
What we’re about
Join us for adventures in reading & real life! We are a community of readers who discuss books over paired outings. Like to explore? Like to read? You’ve found your people! Join us here in-person and for online discussions wherever you are on the socials! FB, Insta, TikTok, Website
Newsletter/FB group: Meetup isn’t great at sending out notifications, so to stay up to date with the latest book and activity pairings, sign up for the newsletter at https://mailchi.mp/fc5e0725650d/thenoveltourist and join the community on our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ I also post regularly on books and book pairings on Instagram via @thenoveltourist
What the Club Will Do for You
The purpose of all NTBC events is to give you the opportunity to socialize with likeminded readers who are life long learners and love to try new experiences. If your goal is read more books, do more stuff and meet more friends, being part of NTBC can be a life-changing experience!
What You Can Do for the Club
Bring your fun-loving, healthy attitude. Be committed to reading, showing up when promised, and being respectful of other members. We require that your profile includes a clear picture of yourself so others can identify you at our events.
Terms and Conditions
By joining the Novel Tourist Book Club or signing up for or attending any event offered by the Novel Tourist Book Club, you agree to the following terms and conditions:
- Readers please: NTBC is, first and foremost, a book club. We do a lot of amazing activities tied to the books. There are lots of Meetup groups that also do these fun activities. So, if you don’t like to read or don’t plan to read, we are sure there is another group out there that is more suited to your interests. Now, that said, it doesn’t mean you have to read the book or finish the book every time. Sometimes, you try and the book just doesn’t resonate with you. That’s okay! Come and tell us how much you didn’t like it! All we ask is that you try.
- No Guests: Sadness, we know! We are all about the more the merrier, but there must be a limit to the number of attendees at any one event. Events fill up really fast and so unless the event allows you to add a guest (which will be very rare) your guest must create a Meetup account and rsvp for themselves as a member. Yay new members!
- Liability Waiver: By signing up for an event, all members take full responsibility for their own actions and agree to adhere to the following terms and conditions: https://docs.google.com/document/d/10ZE-yUJEcHUnXF_A8MUsfxWhEmrKxZEcojrHh8FjQzc/edit; and further agree to hold harmless the Novel Tourists Book Club organizers and members of this Meetup book club from any and all claims and liability in case of possible injuries as stated in Paragraph 6 of the Meetup Terms of Service Agreement ( https://help.meetup.com/hc/en-us/articles/360027447252-Terms-of-Service#h_9e385395-a405-4361-8afc-854a4f586c82 ). When attending an event, you acknowledge that you are doing this at your own risk.
- Event Payments:
- Name: If your name on your Meetup profile is different than your name on your payment profile (PayPal, Venmo), please provide your meetup name when you make your payment;
- Include Date or Event Title: Please include the date of the event or an indication of the event title (e.g. if we are going to a restaurant put the name of the restaurant not just “restaurant” or “book club.”)
- Be Open-minded, Kind and Courteous: We can’t imagine anyone who loves to read being anything but open-minded, kind and courteous. However, I also know we bibliophiles can have some pretty strong opinions about books! Whether you agree with someone or not, no doubt you came here for a welcoming environment. Healthy debates are natural, but kindness is required.
- No bullies: Personal attacks of any kind are not allowed. Period. I have zero tolerance for any bullying, degrading comments about another member’s race, religion, culture, sexual orientation, gender or identity. We are an open and inclusive community and to keep it that way a$$holes will be removed from the group.
- Photos/Videos: Joining the group and attending an event means you’re a-okay with being photographed/video recorded during events. We always takes pics: for the memories and for promotion of future events and NTBC.
- Communication settings: This is just helpful guidance. Events fill up really fast. Make sure your settings are set to maximize communication: Click on your profile pic in Meetup, click Settings, under General select Email Updates, scroll down and find The Novel Tourists Book Club under “Updates about your Group”, click Edit next to The Novel Tourists Book Club and then make your choices. I suggest checking “New Event Announcements,” “Changes to Event Time or Locations,” “My RSVP is confirmed,” and, most importantly: "Announcements to Members About the Group" and “Event updates from Organizer.” Also, you may want to download the Meetup app.
- Carpooling: It’s great for the planet! However, any arrangements are between you and the person driving. The Novel Tourists Book Club organizers and hosts do not provide, endorse, sponsor or take responsibility for any carpool arrangements pertaining to any event. Please use your good judgment when deciding whether or not to carpool with other participants of the book club event you are attending.
- Refund Policy:
- Events with a fee of less than $5: No refunds, even if someone takes your spot. The events fill fast and the only way to really try to make sure that those who are truly interested and able to come get a seat, is a nominal fee. This fee is offered to the event host to pay for their entrance/meal/etc as a way of saying thank you for your time and for putting this together for us.
- Events with a fee greater than $5: The general policy is if the Organizer/Host can get their money back, you’ll get your money back - if you timely cancelled. Once an event location has been paid, however, many times they won’t issue a refund. If they don’t refund us, we can’t refund you regardless of how far in advance you cancelled. That said, sometimes a refund can be issued IF you cancel at least a week in advance AND someone takes your spot. If you want to request a refund, message Audrey via Meetup to discuss. Please note, if you cancel the day before or the day of an event, there are refunds - regardless of the reason and regardless if someone takes your spot.
- If you do not agree to the above terms and conditions, do not sign up for the club. There is probably a different club out there that will better meet your needs.
Happy reading and adventuring!
- Audrey
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Pick (online) October's Member Choice Book! Theme: Gothic books🗳️Vote today!Link visible for attendees
Time to VOTE for October's Gothic book! Find out which books made the cut and cast your vote here: https://forms.gle/v9e8UUp2EJGRfh2JA
(copy and paste to your browser if needed)Vote now! This is not an "event" it is just a post to share the link to vote for the Member Choice Book.
Stay tuned for the paired in person adventure AND online discussion!
The poll will close Sept. 3 so without further ado - cast your vote!
💥 Want to be more social? We're on Facebook and Instagram, too!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNovelTourist
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thenoveltourist/
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Thanks for participating! Reading books and doing stuff together as a book club brings us all so much joy. 🤩- Audrey
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NO NEED TO READ BELOW - it’s just for the algorithm 😝
Book Club is so much fun. I love going to Book Club and voting for books and these events are perfect for book lovers who like to socialize and meet other people and practice hobbies. All over Philadelphia we read books there’s so many fun things to do to meet other people like going to restaurants and dining out and voting for books and it’s just the best Book Club in the world. Meet friends and hang out in Philadelphia reading books and practicing hobbies while we socialize with book lovers.
- Relax and Read with Other Friendly 📘Book Lovers at Parks on Tap - Borski ParkBorski Park, PHILADELPHIA, PA
Join Audrey to Relax & Read together at Parks on Tap popups across Philadelphia. This stop: the new Borski Park! Purchase of alcohol is not required, but bring ID to enter. (Free to enter. No purchase necessary, but purchases of food or drink support the park). There are plenty of chairs available so no need to bring your own. All you need is a book! 📕 Feel free to bring a friend!
HOW IT WORKS:
We’ll start with intros and a short period of socializing and then move onto a silent reading 🙊 session for about 30-45 minutes, allowing everyone to delve into their own book. After that we can spend more time socializing and talking about what we are reading. 📚Or you can just keep on reading, whatever suits your fancy!Pop by whenever you can, stay as short or long as you’d like.
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😁Let's be social:
📸Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/thenoveltourist/
🌟Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNovelTourist
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About the Park: BORSKI PARK (NEW!)
FIND IT ON GOOGLE MAPS HERE
The Robert A. Borski, Jr. Park is part of the 11-mile greenway that Riverfront North Partnership helps to create, activate and steward with the City of Philadelphia.The much-anticipated park will transform a former concrete factory into a 10-acre public park with river views, a multi-use lawn, and an upland meadow, restroom, and parking. It is the last of the eight planned parks on the North Delaware River Greenway.
PARKING: Free street parking is available on Delaware Avenue and Orthodox Street.
About Parks on Tap
A partnership between Philadelphia Parks & Recreation and FCM Hospitality, Parks on Tap was created to be a traveling beer garden throughout the city's various, beautiful parks all summer long. Proceeds from Parks on Tap benefit the Fairmount Park Conservancy. Each park and location is collectively selected as a way to highlight and enhance the offerings that Philadelphia city parks provide. A portion of all proceeds benefits each park.Is purchase of alcohol required?
Nope! I picked Parks on Tap locations because there will always be seating, shade, food trucks and bathrooms. Free to enter and purchase of alcohol or food is not required. But, bring ID to enter.🥗🍺Food and Drinks
Parks on Tap serves a variety of 🍻 local craft beers, wine and cocktails, as well as non-alcoholic beverages such as water, lemonade and iced tea. 😋A full food menu is available for purchase that highlights items made from locally sourced items and snacks.❓Review:
Meetup reviews are now public. Did you love the event? Tell the world with a 5-star rating AND a comment!🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I love putting together fun literary adventures and your comments feed my soul. But, if you didn't like something, please don’t submit a negative review — instead, message me (Audrey) directly with your suggestions so we can improve the club together!Rules:
Here are the Club’s Basic Rules and Liability Release. You should read them because by signing up for an event you agree to them.I can’t wait to Relax and Read with you!
Audrey
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You can ignore all this part. It’s just for the Meetup algorithm. To make sure our Book Club events get seen. The Novel Tourist Book Club is a fantastic book club where people social can get to know each other meet new friends have fun, exploring hobbies dining out at restaurants. We read books. Make new friends. Lots of fun with Book Club. Socializing. Social event. Rodeos and westerns Lots of hobbies dining out is great fun. We read a lot of fun books. we visit libraries and eat food at restaurants. love to explore and meet new people to try out hobby. socializing is great and we love to read books and explore our hobbies we meet new friends and socialize.Tags: Philadelphia Book Cub; Book Club; Literary Adventures; Novels; Tours; Philly Book Club; silent reading
- Relax and Read with Other Friendly 📘Book Lovers at Parks on Tap - SPRING GARDENSpring Gardens, Philadelphia, PA
Join Audrey to Relax & Read together at Parks on Tap popups across Philadelphia. This stop: SPRING GARDENS! Purchase of alchol is not required, but bring ID to enter. (Free to enter. No purchase necessary, but purchases of food or drink support the park). There are plenty of chairs available so no need to bring your own. All you need is a book!
📘HOW IT WORKS:
We’ll start with intros and a short period of socializing and then move onto a silent reading 🙊 session for about 30-45 minutes, allowing everyone to delve into their own book. After that we can spend more time socializing and talking about what we are reading. 📚Or you can just keep on reading, whatever suits your fancy!Pop by whenever you can, stay as short or long as you’d like.
--------------------------------
😁Let's be social:
📸Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/thenoveltourist/
🌟Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheNovelTourist
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ABOUT THE PARK: SPRING GARDENS
This sprawling community garden is a testament to the power of green spaces to transform neighborhoods.
Over 180 garden plots cultivate a diverse array of fresh produce, while fostering a strong sense of community among residents. Beyond gardening, Spring Gardens hosts a variety of events, from gardening workshops to community dinners, creating a vibrant hub for the neighborhood.
Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature, connect with your neighbors, and savor the fruits of your labor at Spring Gardens.### FIND IT ON GOOGLE MAPS HERE
### Public transport:
Several SEPTA bus routes serve the area around Spring Gardens Park (or at least they used to....) The Spring Garden station on the Broad Street Line is also a short walk to the park.
WEBSITE: thespringgardens.org/
FACEBOOK: The Spring Gardens Community GardenABOUT PARKS ON TAP:
A partnership between Philadelphia Parks & Recreation and FCM Hospitality, Parks on Tap was created to be a traveling beer garden throughout the city's various, beautiful parks all summer long. Proceeds from Parks on Tap benefit the Fairmount Park Conservancy. Each park and location is collectively selected as a way to highlight and enhance the offerings that Philadelphia city parks provide. A portion of all proceeds benefits each park.Is purchase of alcohol required?
Nope! I picked Parks on Tap locations because there will always be seating, shade, food trucks and bathrooms. Free to enter and purchase of alcohol or food is not required. But, bring ID to enter.🥗🍺Food and Drinks
Parks on Tap serves a variety of 🍻 local craft beers, wine and cocktails, as well as non-alcoholic beverages such as water, lemonade and iced tea. 😋A full food menu is available for purchase that highlights items made from locally sourced items and snacks.❓Review:
Meetup reviews are now public. Did you love the event? Tell the world with a 5-star rating AND a comment!🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I love putting together fun literary adventures and your comments feed my soul. But, if you didn't like something, please don’t submit a negative review — instead, message me (Audrey) directly with your suggestions so we can improve the club together!Rules:
Here are the Club’s Basic Rules and Liability Release. You should read them because by signing up for an event you agree to them.I can’t wait to Relax and Read with you!
Audrey
—------------------------------------------------------------------
You can ignore all this part. It’s just for the Meetup algorithm. To make sure our Book Club events get seen. The Novel Tourist Book Club is a fantastic book club where people social can get to know each other meet new friends have fun, exploring hobbies dining out at restaurants. We read books. Make new friends. Lots of fun with Book Club. Socializing. Social event. Rodeos and westerns Lots of hobbies dining out is great fun. We read a lot of fun books. we visit libraries and eat food at restaurants. love to explore and meet new people to try out hobby. socializing is great and we love to read books and explore our hobbies we meet new friends and socialize.Tags: Philadelphia Book Cub; Book Club; Literary Adventures; Novels; Tours; Philly Book Club; silent reading
- Foodie (Non)Fiction: Discuss The Third Plate at Urban FarmerUrban Farmer, Philadelphia, PAUSD 3.00
Your plate isn’t just dinner — it’s a story about soil, farmers, and flavor. 🍽✨ Join Audrey for a farm-to-table meal at Urban Farmer to discuss Dan Barber’s groundbreaking book
The Third Plate_Fee: $3 holds your seat and helps support the fees Meetup charges me to run a club ($400/year)
HOW TO PAY: Use Friends and Family! Do not use the business option because it charges a service fee. Please note the event name or date on your payment. If your payment name is different than your Meetup name please make sure you note your Meetup name.
Venmo - @audrey-Heller1 (phone ends in 4478)
PayPal - https://www.paypal.me/AudreyBugDETAILS:
🧑🌾FOODIE: Urban Farmer Steakhouse
📍 Urban Farmer Steakhouse
Menu: Farm-to-Table Steakhouse with vegetarian and vegan options✅ Locally sourced, seasonal menu
✅ Root-to-bone, zero-waste philosophy
✅ A meal that tells the story of sustainability📚 (NON)FICTION: The Third Plate by Dan Barber
Genre: NonFiction“Dan Barber's tales are engaging, funny and delicious . . . The Third Plate serves as a brilliant culinary manifesto with a message as obvious as it is overlooked. . . . It's an inspiring message that could truly help save our water, air and land before it's too late.” —The Chicago Tribune
Today’s optimistic farm-to-table food culture has a dark secret: the local food movement has failed to change how we eat. It has also offered a false promise for the future of food. In his visionary New York Times–bestselling book, chef Dan Barber, recently showcased on Netflix’s Chef’s Table, offers a radical new way of thinking about food that will heal the land and taste good, too. Looking to the detrimental cooking of our past, and the misguided dining of our present, Barber points to a future “third plate”: a new form of American eating where good farming and good food intersect. Barber’s The Third Plate charts a bright path forward for eaters and chefs alike, daring everyone to imagine a future for our national cuisine that is as sustainable as it is delicious.
Happy reading!
Audrey
Club’s Basic Rules and Liability Release. You should read them because by signing up for an event you agree to them! 🙂
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No need to read this part. It's just for Meetup's algorithm to help these events get seen. Grrr. We love to read books and do fun stuff to celebrate our hobbies and reading. We do many things that involve books and reading and book club. We are adventurous and like to seek out urban adventures and walking tours and like to silent read books and practice hobbies and socialize a lot! Book clubs are the best thing to meet new friends and make friends and socialize and explore for when you are new in town and want to meet people and socialize to talk about books and explore museums and other places.
Philadelphia Book Cub; Book Club; Literary Adventures; Novels; Tours; Philly Book Club; silent reading