Scholarship student and local bookshop join forces to promote literature.
Ever felt you don’t know much about literature from Wales? Fancy joining a book group?
Well, here is the perfect opportunity to do both! Bangor University post graduate student Alex Ross and local independent bookseller Eirian James have joined forces to start up a book group in Bangor which will concentrate on reading and discussing literature from Wales in the English language.
“Starting a book group at our shop in Bangor has been on my to-do list since we opened the shop, over three years ago,” said Eirian James who owns and manages Palas Print in Caernarfon and Bangor.
“Having Alex working with us as part of her MA studies, provides the perfect opportunity to set it up now,” she added.
Alex Ross, from Wrexham, is studying for an MA with the English Department at Bangor University, and was awarded an Access to Masters (ATM) scholarship by the University which allows her to continue her studies, and requires her to work with a local company to link her research to the local economy.
The Reading Wales book group, which is being launched on World Book Day, Thursday March 7th, will provide local people with the opportunity to discover and discuss books written in English with a Welsh flavour.
Alex has already established a blog called ‘Reading Wales’(www.readingwales.wordpress.com) which aims to create an online community to promote and discuss Welsh Writing in English, and the book group provides an opportunity to get the local community involved.
“Welsh Writing in English is a growing field of academic study, but it is also accessible and interesting for everyone,” said Alex Ross.
“If you’re a new mum, retired, or just fancy trying out something new, the book group will offer the time and space to discuss a literary tradition that is important to Welsh culture,” said Alex.
“Our aim is to meet every month, and the first meeting will give us a chance to discuss when and where to meet, and most importantly, what books to read,” added Alex.
Anyone interested in joining the group, or just finding out more should contact Alex Ross by email eluc47@bangor.ac.uk or Eirian James at Palas Palas Print on 01286 674631, or 01248 362676, email eirian@palasprint.com or just pop into the shop.
In the meant time, just to get a flavour of some of the wealth of books from Wales, why not follow the Reading Wales blog www.readingwales.wordpress.com or find us on Facebook and Twitter.
Publication date: 7 March 2013