GOBS POETRY BOOK CLUB (2021-26)

GOBS Poetry Book Club brought poets, writers and readers together to explore contemporary poetry collections through discussion, creative writing and community connection from 2021 to 2026.

Beginning at Mimm Studios, the Book Club later moved to Broadway Cinema's Lounge before finding its home at Nottingham Central Library.

Each session focused on a selected poetry collection, inviting participants to share their interpretations, discuss themes and techniques, and explore the work of contemporary poets. Sessions also featured creative writing exercises inspired by the featured books, encouraging attendees to experiment with new forms, styles and ideas in their own writing.

Over the years, the Book Club introduced participants to a diverse range of poetic voices, from emerging writers to internationally celebrated poets. It provided a welcoming, accessible environment for readers and writers of all experience levels to deepen their appreciation of poetry, develop their creative practice and build lasting connections.

Who Was Involved

Facilitators
Ioney Smallhorne • Bridie Squires • Sarah Wheatley • Polis Loizou

Venues
Mimm Studios • Broadway Cinema's Lounge • Nottingham Central Library

Books We Read

  • Caleb Femi – Poor

  • Tolu Agbelusi – Locating Strongwoman

  • Caroline Bird – The Air Year

  • Ella Frears – I am the Mother Cat

  • Kae Tempest – Running Upon the Wires

  • Roger Robinson – A Portable Paradise

  • Malika Booker, Sharon Olds & Warsan Shire – Your Family, Your Body (Modern Poets Three)

  • Inua Ellams – The Actual

  • Cecilia Knapp – Peach Pig

  • Yomi Ṣode – Manorisms

  • Will Harris – Rendang

  • Anthony Anaxagorou – Heritage Aesthetics

  • Hannah Lowe – Chick

  • Warsan Shire – Blessed is the Daughter Raised by a Voice in her Head

  • Gboyega Odubanjo – Adam

  • Brian Bilston – Alexa, What Is There to Know About Love?

  • Amy Acre – Mothersong

  • Amanda Gorman – Call Us What We Carry

  • Ted Kooser & Connie Wanek – Marshmallow Clouds

  • Vanessa Kisuule – A Recipe for Sorcery

  • Haifa Mohammed – The Age of Olive Trees

  • Adam Kammerling – Seder

  • Kostya Tsolakis – Greekling

  • Alex Mazey – Ghost Lives: Cursed Edition

  • Keith Jarrett – Hide Me Under the Blood and I Shall Be Satisfied

  • Sharon Creech – Love That Dog

  • Hannah Silva – Crow Pirate Fly

  • Mona Arshi – Small Hands

  • Martín Espada's Jailbreak of Sparrows

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