
"A Real Doll" by AM Homes
Unconventional, graphic short story about a boy's romantic fixation on a sister's Barbie prompts a lively, adult-oriented short-story club discussion amid holiday programming at a neighborhood taproom.
Similar Events

Darkly humorous and unsettling prose about transformation sparks group discussion in a casual cider taproom setting, with readers dissecting themes of alienation, absurdity, and domestic decay.

Darkly humorous and unsettling prose about transformation sparks group discussion in a casual cider taproom setting, with readers dissecting themes of alienation, absurdity, and domestic decay.
Darkly humorous and unsettling prose about transformation sparks group discussion in a casual cider taproom setting, with readers dissecting themes of alienation, absurdity, and domestic decay.

Lyrical magical realism reading of Gabriel García Márquez’s 'Death Constant Beyond Love,' delving into power, mortality, and political spectacle with irony and quiet tenderness; informal short story discussion in a cocktail lounge.

Lyrical magical realism reading of Gabriel García Márquez’s 'Death Constant Beyond Love,' delving into power, mortality, and political spectacle with irony and quiet tenderness; informal short story discussion in a cocktail lounge.
Lyrical magical realism reading of Gabriel García Márquez’s 'Death Constant Beyond Love,' delving into power, mortality, and political spectacle with irony and quiet tenderness; informal short story discussion in a cocktail lounge.

Low lit back room reading under a disco ball where introverts sip beer and quietly read favorite fantasy and sci-fi titles, with brief casual chit chat before a communal silent reading session.

Low lit back room reading under a disco ball where introverts sip beer and quietly read favorite fantasy and sci-fi titles, with brief casual chit chat before a communal silent reading session.
Low lit back room reading under a disco ball where introverts sip beer and quietly read favorite fantasy and sci-fi titles, with brief casual chit chat before a communal silent reading session.

Quiet communal reading with beer at The Whale in West Asheville; arrive at 6 for an hour of silent reading (print or headphone audiobooks) with an optional casual discussion afterward.

Quiet communal reading with beer at The Whale in West Asheville; arrive at 6 for an hour of silent reading (print or headphone audiobooks) with an optional casual discussion afterward.
Quiet communal reading with beer at The Whale in West Asheville; arrive at 6 for an hour of silent reading (print or headphone audiobooks) with an optional casual discussion afterward.

Community led afternoon book discussion where readers gather for an hour of guided conversation, recommendations, and community connection; drop in attendees and new members welcome.

Community led afternoon book discussion where readers gather for an hour of guided conversation, recommendations, and community connection; drop in attendees and new members welcome.
Community led afternoon book discussion where readers gather for an hour of guided conversation, recommendations, and community connection; drop in attendees and new members welcome.

Cozy pub discussion of speculative maritime mystery and thematic worldbuilding, with casual conversation over beers welcoming both readers and curious drop-ins; the group will tackle Walter Miller's A Canticle for Leibowitz next month.

Cozy pub discussion of speculative maritime mystery and thematic worldbuilding, with casual conversation over beers welcoming both readers and curious drop-ins; the group will tackle Walter Miller's A Canticle for Leibowitz next month.
Cozy pub discussion of speculative maritime mystery and thematic worldbuilding, with casual conversation over beers welcoming both readers and curious drop-ins; the group will tackle Walter Miller's A Canticle for Leibowitz next month.
Women gather in Leveller Brewing's Weaverville taproom for a facilitated discussion of Margaret Maron's Bootlegger's Daughter, hosted by Gab in a relaxed evening brewery setting with casual conversation and community connection.
Women gather in Leveller Brewing's Weaverville taproom for a facilitated discussion of Margaret Maron's Bootlegger's Daughter, hosted by Gab in a relaxed evening brewery setting with casual conversation and community connection.
Women gather in Leveller Brewing's Weaverville taproom for a facilitated discussion of Margaret Maron's Bootlegger's Daughter, hosted by Gab in a relaxed evening brewery setting with casual conversation and community connection.

In-depth discussion of Francis Spufford's Cahokia Jazz, a longer-than-usual historical novel, with a month-plus reading window and evening meetup in Zillicoah Beer Co.'s brewery taproom; modest Meetup contributions welcomed.

In-depth discussion of Francis Spufford's Cahokia Jazz, a longer-than-usual historical novel, with a month-plus reading window and evening meetup in Zillicoah Beer Co.'s brewery taproom; modest Meetup contributions welcomed.
In-depth discussion of Francis Spufford's Cahokia Jazz, a longer-than-usual historical novel, with a month-plus reading window and evening meetup in Zillicoah Beer Co.'s brewery taproom; modest Meetup contributions welcomed.

Casual coffee conversations among atheists and secular humanists Sunday mornings (10 AM–noon), with book-club meetings twice a month at Standard Pizza and monthly Wednesday meetups at local breweries.

Casual coffee conversations among atheists and secular humanists Sunday mornings (10 AM–noon), with book-club meetings twice a month at Standard Pizza and monthly Wednesday meetups at local breweries.
Casual coffee conversations among atheists and secular humanists Sunday mornings (10 AM–noon), with book-club meetings twice a month at Standard Pizza and monthly Wednesday meetups at local breweries.

Candlelit browsing through a curated selection of romance paperbacks and bookish themed gifts, paired with drinks and casual mingling in a cozy West Asheville pop up atmosphere for readers and gift hunters.

Candlelit browsing through a curated selection of romance paperbacks and bookish themed gifts, paired with drinks and casual mingling in a cozy West Asheville pop up atmosphere for readers and gift hunters.
Candlelit browsing through a curated selection of romance paperbacks and bookish themed gifts, paired with drinks and casual mingling in a cozy West Asheville pop up atmosphere for readers and gift hunters.

Energetic evening of fun, informative short talks spanning pop science, history, and quirky topics in a casual River Arts District brewery taproom, pairing curiosity driven presentations with a relaxed bar atmosphere.

Energetic evening of fun, informative short talks spanning pop science, history, and quirky topics in a casual River Arts District brewery taproom, pairing curiosity driven presentations with a relaxed bar atmosphere.
Energetic evening of fun, informative short talks spanning pop science, history, and quirky topics in a casual River Arts District brewery taproom, pairing curiosity driven presentations with a relaxed bar atmosphere.

Intimate evening reading and discussion of Mario Vargas Llosa’s Feast of the Goat, a Nobel-winning political novel about Trujillo’s fall and Urania Cabral’s haunted return, held in a casual pizza-parlor setting.

Intimate evening reading and discussion of Mario Vargas Llosa’s Feast of the Goat, a Nobel-winning political novel about Trujillo’s fall and Urania Cabral’s haunted return, held in a casual pizza-parlor setting.
Intimate evening reading and discussion of Mario Vargas Llosa’s Feast of the Goat, a Nobel-winning political novel about Trujillo’s fall and Urania Cabral’s haunted return, held in a casual pizza-parlor setting.

Close-read community discussion of Annette Saunooke Clapsaddle's WWII-era novel exploring Cherokee life, identity, and wartime memory; participant-led literary analysis with historical-context insights and small-group dialogue.

Close-read community discussion of Annette Saunooke Clapsaddle's WWII-era novel exploring Cherokee life, identity, and wartime memory; participant-led literary analysis with historical-context insights and small-group dialogue.
Close-read community discussion of Annette Saunooke Clapsaddle's WWII-era novel exploring Cherokee life, identity, and wartime memory; participant-led literary analysis with historical-context insights and small-group dialogue.

Crisp evening ice skating on a real outdoor rink beneath festive lights and winter-wonderland decor, with a ticketed 6:30–7:45pm session on Jan 14. Asheville Social Club hosts a casual pre-skate mingle; all ages welcome.

Crisp evening ice skating on a real outdoor rink beneath festive lights and winter-wonderland decor, with a ticketed 6:30–7:45pm session on Jan 14. Asheville Social Club hosts a casual pre-skate mingle; all ages welcome.
Crisp evening ice skating on a real outdoor rink beneath festive lights and winter-wonderland decor, with a ticketed 6:30–7:45pm session on Jan 14. Asheville Social Club hosts a casual pre-skate mingle; all ages welcome.

Engage in close-read discussions of nonfiction on climate change, global conflicts, and cultural studies, parsing policy implications and historical context with fellow readers in the Transylvania County Library meeting room.

Engage in close-read discussions of nonfiction on climate change, global conflicts, and cultural studies, parsing policy implications and historical context with fellow readers in the Transylvania County Library meeting room.
Engage in close-read discussions of nonfiction on climate change, global conflicts, and cultural studies, parsing policy implications and historical context with fellow readers in the Transylvania County Library meeting room.

Evening of sensual group cuddling emphasizing consensual touch, clear boundaries, and slow intimate connection in a ticketed adults only space hosted by Asheville Cuddle Collective; participants reserve limited spots online.

Evening of sensual group cuddling emphasizing consensual touch, clear boundaries, and slow intimate connection in a ticketed adults only space hosted by Asheville Cuddle Collective; participants reserve limited spots online.
Evening of sensual group cuddling emphasizing consensual touch, clear boundaries, and slow intimate connection in a ticketed adults only space hosted by Asheville Cuddle Collective; participants reserve limited spots online.

Afternoon wine sampling paired with a relaxed book discussion around a monthly theme at Metro Wines, where readers trade recommendations across fiction and nonfiction and help choose the next meeting's topic in an intimate tasting room.

Afternoon wine sampling paired with a relaxed book discussion around a monthly theme at Metro Wines, where readers trade recommendations across fiction and nonfiction and help choose the next meeting's topic in an intimate tasting room.
Afternoon wine sampling paired with a relaxed book discussion around a monthly theme at Metro Wines, where readers trade recommendations across fiction and nonfiction and help choose the next meeting's topic in an intimate tasting room.

Interactive half hour story time with age-appropriate read-alouds and playful early literacy activities for toddlers ages 18 months to 3 years at Oakley South Asheville Library.

Interactive half hour story time with age-appropriate read-alouds and playful early literacy activities for toddlers ages 18 months to 3 years at Oakley South Asheville Library.
Interactive half hour story time with age-appropriate read-alouds and playful early literacy activities for toddlers ages 18 months to 3 years at Oakley South Asheville Library.

Raucous adults-only standup showcase delivering risqué Valentine's Day–themed jokes and quick-fire sets in a brewery taproom, paired with craft beer, casual bar seating, and a late-night party vibe.

Raucous adults-only standup showcase delivering risqué Valentine's Day–themed jokes and quick-fire sets in a brewery taproom, paired with craft beer, casual bar seating, and a late-night party vibe.
Raucous adults-only standup showcase delivering risqué Valentine's Day–themed jokes and quick-fire sets in a brewery taproom, paired with craft beer, casual bar seating, and a late-night party vibe.

Monthly conversational book discussions centered on African Diaspora literature, histories, and futures, led by Alexandria Ravenel in YMI Cultural Center’s art gallery or Noir Collective AVL, fostering community-centered dialogue.

Monthly conversational book discussions centered on African Diaspora literature, histories, and futures, led by Alexandria Ravenel in YMI Cultural Center’s art gallery or Noir Collective AVL, fostering community-centered dialogue.
Monthly conversational book discussions centered on African Diaspora literature, histories, and futures, led by Alexandria Ravenel in YMI Cultural Center’s art gallery or Noir Collective AVL, fostering community-centered dialogue.