshelves, meet fellow book lovers and perhaps come away with a few more books than you intended!
Easy as one, two, three
Step 1
Browse our upcoming book clubs and events. We host monthly in-person book clubs in Hammersmith, online book clubs on Zoom and occasional special events.
Step 2
Reserve your place through Eventbrite. Some events are free and others have a small charge. You'll find all the details on the individual booking page.
Step 3
Read the book, bring your thoughts and join the conversation. No literary expertise required, and absolutely no pressure to have finished every page!
Most people come to Bookshelf Friends on their own, so you won't be the only one. We make sure everyone feels welcome and included.
Who we are
Bookshelf Friends grew out of a simple idea: one of the best things about books is the people they bring into our lives.
We're a friendly, relaxed and inclusive community of readers who enjoy discovering new books, sharing different perspectives and having conversations that often wander off in wonderfully unexpected directions.
We read across different genres, mixing familiar favourites with books that introduce us to new voices, ideas and experiences.
Whether you're a dedicated reader or finding your way back into books, you're very welcome.
Meet your host
Host of Bookshelf Friends, lifelong bookworm, enthusiastic book chatterer and firm believer that one of the great things about books is the people they can bring into your life.
I've been hosting different kinds of book clubs for many years, previously online and now both in person in West London and virtually.
I also have a Master's in Creative Writing, which, rather than turning me into a novelist, mostly seems to have given me an even bigger excuse to read.
Bookshelf Friends grew out of the friendships and sense of community I've found through books. I wanted to create more opportunities for people to meet, talk, laugh, share recommendations and have the sort of conversations that start with a book and quite often wander off somewhere completely unexpected.
On our shelf
October 2026
by Sarah Winman
Our October read, and the very first book we all read together.
Historical fiction with found family and equal amounts of laughter and tears. Even though the first couple of chapters are a bit slow to start, everybody really enjoyed reading this, and once you get to chapter three, you're extremely invested in both the characters and their storyline.
A really enjoyable read, particularly for anyone who has ever visited or lived in Florence, Italy.
Good questions
Not at all. Come along whether you've read every page, half of it or just the first chapter. There's absolutely no pressure.
Brilliant! Most of our members come on their own, so you'll be in good company and we'll make sure you feel welcome.
Choose an event above and click Book. All bookings are handled through Eventbrite, where you'll find the full details.
Some events are free and others have a small charge. Each Eventbrite page shows the details.
Yes! Our online book clubs on Zoom are open to everyone, wherever you're based.
No literary expertise required. Just bring your thoughts and enjoy the conversation.
Run a pub, café, bookshop or venue in West London? I'd love to hear from you about hosting a Bookshelf Friends book club.
Stay in touch
Follow Bookshelf Friends on Eventbrite to be the first to know when new book clubs and events go live.
Follow on EventbriteBook club photos, reading recommendations and a peek at what we're reading next — follow along at @bookshelffriends.
Follow @bookshelffriendsQuestions, book recommendations or just want to know more? Drop me a line.
tor@bookshelffriends.com