AiH&C Bookclub & Intellectual Discussion: Africa (+ Lunch)

Our group's bookclub is topic-based (instead of having a single book for all of us to read), so each of us will choose our own book from any genre as long as it relates to the topic. It is a wonderful way to bring multiple perspectives that help us learn more about our topic and engage in an explorative discussion of our books! The intellectual discussion is free-flowing and relaxed. All views are respected and you do not have to have any "deep" or academic foundation to contribute (nor do you have to participate - sitting back to listen is fine).

Topics and locations vary each month. We will have this on the third Sunday of most months unless there is another event, in which we will move this to another day (so please always check the posted date).

*You must be in good standing (less than 2 no-shows in 12 months) to attend a limited-attendee event.

*Restaurants are occasionally noisy. We sometimes morph into smaller conversations with our table mates as the meal go on.

YELP review of Mulu's (https://www.yelp.com/biz/mulus-ethiopian-restaurant-campbell-2) Click on the link to the left for information on the restaurants such as prices, location, parking, card info, etc.

Please see below pic (not available on mobile devices - see link below) for some basic dining etiquette info. No one will be judging; it is just some cultural info:

http://photos3.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/1/6/8/8/600_451205768.jpeg

(From Tadu Ethiopian Kitchen: Ethiopian Dining Etiquette (http://taduethiopiankitchen.com/ethiopian-etiquette/))

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How the discussion will run:

First part is our book introductions -

Please bring your book to our discussion so all us bibliophiles can check it out. Each of us will pass our book around as we tell the group a brief synopsis of it and a part that stood out for your personally (approx. 2-3 minutes each). If it is an ebook or you no longer have it, please just come with the title, author, and edition written down (or a print out of the cover) so people can take a pic or copy down the info.

Second part is our discussion -

Ideas, questions, random thoughts, comments on books, how it has affected us personally, correlations to modern issues, etc - all perspectives (as long as there is no hate speech - stay classy people) are welcome and you do not have to participate or can do so at any level of your comfort.

We occasionally break into smaller conversations with those closest to us (especially if eating out) or we do that anyway as our conversations drift into niche convos. At other times we have a large group concretion

Discussion Etiquette -

#1 faux pas is to dominate the conversation. Please engage in active listening rather than waiting for your turn to speak, for only then can we have a real conversation.

#2 convo killer is lecturing. We learn by sharing our experiences with the books and personal insights, please do not try to "teach" by relaying facts and events. Rather, share your opinion of what you learned and ask others how they feel.

#3 I am ALWAYS impressed by the intelligence of our members, but feel free to share what you didn't understand or wish you knew more of too OR feel comfortable with your silence. Being quiet is OKAY. You can participate at your own comfort level.

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Did you know our group has a Facebook page? Posts range over ALL topics (science, politics, news, literature and arts, etc). It is a place where we can keep in touch with what is going on in the world and chat about it.

If you want to check it out, click here: AiH&C Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/AdventuresInHistoryandCulture/)