Introducing Unwrap & Yap: The New Blind Date Book Club Coming to Hayley's CIC
We’ve all been there. You walk into a bookstore, your eyes dart to the prettiest cover, you read a synopsis, and maybe you buy it—only to realise three chapters in that it’s not your vibe. On the other hand, you might find yourself stuck in a "reading rut," cycling through the same genre over and over again because it’s comfortable.
As someone who is dyslexic, my relationship with books has always been a bit unique. Traditional reading can sometimes feel like a steep uphill climb. For years, I found my escape through audiobooks, falling head over heels for the pure, unadulterated imagination that authors weave into their worlds. However, I noticed two things happening: I kept sticking strictly to my comfort zone, namely, epic romance and dark fantasy—and I deeply missed having a community to discuss them with.
Recently, I realised just how much I love hearing other people's points of view on books—whether they absolutely loved a story or completely hated it! I wanted to chat with people, so, like most people these days, I turned to Facebook and joined a book group. Don't get me wrong, online groups are fantastic for getting recommendations, but they aren't so good for a proper, good old-fashioned conversation. I missed the real-life connection of sitting down and just talking.
That all changed because of a single, unexpected recommendation.
Diving Into the Unknown
I was listening to a BookTok podcast when the hosts mentioned a book called Dungeon Crawler Carl. It sounded absolutely absurd, hilarious, and entirely outside my usual realm. Out of pure curiosity, I gave it a go.
I couldn't put it down.
I laughed so much that my partner eventually asked what on earth I was listening to. Soon enough, he started reading it too. Suddenly, our weekends were filled with debates about the characters, theories about the storyline, and a shared excitement that gave us something entirely new to bond over.
That single, unexpected book was the spark. It made me realise how magical it is to step outside your comfort zone, and it got me thinking: How can I create a space where other people can connect over books, try things they’d never normally pick up, and have a brilliant time doing it?
Enter Unwrap & Yap—a brand-new, community-focused "Blind Date with a Book" club. And honestly, where better to host this exciting new venture than at the wonderful and incredibly supportive Hayley's CIC? Their dedication to bringing people together matches the spirit of this club perfectly, making it the absolute dream home for our monthly gatherings.
How Does a "Blind Date with a Book" Work?
The concept is beautifully simple, yet filled with mystery. Instead of browsing a shelf and picking a title based on a flashy cover or a famous author's name, our members fly completely blind. Each month, the group is presented with a selection of mysterious, brown-paper-wrapped packages. The only clues to what lies inside are a few intriguing buzzwords scrawled on the front—think: "1920s, Gothic, High-Stakes Mystery" or "Steamy, Forbidden Love, One True Secret." Members get to vote on these clues to choose the next month's read, adding a fun bit of mystery while ensuring the group stays in complete control of what they explore. No one actually sees the cover or knows the title until we all unwrap them together at the meeting! It completely strips away preconceived biases and forces us to judge a book purely by its soul. To keep things sustainable and support local literacy, I hand-pick and source these hidden gems through local second-hand bookshops. It’s all about creating a low-cost, high-joy space for people to try something brand new.
What to Expect at an Unwrap & Yap Session
I wanted this club to feel less like a rigid English literature class and more like a cosy, creative Saturday morning with friends. Every session includes your own hand-picked mystery book to keep, plus your very own reading scrapbook. I’ll be wheeling in a shared Scrapbook Station packed with washi tape, stickers, and colourful pens so we can visually craft our reviews together over a complimentary spread of tea, coffee, biscuits, crisps, and cake! We will also have a mobile Book Swap Trolley on site. Even if you aren't part of the club, feel free to pop into Hayley's CIC to exchange a pre-loved book of your own!
Join the Conversation
Whether you are an avid physical reader, an audiobook lover, someone managing dyslexia like me, or just looking for a welcoming space to try something new, there is a seat at the table for you.
Let's step out of our comfort zones, unwrap some mysteries, and have a good old-fashioned yap.
Unwrap & Yap meets monthly on Saturday mornings (10 am - 12 pm) at Hayley's CIC, starting on August 22. Spaces are limited, so be sure to register your interest via the Events page or pop into Hayley's CIC to secure you
r spot at our special introductory price of just £8!
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