Comic Books

We'll meet at the spot where Fed Square meets the Princes Bridge over the Yarra (near the pedestrian crossing closest to the river from Flinders St, on the Fed Square side). We'll walk for about 6km along the Yarra River, through the Botanic Gardens and back along the river to Federation Square for a coffee after the walk. This month, we're reading and talking about 'The Emperor of Gladness' by Ocean Vuong The blurb: "**Ocean Vuong returns with an achingly beautiful novel about chosen family, unexpected friendship, and the stories we tell ourselves in order to survive.** One late summer evening in the post-industrial town of East Gladness, Connecticut, nineteen-year-old Hai stands on the edge of a bridge in pelting rain, ready to jump, when he hears someone shout across the river. The voice belongs to Grazina, an elderly widow succumbing to dementia, who convinces him to take another path. Bereft and out of options, he quickly becomes her caretaker. Over the course of the year, the unlikely pair develops a life-altering bond, one built on empathy, spiritual reckoning, and heartbreak, with the power to alter Hai’s relationship to himself, his family, and a community at the brink. Following the cycles of history, memory, and time, *The Emperor of Gladness* shows the profound ways in which love, labor, and loneliness form the bedrock of American life. At its heart is a brave epic about what it means to exist on the fringes of society and to reckon with the wounds that haunt our collective soul. Hallmarks of Vuong’s writing – formal innovation, syntactic dexterity, and the ability to twin grit with grace through tenderness – are on full display in this story of loss, hope, and how far we would go to possess one of life’s most fleeting mercies: a second chance." Goodreads rating: 3.93 How does a walking bookclub work? Like a normal bookclub, we talk about the book, what else we're reading, have read, or want to read (as well as a few tangents into life outside literature!) but we do it while walking around Melbourne and then over a coffee. We often split into smaller groups as we walk, but we also regroup through the walk. Should I read the book beforehand? The conversation will be more interesting if you do, but you can still come along if you haven't finished it yet! Do I need to bring anything? **Comfy** walking shoes, drinking water, some money for coffee or a bite to eat after if you wish. No need to bring the book unless you want to. No shows No shows (RSVPing yes and not attending) mean the group waits unnecessarily for those who are not coming, thinking you are running a little late. It’s absolutely fine to change your rsvp for any reason up until the walk begins, and you don’t need to leave a comment, send a message or give a reason, but if you don't click that 'change rsvp' button, you may be removed from the group. Membership Fee Did you know that while it is free to attend most events, Meetup charges organisers about $600 a year to organise a group? Members of the Walking Book Club are asked to pay a membership fee of $10 per year (not per event) to help cover this cost. When you join the group, you'll be automatically given a three month trial so you can see what the group is like, without needing to make any payment. If you would like to continue attending events after this, please follow Meetup's instructions to pay the $6.50US/approx $10AUD fee once per year (or contact group organisers if you would prefer to make payment using paypal, payID, cash or bank transfer).

For March we’ll be reading “All Her Fault” by Andrea Mara. As always, if you haven’t finished the book, or haven’t had a chance to read the book- please still join us for a wine with some like-minded ladies! I ask that you please only RSVP if you are absolutely committed to attending, and please update ASAP if you decide not to attend. This means that everyone who really wants to come can join us! RSVP OPENS SATURDAY MARCH 7th AT 12PM. *Please note the PayPal fee to join is to cover MeetUp admin app costs.

It's been 11 years since one of our favorite authors\* passed away. Join us for a drink and a toast to celebrate his life and the impact his books have had on our lives with your fellow Discworld fans. When: 2:00 pm, Saturday, the 14th of March Where: Melbourne Central Lion hotel on Level 3 https://www.melbournecentral.com.au/centre-info/centre-map We will be inside in the back section. The booking is under Angelene (The Klatch). RSVP: by hitting "going" so we know how many to expect \*GNU Terry Pratchett

## ✨ KISMETRIX \| True Connection [Ticked Event](https://www.kismetrix.com.au/all-events/?event=26306) ### The Valhalla \| Elegant Singles Night Hosted by **KISMETRIX \| True Connection** 📍 **Valhalla Bar (Basement, Olderfleet Building)** 477 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 📅 **Saturday, 14 March** 🕖 **7:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Hosted)** (Venue open late) ### AN ELEGANT SATURDAY NIGHT FOR THOSE WHO PREFER DEPTH OVER NOISE Hidden beneath the iconic Olderfleet Building lies **Valhalla** — a Scandinavian-inspired underground bar where atmosphere, design and conversation take centre stage. This is our **Elegant Singles Night** — a refined Saturday social for those who want real conversation, good energy, and connection that unfolds naturally. No swiping. No forced rotations. No loud, chaotic party crowd. Just confident adults showing up — in real life. ### 👥 AGE GROUPS [(TICKETED)](https://www.kismetrix.com.au/all-events/?event=26306) To create a balanced, comfortable room, tickets are released across two overlapping age groups: • **30–48** • **38–60** Guests receive coloured name tags on arrival to help our hosts support thoughtful introductions early in the evening. As the night progresses, the room naturally opens into relaxed, free-flowing mingling. This structure keeps the atmosphere elegant, social and effortless — without pressure. ### 💫 ABOUT THE EVENT Tired of dating apps that go nowhere? Over speed dating that feels like an interview? So were we. KISMETRIX \| True Connection was created for singles who want something more human — real presence\, real conversation\, and genuine chemistry\. You’ll walk into a room full of people who: * Are done with endless chatting and ghosting * Want to meet face-to-face, not behind a screen * Value depth, respect and good energy * Care about how they show up — socially and emotionally Come for a drink. Stay for the conversation. Leave glad you came. ### 🎯 WHO THIS NIGHT IS FOR This event is for singles who: * Prefer substance over surface * Enjoy meaningful conversation and elegant social settings * Are emotionally mature and socially aware * Want a great Saturday night — regardless of outcomes Come solo or with friends — many do. ### 🍷 THE VIBE Expect: * A moody, intimate underground bar setting * Nordic-inspired design and refined ambience * Hosted support early, free flow later * An elegant, socially aware crowd * **Happy Hour drink specials available at the bar** Think less “dating event” — more **a Collins Street Saturday night done properly**. ### 🎟 TICKETS & INCLUSIONS Get your ticket [HERE](https://www.kismetrix.com.au/all-events/?event=26306) Your ticket includes: * Entry to the curated **KISMETRIX Elegant Singles Night** * Hosted support throughout the evening * A thoughtfully balanced social experience Drinks and small plates are available for purchase directly from Valhalla, with **Happy Hour specials** offered during the event. 🎫 Tickets are limited to maintain quality, balance and atmosphere. Early booking is strongly recommended. ### ✅ WHY PEOPLE LOVE KISMETRIX EVENTS * No apps. No swiping. Just real people * No scripts or awkward structures * Thoughtful curation without rigidity * A genuinely enjoyable night — even if you attend solo * Many guests come “just for a drink” … and end up staying all night ### 🔔 [BOOK NOW](https://www.kismetrix.com.au/all-events/?event=26306) Spaces are limited to maintain the energy and quality of the room. **Refund Policy:** Tickets are non-refundable. If you can no longer attend, you’re welcome to transfer your ticket to someone else in the same age group. ## **🔗 Stay Connected with Kismetrix \| True Connection** Love this event? We run a variety of experiences to help people meet and connect in meaningful ways. 📧 **social@kismetrix.com.au** 🌐 **[www.kismetrix.com.au](http://www.kismetrix.com.au "http://www.kismetrix.com.au")** 📱 Follow us on **[Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/kismetrix_/ "https://www.instagram.com/kismetrix_/"), [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559826808523 "https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559826808523") & [Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.com.au/o/kismetrix-singles-events-84848288353 "https://www.eventbrite.com.au/o/kismetrix-singles-events-84848288353")** 📄 \*\*Important Notice:\*\*By registering for this event\, you confirm that you have read and agree to Kismetrix \| True Connection’s[ Terms & Conditions](https://www.kismetrix.com.au/terms-and-conditions-2/ "https://www.kismetrix.com.au/terms-and-conditions-2/"),[ Privacy Policy](https://www.kismetrix.com.au/privacy-policy/ "https://www.kismetrix.com.au/privacy-policy/"),[ Disclaimer](https://www.kismetrix.com.au/disclaimer/ "https://www.kismetrix.com.au/disclaimer/") and [Code of Conduct](https://www.kismetrix.com.au/code-of-conduct/ "https://www.kismetrix.com.au/code-of-conduct/").Some events may be non-refundable as stated in their individual descriptions.🤝 Collaborations: **collabs@kismetrix.com.au**

We are moving to a new platform and will be only running the new platform in 2025. please signup here: [https://www.downtomeet.com/Melbourne-Writers](https://www.downtomeet.com/Melbourne-Writers) This is the time to write whatever it is you want to write. \-\-\-\-\-\> IMPORTANT <\-\-\-\-\-\-\- We ask for the Nook which is to your left as you go in, but it is not always available. Ask for the table under "Mat Clarke". Sometimes we do not have an official host, so please say hi to people as they arrive and make everyone feel welcome. Thanks. No limitations. Come along and bring your laptop or pen and paper and work on whatever you want. There are no rules :) You can write. You can chat and write. You can share your work. Or not share your work. (If you need silence to concentrate then headphones are a good idea considering it is in a cafe/bar.) Coffee, hot chocolate, etc., available to buy. Also food and drink. Please buy something to show our thanks for the space they give us free of charge. There are some people that will want to chat, but most will be writing. So bear that in mind. See you there :) \-\-\-\-\-\-Please only RSVP if you can make it\-\-\-\-\-\-\- \-\-\-\-\-\-Un\-RSVP if you need to cancel\-\-\-\-\-\-\- We're booking the area, so we will need you to turn up if you say you are coming. Thanks. Thank you, Melbourne Writers. Great Links: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MelbWriters Website: www.worldwriterscollective.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/MelbCityWriters Blog: http://melbournewriters.wordpress.com **Help us by adding to these social pages and site**

***One incredibly awesome gig @ Transport Bar with Woody Samson!*** With his guitar, trumpet, piano, drum machines, and a five-octave vocal range, Woody turns every set into a full-scale experience, and its all about great music, good vibes, and fun times all round! 💃🏽🕺🏽 New to the group or flying solo? No worries, many of us are. Come say hi to Andy or Annita and we’ll do an intro with other members. We'll have a reserved area in the 'Glasshouse' area where the band is, and let the good times roll! 💃🏽🎉🍸🕺🏻. If you haven't yet paid your $12 membership fee for the group, please do so to attend this event directly to the group's account - Andy Annita UE Account bsb 670864 acc 35256989 ref (your name) **Thank you!**

We’re doing a walking tour of street art in Melbourne CBD, focussing on some big pieces scattered through the city and and more informal little areas right through. I am a former street artist and know a lot on the topic/history/technique/etc. Come pick my brain. $10 cash to join the walk. Please send me a message so we know to wait for you at the beginning. The tour will commence from Southern Cross Stattion and will wrap up at Hosier lane. Be prepared to walk, we are walking a route which is not direct.

Sunday arvo, $7 pints, live music, what more could you want! Rocky Ridge Brewery, which has taken over from Thunder Road Brewery, offers a bunch of boutique craft beers. So come join us for a drink or three and banter!

Bring your sketch equipment and spend a day reliving your childhood at the super cute Diamond Valley Railway in Eltham🚂 We’ll line up for the miniature train and purchase tickets at the entrance ($5 per ride). If you’d prefer not to go on the train, feel free to explore the area and find a nice spot to sketch instead. After the ride, we’ll settle down somewhere in the park and spend time sketching together. *If it rain we will move it to the next Sunday ☔️ https://www.dvr.com.au/plan-your-visit/ticket-prices.php

This will be the first ever Book Club Meet up for this group! * We will be discussing Dating After the End of the World by Jeneva Rose (if you would like a free EPUB copy of this book to read on kindle, message me & I can send you the ebook) * ***Changed the book from Daggermouth due to it being independently published and hard to find in print**** * Feel free to attend even if you haven't started or finished the book ◡̈ ! * Small snacks will be provided. You’re welcome to bring your own snacks & drinks too! * Even if the meetup event shows full, you are welcome to come. If you can no longer attend the event, no worries, just please try to update your status on meetup for it.

**Our March pick is *God of the Woods* by Liz Moore.** **This month’s novel is an award-winning literary mystery that blends family drama with psychological suspense. It explores women’s voices and relationships while delivering an exciting, eerie, and deeply suspenseful story. The book is 576 pages in print or 14 hours and 35 minutes on audiobook.** Early morning, August 1975: a camp counselor discovers an empty bunk. Its occupant, Barbara Van Laar, has gone missing. Barbara isn’t just any thirteen-year-old: she’s the daughter of the family that owns the summer camp and employs most of the region’s residents. And this isn’t the first time a Van Laar child has disappeared. Barbara’s older brother similarly vanished fourteen years ago, never to be found. As a panicked search begins, a thrilling drama unfolds. Chasing down the layered secrets of the Van Laar family and the blue-collar community working in its shadow, Moore’s multi-threaded story invites readers into a rich and gripping dynasty of secrets and second chances. It is Liz Moore’s most ambitious and wide-reaching novel yet.

This month we’ll be ready The Fifth Season by NK Jemisin. Feel free to come even if you don’t finish the bookk!

Welcome, readers! Our March read is **_The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver._** The story follows Taylor Greer, a young woman from rural Kentucky who leaves home for the West, only to find herself unexpectedly becoming the guardian of an abused Native American toddler named Turtle. In Tucson, Arizona, they form a makeshift family with a diverse group of people, including Guatemalan refugees and a single mother, exploring themes of motherhood, community, belonging, and finding hope in hardship. The story blends humor with serious issues, creating a story about finding family in unexpected places. Looking forward to discussing with everyone! We will meet at Zaftig Brewing Co in their event room in the back. We are welcome to bring in our own food, but **drinks must be purchased at the bar.** Happy reading! 📖