Yarra and Botanics Walk discussing 'The Lincoln Highway' by Amor Towles

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, near where there are often booths selling river cruise and ferry tickets).

We'll walk for 6-8 km along the Yarra River, through the Botanic Gardens and King's Domain, returning to the starting location. If people wish, we can also go for a coffee near Federation Square after the walk.

This month, we're reading and talking about 'The Lincoln Highway' by Amor Towles.

The blurb:
"The bestselling author of A Gentleman in Moscow and Rules of Civility and master of absorbing, sophisticated fiction returns with a stylish and propulsive novel set in 1950s America

In June, 1954, eighteen-year-old Emmett Watson is driven home to Nebraska by the warden of the work farm where he has just served a year for involuntary manslaughter. His mother long gone, his father recently deceased, and the family farm foreclosed upon by the bank, Emmett’s intention is to pick up his eight-year-old brother and head west where they can start their lives anew. But when the warden drives away, Emmett discovers that two friends from the work farm have hidden themselves in the trunk of the warden’s car. Together, they have hatched an altogether different plan for Emmett’s future.

Spanning just ten days and told from multiple points of view, Towles’s third novel will satisfy fans of his multi-layered literary styling while providing them an array of new and richly imagined settings, characters, and themes."

Goodreads rating: 4.24

This month's runners up:
- The Bookbinder of Jericho - Pip Williams

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!

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 will be removed from the group.

Voluntary contribution to meetup fees
Did you know that while it is free to attend most events, Meetup charges organisers about $320 a year to organise a group? If you wish, you can make a voluntary contribution towards Walking Bookclub organiser fees at any walk, by buying a ticket to a special voluntary contribution event or asking host for details for an electronic transfer. $5 a year is great if you attend a few walks, $10 is fantastic if you really enjoy the events and come most months. It is completely voluntary – you are welcome to continue attending events even if you are not able to contribute at the moment or if you are a new member and wish to join a few events first. Contributions are only once per year, not per event.