English through stories & conversation

The International
English Book Club

Don't just study English. Use it.
Read. Discuss. Connect. Build confidence.

Six-week programme · Maximum of six participants per group · Live sessions on Google Meet

Patrick, host of the International English Book Club
with Patrick Your club host

A real conversation, once a week

This isn't another English course built around exercises and theory. It's a place to use your English in real conversation — sharing opinions, challenging ideas, responding to different perspectives, and becoming more confident expressing yourself without rehearsing every sentence first.

Each week, the group reads an agreed section of the same novel and meets for a 90-minute live discussion. Before every session, you'll receive a clear reading schedule, vocabulary support, and carefully prepared discussion questions, so you can arrive prepared and focus on what matters: the conversation.

Each group is limited to six participants. The small-group format gives everyone meaningful speaking time while keeping the discussion varied, lively, and personal. No sitting quietly at the back of a large class — everyone has a voice.

Our first book is The Giver by Lois Lowry. Its accessible language makes it well suited to English learners, while its themes invite different interpretations, opinions, and genuine debate. The book gives you something worth talking about — and English becomes the language you use to do it.

Over six weeks, you'll develop greater fluency, a broader active vocabulary, and more confidence speaking spontaneously. And because you'll be discussing ideas with adults from around the world, you won't just practise English — you'll use it to connect with people.

Who it's for
Adult international English learnersIntermediate to advanced level
Group size
Maximum 6 participantsMeaningful speaking time for everyone
Programme length
6 weeksOne 90-minute live session per week
Opening book
The GiverLois Lowry
Platform
Google MeetJoin directly from your browser
First session
Weekend of 13–15 November2026
Price
$150 early bird$165 after 1 November
Payment
Secure online paymentCredit/debit card or PayPal

Choose your session

Each group meets at the same time each week throughout the six-week programme, creating a consistent and engaging learning experience. Choose the session that best fits your schedule and English level.

Friday
Intermediate
7:30 – 9:00 AM Pacific Time90-minute live session with a short break
Saturday
Advanced
7:30 – 9:00 AM Pacific Time90-minute live session with a short break
Sunday
Advanced
7:30 – 9:00 AM Pacific Time90-minute live session with a short break
7:30 AM Pacific Time is
10:30 AMNew York · Toronto
12:30 PMSão Paulo · Buenos Aires
3:30 PMLondon · UTC
4:30 PMMadrid · Berlin · Warsaw
5:30 PMKyiv · Cairo · Athens
6:30 PMIstanbul · Moscow
9:00 PMDelhi · Mumbai
10:30 PMBangkok · Hanoi

The class is always anchored to Pacific Time in California. These figures are for the November–December 2026 programme, after the autumn clock changes in Europe and North America have already taken place.

7:30 – 9:00 AM Pacific Time
Check the session time where you live
Your local session time
Select a time zone

What's included

Everything you need to prepare for each session is delivered directly to your inbox in advance, giving you the flexibility to prepare at your own pace.

  • Structured six-week reading plan
  • Weekly session guide
  • Curated vocabulary for each reading
  • Discussion questions provided in advance
  • Live small-group speaking practice
  • Personalised pronunciation and fluency feedback
  • Direct access to live sessions via Google Meet
  • Book purchase and preparation guidance
  • Speaking confidenceExpress yourself naturally without rehearsing every sentence
  • FluencyKeep the conversation flowing, even when you can't find the perfect word
  • Active vocabularyBuild vocabulary through meaningful context and conversation
  • Communication skillsExpress opinions, clarify ideas, and respond with confidence
  • Critical thinkingDevelop, articulate, and support your point of view
  • International connectionsConnect with fellow participants from around the world

Price

One payment gives you access to the complete six-week programme. The book is purchased separately, giving you the flexibility to choose the format that suits you best — paperback, e-book, or a library copy.

Standard

$165

Registration is open from 2 November through 8 November.

Refer a friend

Save $15

−$15

When someone you refer joins the next six-week programme, you receive $15 off your own next programme.

Reserve your seat

Registration is open until 8 November, subject to availability. Each group is limited to six participants.

  1. Submit your detailsComplete the short registration form below to reserve your place. There is no payment required at this stage.
  2. Confirm your placeWe'll contact you with a secure payment link and confirm your selected session once payment is received.
  3. Receive your materialsYou'll receive your reading schedule, first-session preparation guide, and Google Meet access details before the programme begins.

We'll send you a confirmation link to verify your email address. Once confirmed, we'll be in touch within 24 hours. No payment is required at this stage. See our privacy notice.

FAQ

How good does my English need to be?

An intermediate level or above is recommended. If you can follow a conversation and express your opinions in English — even if you sometimes need more time or make mistakes — you're ready to take part. If you're unsure which session best matches your level, simply let us know on the registration form and we'll help you choose the most suitable group.

Do I need to buy the book?

You'll need access to your own copy of The Giver. You can choose whichever format works best for you — paperback, e-book, or a library copy. After registering, you'll receive information on how to find the book, giving you plenty of time to have it ready before the first session.

What if I miss a week?

You can easily keep up with the programme using the materials provided. Your reading guide, vocabulary support, and discussion questions are yours to keep, allowing you to prepare for the following session at your own pace. As each meeting is a live, interactive group discussion, missed sessions cannot be repeated or recorded.

Do I need to install anything?

No additional software is required. Sessions take place on Google Meet, which you can access directly through your browser. You'll need a stable internet connection, microphone, and camera. Please note that Google Meet is not accessible in mainland China.

Will I have to speak the whole time?

You'll have plenty of opportunities to speak, but there's no pressure to talk continuously. Groups are limited to six participants to ensure everyone has meaningful speaking time and can contribute naturally to the discussion. You'll also receive the discussion questions in advance, giving you time to consider the topics before each session.

How do I pay?

Once you register, we'll send you a secure payment link. Payment can be made by credit or debit card, or through PayPal. If these payment methods are not available in your country, simply let us know on the registration form and we'll help you arrange an alternative.