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
2
August Pick: An Unlasting Home by Mai Al-Nakib
Angelika Bar, Main Rd, North Hobart, Tasmania, AUOur August Pick is An Unlasting Home by Mai Al-Nakib
About the book:
It’s 2013 and Sara is a philosophy professor at Kuwait University. Her relationship with Kuwait is complicated; it is a country she always thought she would leave, a country she recognizes less and less. Yet for eleven years—since her return from Berkeley following her mother’s unexpected death—a certain inertia has kept her there. When teaching Nietzsche in her Intro to Philosophy course leads to an accusation of blasphemy, which carries with it the threat of execution, Sara realizes she must reconcile her feelings and her place in the world once and for all.
Interspersed with Sara’s narrative are the stories of her grandmothers—beautiful and stubborn Yasmine, who marries the son of the Pasha of Basra and lives to regret it, and Lulwa, born poor in the old town of Kuwait, swept off her feet to an estate in India by the son of a successful merchant family—as well as those of her two mothers—Noura, who dreams of building a life in America and helping to shape its Middle East policies, and Maria, who leaves her own children behind in Pune to raise Sara and her brother, Karim, and, in so doing, transforms many lives.
Ranging from the 1920s to the near present, An Unlasting Home traces Kuwait’s rise from a pearl-diving backwater to its reign as a thriving cosmopolitan state to the aftermath of the Iraqi invasion. At once intimate and sweeping, personal and political, it is an unforgettable family portrait and a spellbinding epic tale.I have put this one in for early September, as I will be away the last two weeks of August! I have also added September's book as well for the end of the month - plenty of time for the eager and slow readers among us ;)
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!
4 attendees
September Pick: There There by Tommy Orange
Angelika Bar, Main Rd, North Hobart, Tasmania, AUOur September Pick is There There by Tommy Orange
About the book:
Jacquie Red Feather is newly sober and hoping to reconnect with her estranged family. That's why she is there. Dene is there because he has been collecting stories to honour his uncle's death, while Edwin is looking for his true father and Opal came to watch her boy Orvil dance.All of them are connected by bonds they may not yet understand. All of them are here for the celebration that is the Big Oakland Powwow. But Tony Loneman is also there. And Tony has come to the Powow with darker intentions.
I have heard exceedingly good things about this book - I encourage you to look up the author to learn more about his background ahead of reading.
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!
2 attendees
Past events
20
