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
April Pick: Sister Europe by Nell Zink
Angelika Bar, Main Rd, North Hobart, Tasmania, AUOur April Pick is Sister Europe by Nell Zink
About the book:
An irresistible and poignant novel about the upper echelons of Berlin society, a grand literary celebration, and the after-party that upends the night and carries a group of guests deeper into the cityNaema, an elderly princess dedicated to her pet causes, is in a bind: struck by a malady that maroons her in Montreux, she’s unable to host an exclusive gala dinner in Berlin to honor the author Masud al-Huzeil for his lifetime achievement in Arabic literature. Not only is she unable to attend, RSVPs have been slow to materialize, and she’s reduced to begging the ancient award winner to find some attendees at the last minute. Masud invites his old friend Demian, a native Berliner, who in turn invites his two best friends: the troubled innocent Livia and an American publisher, Toto, who will do anything for a free meal.
But Toto doesn’t come alone. In tow are his younger Internet date—she’s stood him up often enough to be nicknamed “the Flake”—and Demian’s fifteen-year-old daughter, Nicole. Not to mention the cop who’s been trailing Nicole since she left the red-light district. Presiding over the affair is Naema’s infinitely rich, endlessly disaffected grandson, Prince Radi, whose pass at Nicole culminates in an epic midnight food run that changes all their lives.
With sophistication and tenderness, Nell Zink weaves a vividly colored tapestry of a milieu at odds with itself, taking her trademark ambiguity, daring, and humor to new heights
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.
The RSVP is capped at 10, but we can probably fit a few more in if you're keen to join and unable to RSVP - just send me a DM.
If you're unable to attend for any reason, please update your RSVP ASAP so others can take your spot. Thanks!
5 attendees
May Pick: Chronicles from the Land of the Happiest People on Earth
Angelika Bar, Main Rd, North Hobart, Tasmania, AUOur May Pick is Chronicles From the Land of the Happiest People on Earth by Wole Soyinka
About the book:
In an imaginary Nigeria, a cunning entrepreneur is selling body parts stolen from Dr. Menka's hospital for use in ritualistic practices. Dr. Menka shares the grisly news with his oldest college friend, bon viveur, star engineer, and Yoruba royal, Duyole Pitan-Payne. The life of every party, Duyole is about to assume a prestigious post at the United Nations in New York, but it now seems that someone is determined that he not make it there. And neither Dr. Menka nor Duyole knows why, or how close the enemy is, or how powerful.
Chronicles from the Land of the Happiest People on Earth is at once a literary hoot, a crafty whodunit, and a scathing indictment of political and social corruption. It is a stirring call to arms against the abuse of power from one of our fiercest political activists, who also happens to be a global literary giant.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.
The RSVP is capped at 10, but we can probably fit a few more people in - just send me a message is the RSVP is full and you want to join.
If you're unable to attend for any reason, please update your RSVP ASAP so others can take your spot. Thanks!
7 attendees
Past events
16
