About us
Are you a non-fiction fan looking for more than just a summary? Join us! Tired of small talk? Let’s talk about the world instead. From social sciences and natural sciences to philosophy and current events, we dive into the topics that shape our reality. We’re not looking for everyone to agree; we’re looking for critical thinkers ready for an honest, open dialogue. If you’re curious about how the world works, there’s a seat for you.
We have two branches:
- WestGTA Group meets in Mississauga. To join us or for more details, please contact Helen (Organizer).
- Toronto Group meets monthly in Downtown Toronto or occasionally online.
How it Works
Members suggest books when first joining, through the discussion board or through monthly surveys. All non-fiction books are eligible: the authors and books do not represent the views of the organizers or members. Books should have at least 10 copies available in the Toronto Public Library and be under 400 pages. Each month, the group votes on a selection of books through an online poll. At the meeting, a volunteer facilitator presents a list of questions for discussion. Attendees should read the book before the meeting (there is no presentation or summary) but you are more than welcome to come and check out the group anyway. Our critical thinking grows through respectful dialogue: engaging with people, books, and ideas that challenge our own. And of course, we make sure to have fun!
Upcoming events
2
- CA$0.01
Iran : What Everyone Needs to Know -- by Michael Axworthy
Restaurant within 4 min walk from Bloor-Yonge, Bloor-Yonge station, Toronto, ON, CASince the beginning of recorded history, Iran/Persia has been one of the most important world civilizations. Iran remains a distinct civilization today despite its status as a major Islamic state with broad regional influence and its deep integration into the global economy through its vast energy reserves. Yet the close attention paid to Iran in recent decades stems from the impact of the 1979 revolution, which unleashed ideological shock waves throughout the Middle East that reverberate to this day. Many observers look at Iran through the prism of the Islamic Republic's adversarial relationship with the US, Israel, and Sunni nations in its region, yet as Michael Axworthy shows in Iran: What Everyone Needs to Know, there is much more to contemporary Iran than its fraught foreign relations. He begins with a concise account of Iranian history from ancient times to the late twentieth century and then follows that with sharp summaries of the key events since the 1979 revolution. The final section of the book focuses on Iran today--its culture, economy, politics, and people--and assesses the challenges that the nation will face in coming years. Iran will be an essential overview of a complex and important nation that has occupied world headlines for nearly four decades.
═════ Discussion questions:
TBD
Facilitator: Andrii═════ $$ Refundable deposit:
We'd like to make sure everyone on the RSVP actually intends to join us and enjoy the event.
Please make a refundable deposit of $5 to hold your spot, via Paypal or Interac e-transfer to toronto.nonfiction@gmail.com, when you RSVP or shortly thereafter. If you are waitlisted please wait until a spot opens up for you before making a transfer.
You'll get your $5 back in cash if you join us at the event. If you decide to drop out later or not attend, consider this a donation to support our meetup and zoom subscriptions, which aren't cheap. Thank you!
═════ Meeting format:
- We meet to discuss the book after having read it beforehand.
- A facilitator guides the discussion ensuring that everyone has a chance to speak, one person at a time.
- Warning: Participation in a book club is a dangerous activity. You may encounter opinions different from yours. By joining the group you agree to assume all risks.
6 attendees - CA$0.01
The parasitic mind: how infectious ideas are killing common sense - by Gad Saad
Restaurant within 4 min walk from Bloor-Yonge, Bloor-Yonge station, Toronto, ON, CAUSA Today National Bestseller. There's a war against truth... and if we don't win it, intellectual freedom will be a casualty. The West’s commitment to freedom, reason, and true liberalism has never been more seriously threatened than it is today by the stifling forces of political correctness.
Dr. Gad Saad, the host of the enormously popular YouTube show THE SAAD TRUTH, exposes the bad ideas—what he calls “idea pathogens”—that are killing common sense and rational debate. Incubated in our universities and spread through the tyranny of political correctness, these ideas are endangering our most basic freedoms—including freedom of thought and speech.
The danger is grave, but as Dr. Saad shows, politically correct dogma is riddled with logical fallacies. We have powerful weapons to fight back with—if we have the courage to use them.
A provocative guide to defending reason and intellectual freedom and a battle cry for the preservation of our fundamental rights, The Parasitic Mind will be the most controversial and talked-about book of the year.
═════ Discussion questions:
TBD
Facilitator: Andrii═════ $$ Refundable deposit:
We'd like to make sure everyone on the RSVP actually intends to join us and enjoy the event.
Please make a refundable deposit of $5 to hold your spot, via Paypal or Interac e-transfer to toronto.nonfiction@gmail.com, when you RSVP or shortly thereafter. If you are waitlisted please wait until a spot opens up for you before making a transfer.
You'll get your $5 back in cash if you join us at the event. If you decide to drop out later or not attend, consider this a donation to support our meetup and zoom subscriptions, which aren't cheap. Thank you!
═════ Meeting format:
- We meet to discuss the book after having read it beforehand.
- A facilitator guides the discussion ensuring that everyone has a chance to speak, one person at a time.
- Warning: Participation in a book club is a dangerous activity. You may encounter opinions different from yours. By joining the group you agree to assume all risks.
6 attendees
Past events
341
![Prequel : an American fight against Fascism - by Rachel Maddow [Online]](https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/d/9/a/b/highres_532795723.jpeg)
