Radical Reading Room with Sarah Autumn
Multiple dates and times
Left Bank Leeds, LS6 1LJ
Description
We get together every month to discuss a book from our Radical Reading Room – a library we’ve set up in collaboration with Pluto Press and The Left Book Club. It’s an informal group and everyone is welcome, so pop down and chat about some timely political topics.
Books we have read this year so far:
Hope In Hopeless Times By John Holloway
Exploring Degrowth by Vincent Liegey and Anitra Nelson
Radical Intimacy by Sophie K Rosa
Less Is More by Jason Hickel
Badvertising by Andrew Simms and Leo Murray
Our Current Book: As If Already Free, Anthropology and Activism After David Graeber by Holly High and Joshua O.Reno
'A highly original thinker' - New York Times
David Graeber (1961–2020) was an American anthropologist and anarchist activist, who left us with new ways to understand humankind. This collection of new writing brings together his insights into one book, showing how deeply his work continues to influence us today.
Graeber's writing resonates with both scholars and activists looking to shake things up. The impact of his work is broad in scope, from birth to banking, and he picks open social hierarchy and political power to expose what really makes human society tick.
In today's neoliberal world, we can turn to his legacy to provide a way for us to understand what went wrong, and how to fix it. This collection of writings is both an introduction to his life and works, a guide to his key ideas, and an inspiring example of how anthropologists are continuing to use his work today.
About the authors: Holly High and Joshua O.Reno
Holly High is an Associate Professor at Deakin University, Australia. She has written two books, Fields of Desire and Projectland and edited the collection Stone Masters.
Joshua O. Reno is a Professor at Binghamton University, US. A socio-cultural anthropologist, he is the author of Waste Away, Military Waste and co-author of Imagining the Heartland. He co-edited the collection Economies of Recycling.
About the facilitator: Sarah Autumn
Sarah Autumn is a Leeds based activist and creative community organiser. She's part of the extended Left bank family and will be facilitating the Radical Reading Group in 2024. Sarah will work with Pluto Press, Left Book Club and the Radical Reading group members to select and study each book ahead of the meetups.
Reading Room FAQ’s
How often is the reading room?
There is a Radical Reading Room at Left Bank every 4-6 weeks. Every group is held on the last Wednesday of the month at 6.30pm as part of our Culture Club. The group is held in the main Left Bank space or in one of the caravans outside when the evenings are lighter and warmer.
2024 dates
31st Jan
28th Feb (cancelled)
27th March
24th April
29th May
26th June
31st July
28th Aug
25th Sep
30th Oct
27th Nov
What time is the reading room?
The reading room starts at 6.30pm.
Between 6.30-6.45 you will have time to arrive, get a drink and acquaint yourself with the group. We wrap up by 8pm.
How much does the Reading Room cost?
The Radical Reading Group is free to attend.
There will always be at least one copy of the book available in the library to borrow.
If you do wish to buy the book from Pluto Press, you will receive a 40% discount code. To get the code, please email sarahaautumn@gmail.com once you have booked your ticket.
Do I have to read the whole book?
Whilst you may find the reading group more enjoyable if you have read the book, it isn’t essential. You can come along to listen and learn about the book or discuss the broader ideas within the book. Sarah will highlight passages and quotes to discuss. You will also receive some information about the book and author in your reminder email.
Can I suggest a book?
Yes! We would love to hear your suggestions. It is worth keeping in mind though that this reading group is in collaboration with Pluto Press and Left Book Club so it does need to be a book within one of those two catalogues. Fortunately that gives you lots of awesome books to choose from.
At the end of each group, we discuss books for the following meet up and usually agree one then. The book selection will be added to the event listing on the Left Bank Website, Leeds Inspired and social media.
Can I borrow other books from the Library?
YES! The Radical Reading Room Library at Left Bank is available for all!
Location
Left Bank Leeds, LS6 1LJ