We're meeting on Zoom to chat about The Power on 26th June.
Sign up for Book Club and we'll send you a link to join us a little nearer the time.
The Book Club
Looking for a space to connect with other parents and carers in neurodivergent households?
Welcome to our Online Book Club - a judgment-free zone where books spark conversations and connections. With a new book suggestion each month and a casual zoom call to discuss, there's no pressure. Just excellent books and good chat.
What to expect:
Book Suggestions
Zoom Meet Up
Special Guests
Kick off each month with a thoughtfully-chosen book, available in print and audio formats. So whether you prefer reading with your morning coffee or listening during a busy day, we've got you covered.
At the end of the month, grab a cuppa and join our laid-back Zoom chat to talk about the book.
Whether you want to dive into the discussion or just listen in, everyone's welcome.
We're also planning to bring in some amazing authors for special guest appearances.
Imagine hearing insights straight from the source!
Our June Read
In The Power, the world is a recognisable place: there's a rich Nigerian boy who lounges around the family pool; a foster kid whose religious parents hide their true nature; an ambitious American politician; a tough London girl from a tricky family.
But then a vital new force takes root and flourishes, causing their lives to converge with devastating effect. Teenage girls now have immense physical power: they can cause agonizing pain and even death. And, with this small twist of nature, the world drastically resets.
From award-winning author Naomi Alderman, The Power is speculative fiction at its most ambitious and provocative, at once taking us on a thrilling journey to an alternate reality, and exposing our own world in bold and surprising ways.
"Captivating, fierce, and unsettling...I was riveted by every page. Alderman's prose is immersive and, well, electric." —New York Times Book Review
I was a bit anxious about reading poetry (my mum used to write poems and enjoyed reading them but they didn't seem very accessible to me). I didn't think I'd be able to access it or engage, ie I thought I'd be bored and needed to read a novel or even factual writing...
I then decided to read the title poem - assumed it must be a good one to have the book named after it. Bloody hell. My eyes welled up and my voice cracked up...
Until now, I hadn't been able to understand people who talked about how moving a poem could be.
GOT QUESTIONS? READ ON MY FRIEND...
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Do I need to finish the book to join the discussion?
Not at all! Whether you've read the whole book, just started, or only managed a few chapters, you're welcome to join. Our discussions are relaxed and inclusive.
What if I can't make it to every monthly meeting?
No problem! We understand that life in neurodivergent households can be unpredictable. Join when you can – there's no minimum attendance requirement.
How long are the zoom sessions?
Our monthly discussions typically run for 60-90 minutes, but you're welcome to drop in and out as needed. We understand that flexibility is important.
How do I join the zoom sessions?
We'll email you a reminder and a Zoom link 48 hours before each session.
What kinds of books do you choose?
We select a diverse range of books, including fiction and non-fiction, with a mix of themes relevant to neurodivergent families. All books are chosen with accessibility in mind and are available in multiple formats.
Is there a cost to join?
Not at all! Our Book Club is completely free. The only cost would be acquiring the book itself, which you can do through your preferred method (purchase, library, audio subscription, etc.).
What if I prefer audiobooks to reading?
That's absolutely fine! We aim to ensure all our selected books are available in audio format. How you consume the book doesn't matter – your thoughts and experiences are what count.
Can I suggest books for future months?
Yes! We welcome suggestions from our members. Part of building our community is sharing books that have resonated with you. Look out for our calls for recommendations in your inbox and on social media.
What happens during the guest author sessions?
These special sessions give members the chance to hear directly from authors about their work. There's usually time for Q&A, but as with all our sessions, there's no pressure to participate actively.
Is the group only for parents/carers of neurodivergent children?
Our group welcomes all parents and carers in neurodivergent households, including neurodivergent parents themselves. If you feel this space would benefit you, you're welcome to join us.
A little bit about your
host:
Heidi Mavir (SHE/THEY) is an AuDHD public speaker, advocate, Sunday Times Best Selling author and parent to an autistic/adhd teenager. She is also a chronic oversharer and a bit of a bad ass.
A trained Mental Health First Aider and CPD Accredited Trauma-Informed Professional, Heidi uses her knowledge, learning and experience to help other parents and carers to become powerful advocates for their neurodivergent kids. She has built an online community of over 5000 families, supported by parent professionals and SEN advocates who want to improve opportunities for neurodivergent learners.
Heidi has spoken on stages across the UK, and has been featured in The Sunday Times, The Guardian and on BBC National News.
Heidi loves giraffes and will delight you with "giraf-facts" given the opportunity. Her guilty pleasures are Yorkshire Tea and her leopard print sofa, which cost more than her car. She wishes all dresses had pockets.
And your co-host:
Anna is a Neurodivergent mother of two Neurodivergent teens, has years of experience both personally on her own parenting journey -and professionally in schools as an SEN Teaching Assistant and Emotional Literacy Support Assistant- which she brings to her work as an author.
Anna is currently working on a Journal for Neurodivergent Young Adults - entitled ' Hack It All ! A guided journal for Neurodivergent adulting YOUR way' inspired by a journal she made for her daughter's 18th Birthday.
Anna also founded the Neurospicy OCD Support Community, a facebook group providing validation, information and support to families of Neurodivergent young people affected by OCD.
Anna is an avid reader with a particular focus on all things related to Neurodivergence. She lives with her family , two crazy dogs and a mini flock of four chickens...one of whom they've recently discovered is infact a rooster and is named Ragnar the red! She loves the coast and finds the sea to be particularly restorative. Her guilty pleasures are Greys Anatomy and Coke (Cola!)