Read books worth talking about
Original short stories and carefully chosen published books—selected for adults, not schoolchildren.
Books worth reading. Conversations worth having.
Improve your English.
Enjoy the conversation.
Read absorbing stories, share your ideas and gain the speaking practice you need to express yourself with greater ease and confidence.
Designed for adult learners from intermediate level
This week in
the book room
A short storyThe Last
TableWhat would you have done?
TableWhat would you have done?
Reading togetherStories open
doors.Conversation brings us in.
doors.Conversation brings us in.
A mysteryThe Woman
at FriedrichstrasseRead • think • discuss
at FriedrichstrasseRead • think • discuss
No tests. No lectures.
Just great reading and better English.
More than an English class
A reason to read.
A place to belong.
Practise expressing yourself
Explain ideas, express opinions and summarise what you’ve read. The more often you turn your thoughts into spoken English, the easier and more natural it becomes.
Become part of a small community
Get to know the same thoughtful group over a term. The aim is connection, not another anonymous class.
How the club works
Start with stories.
Choose the book together.
Book clubs run in terms. A new group begins with two short-story sessions, giving everyone a chance to meet, experience the format and help choose the book.
We then read the chosen book in manageable sections and meet each week to talk about it. If the group finishes early, we return to original short stories for the remaining sessions.
Weeks 1–2Short stories
Meet the group
Meet the group
Week 3 onwardsRead the chosen book
Discuss it together
Discuss it together
Meet Tim
A thoughtful book club needs a thoughtful host.
I’m Tim, a Cambridge-qualified English teacher based in London. After more than seven years teaching adults online, I created The English Book Room for learners who want to explore real ideas in English—not simply work through another textbook.
I choose stories that give people something worth talking about, then guide the discussion so everyone has time to think, speak and grow in confidence.
More about Tim“You don’t need perfect English to have something interesting to say.”
Current and future groups
Find your place in the Book Room.
The current group is already reading its chosen book. Register your interest and tell me when you are available so I can match you with a suitable future group.
Current group — now closed
Tuesday group
B1+–B2+
- When
- Tuesdays, 5.00–6.00 pm UK time
- Reading
- Snow Falling on Cedars
This group is well into its chosen book and cannot take new members for the rest of the term.
Register your interest
New groups forming
B1+–C1+
- Times
- Weekday morning and evening options
- Group
- Small groups of four to six members
Tell me your level and availability. I’ll contact you when a suitable group is taking shape.
There is no commitment or payment. Before you join, we’ll have a short conversation to check that the group suits your level. Your first attended session is free; after that, sessions cost £15 each.
Before you register
A few useful answers.
What happens after I register?
I’ll email you to learn a little more about your goals and availability. Before joining a group, you’ll complete a short reading and have a brief conversation with me so that I can check your level.
How much do we read each week?
You’ll read a manageable section between sessions. I provide vocabulary and reading support before each discussion so that you can arrive ready to take part.
Do I need to buy the book?
Yes. Members buy their own copy of any published book. Original short stories and the accompanying learning materials are provided.
What if there is no suitable group yet?
Your registration stays as an expression of interest. I’ll contact you when enough learners at a similar level are available at a time that works for you.