Charles Dickens was born in 1812 near Portsmouth where his father was a clerk in the navy pay office. The family moved to London in 1823, but their fortunes were severely impaired. Dickens was sent to work in a blacking-warehouse when his father was imprisoned for debt. Both experiences deeply affected the future novelist. In 1833 he began contributing stories to newspapers and magazines, and in 1836 started the serial publication of Pickwick Papers. Thereafter, Dickens published his major novels over the course of the next twenty years, from Nicholas Nickleby to Little Dorrit. He also edited the journals Household Words and All the Year Round. Dickens died in June 1870.

Meet Charles Dickens

FOLLOW CHARLES:

www.thisisnotcharleswebsite.com

July 31, 2024
7 - 8 PM EDT

Aug 19, 2024
4 - 6 PM EDT

Sep 7, 2024
5 - 6 PM EDT

CHOOSE YOUR DATE:

Seats are limited.

Make it A Tale of Two Cities party!

Ready to take your book club to the next level? Invite some friends to read along and then get together for the live event. Here are some fun food, music, and decor ideas to take your A Tale of Two Cities party to the next level:

French and English Cuisine:

• French Baguettes and Cheese: Various French cheeses like Brie, Camembert, and Roquefort.

• Quiche Lorraine: A classic French dish.

• Croissants and Pain au Chocolat: Fresh and flaky pastries.

• Bangers and Mash: A traditional British dish of sausages and mashed potatoes.

• Roast Beef with Yorkshire Pudding: Another classic British meal.

• Madeleines and Macarons: French cookies for dessert.

• Fruit Tartlets: Mini tarts with fresh fruit and custard.

Drinks:

• Red Wine: A staple of French dining.

• English Tea: Serve with lemon, milk, and sugar.

• Champagne: For a celebratory touch.

• Cider: Both French and English varieties.

Revolutionary Paris and Victorian London:

• Red, White, and Blue Color Scheme: Reflect the French flag with table linens and decorations.

• Candlelight: Use candelabras and candlesticks to create an 18th-century atmosphere.

• Vintage Maps and Posters: Decorate with old maps of Paris and London, and posters of revolutionary slogans.

Elegant Yet Rustic:

• Wooden Tables and Benches: For a rustic, old-world feel.

• Chalkboards and Books: Write quotes from the book on small chalkboards and stack old books as part of the decor.

• Revolutionary Symbols: Incorporate items like the Phrygian cap, tricolor cockades, and the British Union Jack.

Historical Touches:

• Busts and Statues: Small busts of historical figures from the French Revolution.

• Antique Mirrors and Frames: Add to the Victorian aesthetic.

Classical and Revolutionary Music:

• Ludwig van Beethoven: Symphonies and piano sonatas that evoke the era.

• Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Timeless classical pieces.

• Frédéric Chopin: Romantic piano music.

Soundtrack Selections:

• "Les Misérables" Soundtrack: While not directly related, the music evokes the spirit of revolutionary France.

• "A Tale of Two Cities" (1958) Soundtrack by Richard Addinsell: If available, includes period-appropriate music.

Period Instrumentals

• Harpsichord and Strings: Instrumental pieces that fit the era.

• Folk Songs and Revolutionary Tunes: Songs like “La Marseillaise” and traditional English folk music.

Food Ideas

Playlist Ideas

Decor Ideas

FAQs

How do I join the Insider Book Club?

Joining the Insider Book Club is easy and free! Select one or more of our current books on our website and register for an author event for each book you choose. Congrats! You're officially part of the club.

Is there a cost to participate in the book club events?

All our events are free. You will need a copy of the book to participate, and we provide links for easy access. However, you can always purchase or borrow books from wherever you like.

How do I register for the "Meet the Author" sessions?

On the book's information page, you'll see a box titled "Choose Your Date." Select a date from the list and click "Register Now" to be directed to the registration page. Zoom links and a reminder will be emailed.

Can I suggest a book or author for the Insider Book Club to feature?

While we have a rigorous selection process, we welcome suggestions. Feel free to contact us with your book recommendations. If you're an author who'd like to participate, please visit our For Authors page.

What genres do you feature?

We feature a variety of genres typically found in book clubs, including women's fiction, upmarket fiction, literary fiction, speculative fiction, and historical fiction. We'll consider any genre if the book makes you think and contributes to a lively discussion.

Will I be able to interact with the authors during the sessions?

Yes, our "Meet the Author" sessions are interactive, allowing you to ask questions and engage directly with the authors.

Can I purchase the books through your website?

Each featured book has purchase links on our website, making it easy to get your copy while supporting local bookstores through bookshop.org. As an affiliate, we make a small commission off any books you purchase, which helps pay for the hosting and software necessary to keep Insider Book Club thriving.

How often do you select new books?

We select books for the season (Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall) and spread out "Meet the Author" sessions to allow people time to read at their own pace. We'll announce new books at the beginning of Dec, March, June, and September.

What if I miss a "Meet the Author" session?

While live interaction is best, some sessions may be recorded and available for later viewing. This will depend on each individual author's preferences.

Can I register for more than one author meet-up at a time?

Please do NOT register for more than one session with the same author in a single season. However, we HIGHLY encourage you to attend sessions with as many authors as possible.

If I'm hosting an in-person party, do all the guests need to register for the online event?

We encourage each guest to register for the event. This helps our authors know how many people to expect and prevents over-crowding the online event.

How can I stay updated on upcoming events and new book features?

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