What we’re about
The Non-Fiction Book Club is for people looking to read thoughtful intelligent books. If you like to read non-fiction this is the place.
Members suggest titles through the discussion board and when first joining. All non-fiction books are eligible: the authors and books selected do not represent the views of the organizers or members. We learn and develop our critical thinking skills by meeting in respectful dialogue books, people and ideas with which we may disagree. And we like to have fun.
Books selected generally must have 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 on-line poll.
The Non-Fiction Book Club meets either online or in person at a downtown Toronto location. We also have a satellite club in Mississauga. At the meeting, one or more volunteer facilitators presents a prepared list of questions for discussion.
An optional small donation ($2) is requested to cover the Meetup website costs however meetings are open to the public. The discussions are based on having read the book (there is no presentation or summary), but even if you have not read the book you are more than welcome to come and check out the group. See Discussion Groundrules.
Upcoming events (2)
See all- Orientalism - by Edward Said [Online]Link visible for attendees
More than three decades after its first publication, Edward Said's groundbreaking critique of the West's historical, cultural, and political perceptions of the East has become a modern classic.
In this wide-ranging, intellectually vigorous study, Said traces the origins of "orientalism" to the centuries-long period during which Europe dominated the Middle and Near East and, from its position of power, defined "the orient" simply as "other than" the occident. This entrenched view continues to dominate western ideas and, because it does not allow the East to represent itself, prevents true understanding. Essential, and still eye-opening, Orientalism remains one of the most important books written about our divided world.
═════ Discussion questions:
TBD
Facilitator: Andrei═════ $$ Donations:
Our events are free but donations are much appreciated. Your money will support our subscriptions to Meetup.com and Zoom. Please consider an e-transfer to toronto.nonfiction@gmail.com, using either https://www.paypal.com or Interac (suggested $2 per event or PWYC). Thanks!
═════ Meeting format:
- A Zoom link will be sent to registered participants 1-2 days prior to the meeting.
- Please check your communication settings at https://www.meetup.com/account/comm/Non-fictionBookclubToronto/ to receive updates.
- 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.
- Please read our Discussion Groundrules: https://www.meetup.com/Non-fictionBookclubToronto/messages/boards/thread/28765172
- 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.
═════ Land Acknowledgement:
Toronto is part of the traditional territory of many Indigenous nations and is covered by Treaty 13 with the Mississaugas of the Credit. Learn more:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mississaugas
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toronto_Purchase - Silence: the power of quiet in a world of noise - by Thich Nhat Hanh [in person]Kathmandu Restaurant, Toronto, ONCA$0.01
The Zen master and one of the world's most beloved teachers returns with a concise, practical guide to understanding and developing our most powerful inner resource - silence - to help us find happiness, purpose, and peace.
Many people embark on a seemingly futile search for happiness, running as if there is somewhere else to get to, when the world they live in is full of wonder. To be alive is a miracle. Beauty calls to us every day, yet we rarely are in the position to listen. To hear the call of beauty and respond to it, we need silence.
Silence shows us how to find and maintain our equanimity amid the barrage of noise. Thich Nhat Hanh guides us on a path to cultivate calm even in the most chaotic places. This gift of silence doesn't require hours upon hours of silent meditation or an existing practice of any kind. Through careful breathing and mindfulness techniques he teaches us how to become truly present in the moment, to recognize the beauty surrounding us, and to find harmony. With mindfulness comes stillness - and the silence we need to come back to ourselves and discover who we are and what we truly want, the keys to happiness and well-being.
═════ Discussion questions:
TBD
Facilitator: Elizabeth═════ $$ Refundable deposit:
We have always had persistent problems with no-shows and last-minute dropouts. 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.
- Please read our Discussion Groundrules: https://www.meetup.com/Non-fictionBookclubToronto/messages/boards/thread/28765172
- 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.
═════ Land Acknowledgement:
Toronto is part of the traditional territory of many Indigenous nations and is covered by Treaty 13 with the Mississaugas of the Credit. Learn more:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mississaugas
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toronto_Purchase
![Orientalism - by Edward Said [Online] cover photo](https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/1/2/0/7/event_519424615.webp "Orientalism - by Edward Said [Online]")
![Silence: the power of quiet in a world of noise - by Thich Nhat Hanh [in person] cover photo](https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/5/4/d/7/event_520401719.webp "Silence: the power of quiet in a world of noise - by Thich Nhat Hanh [in person]")
