SEP 25 | Pluto Press' Radical Reading Room with Sarah Autumn
We get together every month to discuss a book from our Radical Reading Room – a library we’ve set up in collaboration with Pluto Press and The Left Book Club. It’s an informal group and everyone is welcome, so pop down and chat about some timely political topics.
Books we’ve read so far this year
- Enough
- Monstrous Anger Of The Guns
- To See In The Dark
- Unlocking Sustainable Cities
- Trans Femme Futures
Our Current Book for September date: Fascist Yoga by Stewart Home
'Namaste, fascists! An original and entertaining analysis of the dubious origins of the Western middle class's favourite postural exercise' - The Times
The practice of yoga promises peace, self-realisation and release, thanks to the power of its 'mystic' Indian origins. But what if this is just hype? In Fascist Yoga, Stewart Home sweeps away the half-truths to tell a new origin story of the world's first modern yogi – a Californian escapologist who added some Hindu fairy dust to gym and circus exercises.
Ever since, the world of yoga has been full of grifters, occultists and white supremacists, all out to exploit and recruit via the medium of exercise. From cult leaders to brainwashed followers, TV celebrities and fake gurus, the story of yoga has involved some of the strangest currents of humanity.
In this new exposé, Stewart Home shows that nothing is sacred.
To buy the book with a 40% discount code, email sarahaautumn@gmail.com
About the facilitator: Sarah Autumn
Sarah Autumn is a Leeds based activist and creative community organiser. She's part of the extended Left bank family and will be facilitating the Radical Reading Group in 2025. Sarah will work with Pluto Press, Left Book Club and the Radical Reading group members to select and study each book ahead of the meetups and produce special author events.
Reading Room FAQ’s
How often is the reading room?
There is a Radical Reading Room at Left Bank every 4-6 weeks. Every group is held on the last Wednesday of the month at 6.30pm as part of our Culture Club. The group is held in the main Left Bank space or in one of the caravans outside when the evenings are lighter and warmer.
Remaining 2025 dates
- 24th September 2025
- 29th October 2025
- 26th November 2025
We’ll be having a reading group social in December!
What time is the reading room?
The reading room starts at 6.30pm.
Between 6.30-6.45 you will have time to arrive, get a drink and acquaint yourself with the group. We wrap up by 8pm.
How much does the Reading Room cost?
The Radical Reading Group is free to attend.
There will always be at least one copy of the book available in the library to borrow.
If you do wish to buy the book from Pluto Press, you will receive a 40% discount code. To get the code, please email sarahaautumn@gmail.com once you have booked your ticket.
Do I have to read the whole book?
Whilst you may find the reading group more enjoyable if you have read the book, it isn’t essential. You can come along to listen and learn about the book or discuss the broader ideas within the book. Sarah will highlight passages and quotes to discuss. You will also receive some information about the book and author in your reminder email.
Can I suggest a book?
Yes! We would love to hear your suggestions. It is worth keeping in mind though that this reading group is in collaboration with Pluto Press and Left Book Club so it does need to be a book within one of those two catalogues. Fortunately that gives you lots of awesome books to choose from.
At the end of each group, we discuss books for the following meet up and usually agree one then. The book selection will be added to the event listing on the Left Bank Website, Leeds Inspired and social media.
Can I borrow other books from the Library?
YES! The Radical Reading Room Library at Left Bank is available for all!
