
What we’re about
Join us for adventures in reading & real life! We are a community of readers who discuss books over paired outings. Like to explore? Like to read? You’ve found your people! Join us here in-person and for online discussions wherever you are on the socials! FB, Insta, TikTok, Website
Newsletter/FB group: Meetup isn’t great at sending out notifications, so to stay up to date with the latest book and activity pairings, sign up for the newsletter at https://mailchi.mp/fc5e0725650d/thenoveltourist and join the community on our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ I also post regularly on books and book pairings on Instagram via @thenoveltourist
What the Club Will Do for You
The purpose of all NTBC events is to give you the opportunity to socialize with likeminded readers who are life long learners and love to try new experiences. If your goal is read more books, do more stuff and meet more friends, being part of NTBC can be a life-changing experience!
What You Can Do for the Club
Bring your fun-loving, healthy attitude. Be committed to reading, showing up when promised, and being respectful of other members. We require that your profile includes a clear picture of yourself so others can identify you at our events.
Terms and Conditions
By joining the Novel Tourist Book Club or signing up for or attending any event offered by the Novel Tourist Book Club, you agree to the following terms and conditions:
- Readers please: NTBC is, first and foremost, a book club. We do a lot of amazing activities tied to the books. There are lots of Meetup groups that also do these fun activities. So, if you don’t like to read or don’t plan to read, we are sure there is another group out there that is more suited to your interests. Now, that said, it doesn’t mean you have to read the book or finish the book every time. Sometimes, you try and the book just doesn’t resonate with you. That’s okay! Come and tell us how much you didn’t like it! All we ask is that you try.
- No Guests: Sadness, we know! We are all about the more the merrier, but there must be a limit to the number of attendees at any one event. Events fill up really fast and so unless the event allows you to add a guest (which will be very rare) your guest must create a Meetup account and rsvp for themselves as a member. Yay new members!
- Liability Waiver: By signing up for an event, all members take full responsibility for their own actions and agree to adhere to the following terms and conditions: https://docs.google.com/document/d/10ZE-yUJEcHUnXF_A8MUsfxWhEmrKxZEcojrHh8FjQzc/edit; and further agree to hold harmless the Novel Tourists Book Club organizers and members of this Meetup book club from any and all claims and liability in case of possible injuries as stated in Paragraph 6 of the Meetup Terms of Service Agreement ( https://help.meetup.com/hc/en-us/articles/360027447252-Terms-of-Service#h_9e385395-a405-4361-8afc-854a4f586c82 ). When attending an event, you acknowledge that you are doing this at your own risk.
- Event Payments:
- Name: If your name on your Meetup profile is different than your name on your payment profile (PayPal, Venmo), please provide your meetup name when you make your payment;
- Include Date or Event Title: Please include the date of the event or an indication of the event title (e.g. if we are going to a restaurant put the name of the restaurant not just “restaurant” or “book club.”)
- Be Open-minded, Kind and Courteous: We can’t imagine anyone who loves to read being anything but open-minded, kind and courteous. However, I also know we bibliophiles can have some pretty strong opinions about books! Whether you agree with someone or not, no doubt you came here for a welcoming environment. Healthy debates are natural, but kindness is required.
- No bullies: Personal attacks of any kind are not allowed. Period. I have zero tolerance for any bullying, degrading comments about another member’s race, religion, culture, sexual orientation, gender or identity. We are an open and inclusive community and to keep it that way a$$holes will be removed from the group.
- Photos/Videos: Joining the group and attending an event means you’re a-okay with being photographed/video recorded during events. We always takes pics: for the memories and for promotion of future events and NTBC.
- Communication settings: This is just helpful guidance. Events fill up really fast. Make sure your settings are set to maximize communication: Click on your profile pic in Meetup, click Settings, under General select Email Updates, scroll down and find The Novel Tourists Book Club under “Updates about your Group”, click Edit next to The Novel Tourists Book Club and then make your choices. I suggest checking “New Event Announcements,” “Changes to Event Time or Locations,” “My RSVP is confirmed,” and, most importantly: "Announcements to Members About the Group" and “Event updates from Organizer.” Also, you may want to download the Meetup app.
- Carpooling: It’s great for the planet! However, any arrangements are between you and the person driving. The Novel Tourists Book Club organizers and hosts do not provide, endorse, sponsor or take responsibility for any carpool arrangements pertaining to any event. Please use your good judgment when deciding whether or not to carpool with other participants of the book club event you are attending.
- Refund Policy:
- Events with a fee of less than $5: No refunds, even if someone takes your spot. The events fill fast and the only way to really try to make sure that those who are truly interested and able to come get a seat, is a nominal fee. This fee is offered to the event host to pay for their entrance/meal/etc as a way of saying thank you for your time and for putting this together for us.
- Events with a fee greater than $5: The general policy is if the Organizer/Host can get their money back, you’ll get your money back - if you timely cancelled. Once an event location has been paid, however, many times they won’t issue a refund. If they don’t refund us, we can’t refund you regardless of how far in advance you cancelled. That said, sometimes a refund can be issued IF you cancel at least a week in advance AND someone takes your spot. If you want to request a refund, message Audrey via Meetup to discuss. Please note, if you cancel the day before or the day of an event, there are refunds - regardless of the reason and regardless if someone takes your spot.
- If you do not agree to the above terms and conditions, do not sign up for the club. There is probably a different club out there that will better meet your needs.
Happy reading and adventuring!
- Audrey
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- STAGE & STORY: "The 39 Steps" and "The 39 Steps"Lantern Theater Company, Philadelphia, PA$47.00
Join Audrey at the wonderfully charming Lantern Theater to watch The 39 Steps, a parody play adapted from the 1915 novel of the same name and the 1935 play by Alfred Hitchcock. After the show, we'll head to an early dinner at TBD to discuss the play and the book. Limit 15. First pay goes. Full refund if you cancel 30 days in advance of show or anytime if someone takes your spot.
***
2:00pm STAGE: The 39 Steps
Where: St. Stephen’s Theater (Lantern Theater Company)
923 Ludlow StreetThis performance includes a free post-show discussion with members of the cast, moderated by Lantern resident dramaturg Meghan Winch.
A spy thriller or a rollicking comedy? Why not both! We travel from London to the Scottish Highlands and back again in this absurdist play about a social dandy trying to thwart the theft of state military secrets. Winner of the 2007 Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Comedy and a 2008 Tony Award® nominee for Best Play, this riotous adaptation of The 39 Steps was inspired by John Buchan's 1915 adventure novel and Alfred Hitchcock's 1935 film and continues to delight audiences today.
FEE: $47
Tickets are first pay, goes and limited to 15 people.
HOW TO PAY: (use Friends and Family or else add $10 fee to cover processing charges) Please mention the event or event date in your payment.
Venmo - @audrey-Heller1 (last four of phone # are 4478)
PayPal - https://www.paypal.me/AudreyBugAccessibility
Unfortunately, St. Stephen's Theater requires navigating a flight of stairs and is therefore not accessible to patrons using a wheelchair. No elevator service is available.THE STORY: The 39 Steps by John Buchan
Genre: Classic, AdventureSelected as one of the 100 best novels in English in The Guardian
Recently returned from South Africa, adventurer Richard Hannay is bored with life, but after a chance encounter with an American who informs him of an assassination plot and is then promptly murdered in Hannay’s London flat, he becomes the obvious suspect and is forced to go on the run. He heads north to his native Scotland, fleeing the police and his enemies. Hannay must keep his wits about him if he is to warn the government before all is too late.
This classic spy thriller sold a million copies before Buchan died in 1940, has been adapted countless times for film, television and the stage, and features the most exciting chase in the history of fiction.
Happy Reading!
AudreyHousekeeping!
Here are the Club’s Basic Rules and Liability Release. You should read them because by signing up for an event you agree to them! 🙂 - Pick (online) July’s Book! Theme: TRANSPORTATION 🗳️Vote today!Link visible for attendees
July’s theme is Transportation! NOW IT'S TIME TO VOTE for July’s Member Choice Book! Cast your vote here: https://forms.gle/Vvbst6CUyY3c1F677
(copy and paste to your browser if needed)Vote now! This is not an "event" it is just a post to share the link to vote for the Member Choice Book.
Thank you to everyone who submitted suggestions! So many good ones! We've narrowed it down to four (4) and now it's time to pick just one! You have your choice between a bicycle, spaceship, boat or train!
Stay tuned for the paired in person adventure AND online discussion!
The poll will close May 31 so without further ado - cast your vote!
--------------
Each month we put out a call for ideas for one book that will have both an online discussion event as well as an inperson event. After you share your ideas, we'll pick four to put out for vote as the Member Choice Book for the month. After the book is chosen…well that’s when the fun begins! Stay tuned for the exciting paired online discussion and in person event!Thanks for participating! Reading books and doing stuff together as a book club brings us all so much joy. 🤩
- Audrey
———
NO NEED TO READ BELOW - it’s just for the algorithm 😝Book Club is so much fun. I love going to Book Club and voting for books and these events are perfect for book lovers who like to socialize and meet other people and practice hobbies. All over Philadelphia we read books there’s so many fun things to do to meet other people like going to restaurants and dining out and voting for books and it’s just the best Book Club in the world. Meet friends and hang out in Philadelphia reading books and practicing hobbies while we socialize with book lovers.
- Kayaking in the Pine Barrens and discuss book "James”Lucille's Country Cooking, Barnegat Township, NJ$5.00
RSVPs will open tomorrow (Wednesday 3/26) at 7pm
Join Audrey in the New Jersey Pine Barrens for our 4th annual Kayaking adventure! We’ll pair our paddle with a discussion of James. The novel is a retelling of Huckleberry Finn from the perspective of Jim. Breakfast and the fee for kayak rental (pay that day at Mick's) are your responsibility. If you skip breakfast and are late to Mick's we may have to leave without you. Sorry. We have no choice.
***
THE ADVENTURE:
1. 8:30 am Breakfast in the Pine Barrens and book discussion at Lucille's Country Cooking Cash only, but they accept Venmo and have an ATM.
Address: Rt 539, Barnegat, NJ 08005
We go every year and it’s delicious!!!2. 10:15 am Kayaking in the Pine Barrens
Micks Canoe Rental
Address: 3107 County Rd 563
3107 County Rd 563 · Chatsworth, NJ
The rivers have gentle waters and the forest has a natural beauty everyone in our group can enjoy. Be sure to have a camera ready as you drift by remnants of Colonial settlers, towering Pitch Pines and beaver dams. At some point along the way we will stop for a BYO picnic lunch.***********************
PLEASE READ ***********
********************
This is not a guided tour nor is anyone available to give you lessons on how to kayak. You are responsible for your own safety and decision making about your skills. The river is not a deep or fast river. It’s great for beginners and advanced paddlers alike!***********************
FEES: $5 to hold your spot. ($2 goes to tip the driver, $3 to support the club. No refund if you cancel) First pay goesHOW TO PAY: Use friends and family option/non-business option please.
- Venmo - @audrey-Heller1 (Last four digits of my phone # are 4478)
- PayPal - https://www.paypal.me/AudreyBug
Kayaking cost: Pay at Micks-
Rates available on line but as of right now:
SINGLE KAYAK - $55 + Tax
CANOES AND DOUBLE KAYAKS - $80 + Tax
Rental Includes Canoe or Kayak, Life Vests, Paddles and Transportation To and From the River.LUNCH: Bring plenty of water/beverage and your own lunch.
***
THE NOVEL: James by Percival Everette
Genre: Historical FictionIn development as a feature film to be produced by Steven Spielberg • A Best Book of the Year: The New York Times Book Review, LA Times, The New Yorker, The Atlantic, The Economist, TIME, and more.
"Genius"—The Atlantic • "A masterpiece that will help redefine one of the classics of American literature, while also being a major achievement on its own."—Chicago Tribune
When the enslaved Jim overhears that he is about to be sold to a man in New Orleans, separated from his wife and daughter forever, he decides to hide on nearby Jackson Island until he can formulate a plan. Meanwhile, Huck Finn has faked his own death to escape his violent father, recently returned to town. As all readers of American literature know, thus begins the dangerous and transcendent journey by raft down the Mississippi River toward the elusive and too-often-unreliable promise of the Free States and beyond.
While many narrative set pieces of Adventures of Huckleberry Finn remain in place (floods and storms, stumbling across both unexpected death and unexpected treasure in the myriad stopping points along the river’s banks, encountering the scam artists posing as the Duke and Dauphin…), Jim’s agency, intelligence and compassion are shown in a radically new light.
Housekeeping!
- Here are the Club’s Basic Rules and Liability Release. You should read them because by signing up for an event you agree to them! 🙂
- Some links above are affiliate links which means when you use them to buy your book they help support the club at no cost to you!
-------------------The below is silly babble just for the algorithm - no need for book club members to read this!-------------------------------
Kayaking on a river with book lovers and books through Philadelphia pine barrens is such a fun way to make new friends and be social with book loving book club members who like to read and explore outdoor adventures areas and try new activities such as hiking, biating, reading, craft, hobbies, museums and more! It's especially fun for a book club to go in nature on outdoor adventures with all the book club friends who like to explore and try new hobbies and be social with new friendsHappy Reading!
Audrey