The Postal Relay Club
A literary chain for the thoughtful mind
For more information about the book club, see our invitation to join us.
This page covers FAQs.
FAQs
1. How does the club work?
Every three weeks, you will receive a book. You’ll read as much (or as little!) as you like. You’ll post it on to the next reader before the three weeks are up. After the second book, we’ll have a mid-club slow week for catch-up or a reading pause.
At the end, we’ll meet in London (optional) to swap books, share perspectives, and reveal the group. If you can’t make it in person, we’ll offer an online wrap-up.
2. What kind of books will we be reading?
Four novels from the 2025 Booker Prize longlist. All under 300 pages. We’ll reveal the titles when the club begins.
3. Do I have to finish every book?
No! Reader’s rights to not finish apply. This is about discovery, not obligation. You do have to pass them on on-time and to have an opinion.
4. How do I pass the book on?
Every three weeks, you post your current book to the next reader in the relay using Royal Mail Tracked 48. We recommend using Book a Collection. Royal Mail brings the label and picks the book up from you. Full instructions are provided when you sign up.
5. Who pays for postage?
Your first book will be shipped to you by us. After that, each member covers the cost of posting their book to the next reader. Approx £3 per send (Royal Mail Tracked 48).
6. What happens if I fall behind?
You don’t have to finish the book, but you do have to keep them moving on time. This is your commitment to the rest of the club. If you’re running late, please let the organiser know immediately so we can keep the chain moving.
We have added a mid-point buffer week to allow everyone to catch up.
7. Is the club online or in person?
This is a fully offline experience. No groups, no online discussions. You’ll read and reflect in your own time. We will then all come together at the end to discuss.
8. What happens at the final meet up?
We’ll meet in London to discuss the books, trade them, and meet the people you’ve been reading alongside. Expect good conversation, varied perspectives, and the joy of meeting your mystery club members.
If you’re not in London, we’ll arrange an online reflection session so you can still join the discussion.
9. How do I join?
Sign-ups are now open. Spaces are strictly limited to groups of four, and once your group is full, your reading relay is set. Join now.
10. What’s included in the £40 fee?
This covers:
Four new-release novels from the 2025 Booker Prize longlist (RRP £65+)
A place in the club. This is a small, limited experience
A custom Verse bookmark + readers’ reflections insert for each book
Your first book posted to you (Royal Mail Tracked 48)
An invite to the final meet up — London or online wrap-up — where we discuss, swap books and perspectives
11. I’m not in London, can I still join?
Yes! The reading experience is open to anyone in the UK. The final event is in London, but we’ll also offer an online wrap-up.
12. What if I still have questions?
Drop us an email at bookclub@weareverse.co.uk and we’ll be happy to help.
