
What we’re about
****Note: What's the twist?-
Instead of everyone agreeing to read one book for a meeting, we each read whatever we want, then share it with the rest of the group every alternate meeting. Our discussions are always fresh and interesting! Those who don't have a book to share but want a recommendation for their next read are also welcome to join. Then we vote on the discussed books and the book with highest votes gets discussed further in the subsequent meeting.
Books we talk about cover just about anything. Some example topics include: the history of salt, a man lost at sea, why some technological developments should make us optimistic about the future, creativity at Pixar, neuroplasticity, biotechnology, American sub-cultures, biographies, the economics, geography and biology underpinning the development of the New World, the politics of mental illness, harnessing a positive mental attitude, the changing role of the policies in US & Canada, walking the trail, communication in the workplace, and much much much much more.****
The aim here is to establish a group of independent readers in the GTA who are curious about everything. Have you read an interesting book lately? Come and tell us about it! This relaxed and friendly book group is for those who enjoy reading books, asking questions, and having thought provoking, fun discussions on a wide variety of topics. Read whatever you want, then come and spend a few minutes discussing it with us. No formal book reports required, promise :). Paper books, e-books and audio books are all considered books for the purposes of this group.
Let's talk about the books you've been reading.
Upcoming events
6
Walkable City by Jeff Speck (in person)
Brookfield Place Foodcourt, 181 Bay St, Toronto, Ontario M5J 2T3, Canada, Toronto, ON, CAWe will meet for a discussion of the book Walkable City: How Downtown Can Save America, One Step at a Time by Jeff Speck (one of the most upvoted books in a previous "Bring Your Own Book" event).
To attend this event, you should have read this book and be able to partake in discussions on this book.
From the publisher:
Walkable City is both an urgent call to action and a practical guide for change. Jeff Speck, a city planner who has dedicated his career to determining what makes cities thrive, demonstrates how walkability is the single most important factor in a city's livability and how it can be achieved. A walkable city is one in which you can accomplish most of your daily tasks on foot - and where walking is safe, comfortable, and enjoyable.In Walkable City, Speck presents his "General Theory of Walkability" - that for people to choose to walk, the walk must be useful, safe, comfortable, and interesting. He then provides practical solutions through his "Ten Steps of Walkability," covering everything from the right mix of uses and housing types to the proper design of streets, parking policies, and public transportation. The book shows how getting people out of their cars and onto their feet is not just good for their health and happiness, but essential for the environmental and economic future of our cities and towns.
Bring an open mind and a smile! I hope to see you there.
4 attendees- •Online
Walkable City by Jeff Speck (virtual)
OnlineWe will meet for a discussion of the book Walkable City: How Downtown Can Save America, One Step at a Time by Jeff Speck (one of the most upvoted books in a previous "Bring Your Own Book" event).
To attend this event, you should have read this book and be able to partake in discussions on this book.
From the publisher:
Walkable City is both an urgent call to action and a practical guide for change. Jeff Speck, a city planner who has dedicated his career to determining what makes cities thrive, demonstrates how walkability is the single most important factor in a city's livability and how it can be achieved. A walkable city is one in which you can accomplish most of your daily tasks on foot - and where walking is safe, comfortable, and enjoyable.In Walkable City, Speck presents his "General Theory of Walkability" - that for people to choose to walk, the walk must be useful, safe, comfortable, and interesting. He then provides practical solutions through his "Ten Steps of Walkability," covering everything from the right mix of uses and housing types to the proper design of streets, parking policies, and public transportation. The book shows how getting people out of their cars and onto their feet is not just good for their health and happiness, but essential for the environmental and economic future of our cities and towns.
Bring an open mind and a smile! I hope to see you there.
2 attendees - •Online
BYOB: Bring Your Own Book (virtual)
OnlineInstead of everyone agreeing to read one book for a meeting, we each read whatever we want, then share it with the rest of the group every alternate meeting. Our discussions are always fresh and interesting! Those who don't have a book to share but want a recommendation for their next read are also welcome to join. Then we vote on the discussed books and the book with highest votes gets discussed further in the subsequent meeting.
Books we talk about cover just about anything. Some example topics include: the history of salt, a man lost at sea, why some technological developments should make us optimistic about the future, creativity at Pixar, neuroplasticity, biotechnology, American sub-cultures, biographies, the economics, geography and biology underpinning the development of the New World, the politics of mental illness, harnessing a positive mental attitude, law, the changing role of the policies in US & Canada, walking the trail, communication in the workplace, and much much much much more.
The aim here is to establish a group of independent readers in the GTA who are curious about everything. Have you read an interesting book lately? Come and tell us about it! This relaxed and friendly book group is for those who enjoy reading books, asking questions, and having thought provoking, fun discussions on a wide variety of topics. Read whatever you want, then come and spend a few minutes discussing it with us. No formal book reports required, promise :). Paper books, e-books and audio books are all considered books for the purposes of this group.
***
Books discussed in previous "Bring your own book" events are here:
GTA Book Club BYOB log Google SpreadsheetDuring the event, a poll will be opened for everyone to vote on the book we should all read in the subsequent event. At the end of the event, the subsequent event will be updated with the book that had the most votes from this event.
Bring a book to share or observe (find your next read) and bring an open mind! I hope to see you there.
7 attendees - •Online
Nuclear War: A Scenario by Annie Jacobsen (virtual)
OnlineWe will meet for a discussion of the book Nuclear War: A Scenario by Annie Jacobsen (one of the most upvoted books in a previous "Bring Your Own Book" event).
To attend this event, you should have read this book and be able to partake in discussions on this book.
From the publisher:
Nuclear War: A Scenario is a devastating and urgent work that takes readers through the terrifying reality of what would happen in the event of nuclear war. Annie Jacobsen, an investigative journalist and bestselling author, presents a meticulously researched, minute-by-minute account of the unthinkable. Drawing on decades of exclusive interviews with military and civilian experts, classified documents, and her deep knowledge of the nuclear command structure, Jacobsen constructs a harrowing scenario that unfolds in real time.In Nuclear War: A Scenario, Jacobsen reveals the fragile systems, split-second decisions, and chain reactions that could lead to global catastrophe. The book explores the technical realities of modern nuclear weapons, the decision-making processes of world leaders under extreme pressure, and the devastating human and environmental consequences that would follow. Through this gripping and scientifically accurate narrative, Jacobsen demonstrates how quickly civilization could be brought to the brink of extinction and why nuclear disarmament remains one of the most critical issues of our time.
Bring an open mind and a smile! I hope to see you there.
1 attendee
Past events
138