What we’re about
Books & Us is a vibrant book club based in Melbourne for those who love to dive deep into thought-provoking literature and engage in stimulating discussions. We are a diverse group of passionate readers who come together to share our insights and opinions on a wide range of books. Whether you're a long-time bookworm or just starting to explore the world of literature, Books & Us welcomes you to join our friendly and welcoming community. Let's explore new perspectives, delve into intriguing plots, and connect over our shared love for all things literary. Come and join us for lively debates and enriching conversations!
Upcoming events (2)
See all- September Book of the month - The Perks of Being a WallflowerRoyal Melbourne Hotel, Melbourne
Book Club: The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
Join us as we step into the world of The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Stephen Chbosky’s modern classic about adolescence, friendship, and finding your place in the world. Told through a series of intimate letters, the novel captures the voice of Charlie, a shy and sensitive teenager navigating high school in the early 1990s.Through Charlie’s eyes, we experience the highs and lows of growing up—awkward first dates, the pain of loss, the exhilaration of new friendships, and the quiet struggles with identity and mental health. His bond with free-spirited step-siblings Sam and Patrick draws him out of isolation and into a world of music, late-night drives, and unforgettable moments that feel, in his words, “infinite.”
Chbosky’s tender, unflinching prose resonates across generations, reminding us of the beauty and difficulty of coming of age, and the enduring need for connection, understanding, and belonging.
Discussion Points:
- How does the epistolary format shape our understanding of Charlie’s inner world?
- In what ways do Sam and Patrick influence Charlie’s growth and sense of self?
- How does the novel explore the balance between passively observing life and actively participating in it?
- What role does music, literature, and pop culture play in shaping identity and community?
- How does Chbosky handle themes of trauma, mental health, and recovery in the context of adolescence?
- October Book of the month - The Passengers on the Hankyu LineRoyal Melbourne Hotel, Melbourne
Book Club: The Passengers on the Hankyu Line by Hiro Arikawa
Step aboard the Hankyu Railway and join us as we journey through Hiro Arikawa’s gentle and poignant novel, The Passengers on the Hankyu Line. Set on a suburban train outside Osaka, the story unfolds through the lives of ordinary people whose paths cross in fleeting yet meaningful ways.
Each passenger carries their own burdens—grief, loneliness, hesitation, or quiet hope—and as their inner worlds are revealed, the everyday act of riding a train becomes a meditation on the connections we make, the small kindnesses that matter, and the courage it takes to keep moving forward.
Arikawa’s writing blends simplicity with emotional depth, inviting us to reflect on how chance encounters and unnoticed gestures can shape the trajectory of a life. Both intimate and universal, this novel is a celebration of empathy, resilience, and the beauty of ordinary moments.
Discussion Points:
- How does the train setting serve as a metaphor for the passengers’ life journeys?
- In what ways do small interactions between strangers carry unexpected significance?
- How does Arikawa balance melancholy and hope throughout the novel?
- What does the story suggest about loneliness and human connection in modern urban life?
- How might the book change the way we see our own daily commutes or encounters with strangers?
