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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

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  • 3 seats left
    September Pick: There There by Tommy Orange

    September Pick: There There by Tommy Orange

    Angelika Bar, Main Rd, North Hobart, Tasmania, AU

    Our 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!

    • Photo of the user
    • Photo of the user
    • Photo of the user
    7 attendees
  • 8 seats left
    October Pick: The Possessed by Witold Gombrowicz

    October Pick: The Possessed by Witold Gombrowicz

    Angelika Bar, Main Rd, North Hobart, Tasmania, AU

    Our October Pick is The Possessed by Witold Gombrowicz

    About the book:
    In The Possessed, Witold Gombrowicz, considered by many to be Poland’s greatest modernist, draws together the familiar tropes of the Gothic novel to produce a darkly funny and playful subversion of the form. With dreams of escaping his small-town existence and the limitations of his status, a young tennis coach travels to the heart of the Polish countryside where he is to train Maja Ochołowska, a beautiful and promising player whose bourgeois family has fallen upon difficult circumstances. But no sooner has he arrived than the relationship with his pupil develops into one of twisted love and hate, and he becomes embroiled in the fantastic happenings taking place at the dilapidated castle nearby. Haunted kitchens, bewitched towels, conniving secretaries and famous clairvoyants all conspire to determine the fate of the young lovers and the mad prince residing in the castle.

    This is a slightly longer read, but hoping getting it up now gives people plenty of time to get a copy and get stuck in. Sounded a bit different from our last few reads, and we haven't visited Poland yet :)

    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!

    • Photo of the user
    • Photo of the user
    2 attendees

Group links

Organizers

Photo of the user Elaine M.
Elaine M.