What we’re about
The Non-Fiction Book Club is for people looking to read thoughtful intelligent books. If you like to read non-fiction this is the place.
Members suggest titles through the discussion board and when first joining. All non-fiction books are eligible: the authors and books selected do not represent the views of the organizers or members. We learn and develop our critical thinking skills by meeting in respectful dialogue books, people and ideas with which we may disagree. And we like to have fun.
Books selected generally must have 10 copies available in the Toronto Public Library and be under 400 pages. Each month, the group votes on a selection of books through an on-line poll.
The Non-Fiction Book Club meets either online or in person at a downtown Toronto location. We also have a satellite club in Mississauga. At the meeting, one or more volunteer facilitators presents a prepared list of questions for discussion.
An optional small donation ($2) is requested to cover the Meetup website costs however meetings are open to the public. The discussions are based on having read the book (there is no presentation or summary), but even if you have not read the book you are more than welcome to come and check out the group. See Discussion Groundrules.
Upcoming events
2
![Breakfast with Seneca : a Stoic guide to the art of living [Online]](https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/9/0/0/c/highres_530616876.jpeg)
•OnlineBreakfast with Seneca : a Stoic guide to the art of living [Online]
OnlineThe first clear and faithful guide to the timeless, practical teachings of the Stoic philosopher Seneca.
Stoicism, the most influential philosophy of the Roman Empire, offers refreshingly modern ways to strengthen our inner character in the face of an unpredictable world. Widely recognized as the most talented and humane writer of the Stoic tradition, Seneca teaches us to live with freedom and purpose. His most enduring work, over a hundred “Letters from a Stoic” written to a close friend, explains how to handle adversity; overcome grief, anxiety, and anger; transform setbacks into opportunities for growth; and recognize the true nature of friendship.
In Breakfast with Seneca, philosopher David Fideler mines Seneca’s classic works in a series of focused chapters, clearly explaining Seneca’s ideas without oversimplifying them. Best enjoyed as a daily ritual, like an energizing cup of coffee, Seneca’s wisdom provides us with a steady stream of time-tested advice about the human condition―which, as it turns out, hasn’t changed much over the past two thousand years.
═════ Discussion questions:
TBD
Facilitator: Andrii
═════ $$ Donations:
Our events are free but donations are much appreciated. Your money will support our subscriptions to Meetup.com and Zoom. Please consider an e-transfer to toronto.nonfiction@gmail.com, using either https://www.paypal.com or Interac. PWYC. Thanks!
═════ Meeting format:
- A Zoom link will be sent to registered participants 1-2 days prior to the meeting. Please check your communication settings at https://www.meetup.com/account/comm/Non-fictionBookclubToronto/ to receive updates.
- We meet to discuss the book after having read it beforehand.
- A facilitator guides the discussion ensuring that everyone has a chance to speak, one person at a time.
- Warning: Participation in a book club is a dangerous activity. You may encounter opinions different from yours. By joining the group you agree to assume all risks.
6 attendees- CA$0.01
Laughing with the Trickster : on sex, death, and accordions -- by Tomson Highway
Kathmandu Restaurant, 12 Cumberland St, Toronto, ON, CACANADIAN. CBC Massey Lectures - National Bestseller. Brilliant, jubilant insights into the glory and anguish of life from one of the world’s most treasured Indigenous creators.
Trickster is zany, ridiculous. The ultimate, over-the-top, madcap fool. Here to remind us that the reason for existence is to have a blast and to laugh ourselves silly.
Celebrated author and playwright Tomson Highway brings his signature irreverence to an exploration of five themes central to the human condition: language, creation, sex and gender, humour, and death. A comparative analysis of Christian, classical, and Cree mythologies reveals their contributions to Western thought, life, and culture—and how North American Indigenous mythologies provide unique, timeless solutions to our modern problems. Highway also offers generous personal anecdotes, including accounts of his beloved accordion-playing, caribou-hunting father, and plentiful Trickster stories as curatives for the all-out unhappiness caused by today’s patriarchal, colonial systems. Laugh with the legendary Tomson Highway as he illuminates a healing, hilarious way forward.
═════ Discussion questions:
TBD
Facilitator: Eli
═════ $$ Refundable deposit:
We'd like to make sure everyone on the RSVP actually intends to join us and enjoy the event.
Please make a refundable deposit of $5 to hold your spot, via Paypal or Interac e-transfer to toronto.nonfiction@gmail.com, when you RSVP or shortly thereafter. If you are waitlisted please wait until a spot opens up for you before making a transfer.
You'll get your $5 back in cash if you join us at the event. If you decide to drop out later or not attend, consider this a donation to support our meetup and zoom subscriptions, which aren't cheap. Thank you!
═════ Meeting format:
- We meet to discuss the book after having read it beforehand.
- A facilitator guides the discussion ensuring that everyone has a chance to speak, one person at a time.
- Warning: Participation in a book club is a dangerous activity. You may encounter opinions different from yours. By joining the group you agree to assume all risks.
5 attendees
Past events
337
![Biased: uncovering the hidden prejudice that shapes what we see & do [in person]](https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/8/e/e/a/highres_530616586.jpeg)
