Book of the Month

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens (1843)

“I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. I will live in the Past, the Present, and the Future. The Spirits of all Three shall strive within me. I will not shut out the lessons that they teach.”
― Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol

This classic edition hardcover of “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens, is a timeless gem in Victorian literature, not just a ghost story, this is a redemption story.

Originally written by Charles Dickens and first published in 1843, this classic masterpiece still enchants readers to this very day.

Follow Ebenezer Scrooge's captivating journey through the past, present, and future as he learns the true meaning of Christmas. Encounter the unforgettable characters of Jacob Marley, Bob Cratchit, Tiny Tim, and the Spirits of Christmas in this enduring classic novel.

Book Club Questions – A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens (1843)

Character and relationships

How does Scrooge's character change throughout the story, and do you think his transformation is believable?
How is Scrooge's nephew, Fred, a foil to Scrooge?
How does the Cratchit family embody the spirit of Christmas?
What is the significance of the Ghost of Christmas Present's response to Scrooge's question about Tiny Tim's fate?

Themes and symbolism

What does the Ghost of Christmas Past symbolize, and why does he say Scrooge made his cap?
How does the novella explore the themes of isolation versus community?
What is the significance of the title, "A Christmas Carol"?
What does the Ghost of Christmas Present mean when he identifies the boy and girl under his robe as "Ignorance and Want"?

Literary devices and style

What role does the third-person omniscient narrator play in the story?
How does Dickens use humor and horror to convey his message?
How effective are the supernatural elements of the story in helping Scrooge change his ways?

Lasting impact and interpretation

Why do you think A Christmas Carol has remained so relevant for so many years?
Did the story change your perception of the Christmas season or the importance of giving?
Do you believe the spirits' visits were all a dream or a literal event? Why?

Meeting 26th January, 2026

How to Read a Book by Monica Wood

A quick note. This book club was started in Hola Sober and carried on here in TABB when that platform closed down. This is a complete list of all the books read.

TABB 2025

September The Women by Kirstin Hannah Scored 8.5
October Leonard and Hungary Paul by Rónán Hession Scored 9.4
October Gabriel's Moon by William Boyd Scored 5
November Into the Magic Shop by Dr. James R. Doty Scored 7

Hola Sober 2025
January Break
February Discussion on past favourites
March The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon
April Elenor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
May Lady Tans Circle of Women by Lisa See Scored 8.5
June Poor by Catriona O’Sullivan Scored 9
July The Wedding People by Alison Espach Scored 7.5
August The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters

Hola Sober 2024
January Between two Kingdoms by Suleika Jaouad
February The Love of my Life by Rosie Walsh
March The Storyteller by Jodi Picoult
April Frank with me by Julia Claiborne
May Queen of Dirt Island by Donal Ryan
June Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams
July Last of the Moon Girls by Barbara Davis
August Strange Sally Diamond by Liz Nugent
September The Hearts Invisible Furies by John Boyne
October The Island of Missing Trees by Elif Shafak
November The Unexpected Joy of being Sober by Catherine Grey
December Wintering by Catherine May

Hola Sober 2023
September The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
October The Nightingale by Kirstin Hannah
November Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
December The Bookwoman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson

Popular Books on Alcohol Addiction & Recovery
UK & Ireland Authors / Titles

1. "Blackout: Remembering the Things I Drank to Forget" by Sarah Hepola
(Though American, very popular in the UK, an honest memoir on addiction and recovery.)

2. "This Naked Mind: Control Alcohol, Find Freedom, Discover Happiness & Change Your Life" by Annie Grace
(UK/Irish bestseller with a global following, focuses on changing your relationship with alcohol.)

3. "The Sober Diaries: How One Woman Stopped Drinking and Started Living" by Clare Pooley
(UK author; a personal memoir with humor and hope about quitting alcohol.)

4. "The Unexpected Joy of Being Sober" by Catherine Gray
(Irish author; a positive, evidence-based look at life after quitting drinking.)

5. "Drink? The New Science of Alcohol and Your Health" by Professor David Nutt
(UK-based neuropsychopharmacologist, offering a scientific perspective on alcohol.)

6. "One Day at a Time: The Story of Alcoholics Anonymous in Ireland" by Brian Brennan
(Irish perspective on the history and impact of AA.)

7. "Dry: A Memoir" by Augusten Burroughs (popular in the UK and Ireland)
(An American memoir but widely read in these regions.)

8. "Alcohol Explained" by William Porter
(A clear, accessible guide explaining how alcohol affects the brain and body, empowering people to quit.)

9. "Unwasted: My Lush Sobriety" by William Porter
(UK author’s candid memoir about his journey through addiction and recovery.)

International Popular Books

1. "Alcoholics Anonymous: The Big Book" by AA World Services
(The foundational text for the 12-step recovery movement worldwide.)

2. "Quit Like a Woman: The Radical Choice to Not Drink in a Culture Obsessed with Alcohol" by Holly Whitaker
(Popular in UK and Ireland as well as US; feminist perspective on sobriety.)

3. "We Are the Luckiest: The Surprising Magic of a Sober Life" by Laura McKowen
(Popular memoir and guide for recovery.)

4. "Untamed" by Glennon Doyle
(A powerful memoir on self-discovery and healing that resonates with many on the recovery journey.)

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Meeting December 29th, 2025

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