About us
‘Read the World’ Book Club is a monthly reading group where we focus on literary fiction by authors from around the world. It’s an opportunity to read books by those we might not otherwise discover and celebrate the diversity of literature and what it means to be human.
We meet monthly on the last Sunday of each month to discuss the selected book, make friends, and share a love of reading. Our catch-ups tend to be fairly informal, with more of a social focus than some other book clubs you may have been to (though I do prepare some questions to guide our conversations about the book!).
A quick FAQ:
Can I attend if I haven't finished the book?
Absolutely! Though if you haven't made a start or are only a few pages in, you might want to give it a miss and come along to our next one. Only because without some good knowledge of the book, you might struggle to join in the conversation.
The RSVP says full, can I still come?
You can - just add your name to the waitlist and send me a message to let me know you'll definitely be attending.
Where can I find the selected books?
Where possible, I try to pick more contemporary books that are readily available in local bookshops or can be ordered online. For older books, I recommend checking the library, secondhand bookstores (Cracked and Spineless, Moonah Bookstore), or op shops. If you're really struggling, send the group a message, and someone may have a copy you can borrow.
Can I recommend books for the group?
Absolutely! Feel free to add any recommendations to the group chat page or send me a direct message.
Do you read non-fiction books as well?
Sorry, but no. We focus on literary fiction (I have to read too much non-fiction in my work/study life!). We also focus on reading international authors, and, where possible, translated works. My preferences tend towards women writers, surrealist narratives, and short stories - but I do try to bring in a good mix of literary styles. I'm always open to feedback and want to ensure the book club is as inclusive and diverse as possible.
Upcoming events
1

March Pick: Heart Lamp by Banu Mushtaq
Angelika Bar, Main Rd, North Hobart, Tasmania, AUOur March Pick is Heart Lamp: Selected Stories by Banu
About the book:
WINNER OF THE 2025 INTERNATIONAL BOOKER PRIZE.
In the twelve stories of Heart Lamp, Banu Mushtaq exquisitely captures the everyday lives of women and girls in Muslim communities in southern India. Published originally in Kannada between 1990 and 2023, praised for their dry, gentle humour, these portraits of family and community tensions testify to Mushtaq’s years as a journalist and lawyer, during which she tirelessly championed women’s rights and protested all forms of caste and religious oppression.Written in a style at once witty, vivid, colloquial, moving and excoriating, it’s in her characters — the sparky children, the audacious grandmothers, the buffoonish maulvis and thug brothers, the oft-hapless husbands, and the mothers above all, surviving their feelings at great cost — that Mushtaq emerges as an astonishing writer and observer of human nature, building disconcerting emotional heights out of a rich spoken style. Her opus has garnered both censure from conservative quarters as well as India’s most prestigious literary awards; this is a collection sure to be read for years to come.
Meet Up Details:
We'll meet at Angelika Bar (State Cinema, North Hobart) at 4pm for a casual book discussion.- 4pm: Meet and greet
- 4.15pm: Book discussion
- 5pm: Share next month's book details
- 5.10pm: Finish up - those who want to stay and chat are welcome to do so.
Food and drinks are available at the venue at your own cost.
Due to limited spots, if you're unable to attend for any reason, please update your RSVP ASAP so others can take your spot. Thanks!
8 attendees
Past events
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