Bamboo

⚠️日本語の案内は下にあります⚠️ 🎟Fee: $5 🌱Payment: Cash or E-transfer If you choose E-transfer, we recommend sending it before arrival to: ✉️canasianstation@gmail.com 🗣Event Style ・This event is 18 + only • Group-based language exchange • Small groups of 3–4 people • Use both Japanese and English to communicate 🕒Schedule 6:15 – 6:30 Check-in 6:30 – 7:10 Round 1 7:10 – 7:15 Seat change 7:15 – 7:55 Round 2 7:55 Wrap-up 💫Friendly Guidelines • Participants with 2 no-shows may be removed from future events • This is not a dating or matchmaking event. You cannot request specific people to talk to. If you have an NG (someone you prefer not to be matched with), please let us know in advance • Photos may be taken for Instagram and event pages. If you do not wish to appear in photos, please inform the organizer beforehand • Harassment, discrimination, sexual harassment, solicitation, or inappropriate behavior is strictly prohibited. If you notice any issues, please inform the organizer 🤝About This Event (Important) This is a group-based Language Exchange event. • One-on-one conversations with Japanese participants • Conversations with participants of a specific nationality ➡️are not guaranteed. ・Anyone who is interested in using Japanese and/or English is welcome to join, regardless of nationality. Thank you for your understanding🦄🌱 🎟️参加費：5ドル 🌱支払い方法：現金 or E-transfer ※E-transferをご利用の方は、到着前に ✉️Canasianstation@gmail.com へ送金していただくことを推奨しています 🗣️イベント形式 3〜4人のグループで、日本語と英語を使った国際交流🌏 本イベントは18歳以上限定です。 🕖タイムスケジュール 6:15 – 6:30 Check-in 6:30 – 7:10 第1ラウンド 7:10 – 7:15 席替え 7:15 – 7:55 第2ラウンド 7:55　解散 💫参加にあたって ・2回以上のNo-show（キャンセル無しの無断欠席）があった場合、以降の参加をお断りします ・本イベントはデート・マッチング目的の場ではありませんので、特定の「話したい人」の指定はできません。 ※NGの方がいる場合は、事前にお知らせください ・Instagram・イベントページ用に写真撮影を行う場合があります。写りたくない方は事前にお知らせください ・セクハラ、差別的発言、嫌がらせ、勧誘行為は固く禁止しています。もし見かけた場合は、主催者までご連絡ください 🫶イベントについて 本イベントは Language Exchange（言語交流）を目的としたグループ形式のイベントです。 ・カナダ人との一対一での会話 ・特定の国籍の参加者との会話 →これらを保証するものではありません。 ・日本語・英語を使って交流したい方であれば、国籍に関わらずご参加いただけます🦄🌱

**🏛️ WHAT'S PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY ABOUT?** Practical Philosophy is a weekly meet-up that brings critical thinkers together for an opportunity to dive deep on a topic, practice communicating, and building a community. All with no ‘official’ philosophy knowledge required! 😎 Practical Philosophy is based on the idea that philosophy should be accessible to all, and not something reserved only for academics. Each week we choose a topic, and the goal is to use the conversation to develop our critical thinking and communication as we explore that topic. The goal is to help develop our Critical Thinking, Communication, and Community 🙌 **📓 HOW DOES IT WORK?** Each week, we pick one topic and discuss it. The topic for the week is shared, generally in the [Whatsapp group](https://tally.so/r/81LP4A), along with jump-off points to get the conversation going. When groups get bigger than 7-8 people, it’s important that we break into smaller groups. This way we are able to maintain a conversational flow as opposed to having our meetups feel like a discourse or lecture. **General Meeting Agenda** Each Practical Philosophy meet-up follows this general timeline: * 19:00-19:15 - People arrive and chat, get to know each other before the official start. * 19:15-19:25 - Meeting introduction, explanation of Practical Philosophy and the topic for the week, read the guidelines and the overview so attendees know what to expect in terms of timelines. * 19:25-20:45 - Break into small groups - introduce yourselves and general thoughts on the topic, open discussion afterwards. At this point the group can review the ‘jump-off’ questions as needed, but they are just there to help guide the conversation. It’s not obligatory to answer them. * 20:45-21:00 - Bring everyone back together to discuss conclusions of the topic - each group gives a short 1-minute summary. Organizer concludes the meeting and everyone takes a group photo. * 21:00 - The official meeting is over but it’s a great opportunity to get to know people in a non-structured environment, so we often stick around, chat, and get to know each other. **🧧PRICING?** Practical Philosophy is operated entirely on voluntary donations! If we are meeting in a café, buy a beverage! Donations are 100% voluntary, but they help us to bring the gift of deep conversation to people around the world. If you'd like to support, you can [donate here](https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/donation-form/donate-to-practical-philosophy)! (Practical Philosophy is a registered Canadian charity) **💛 WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY** **🗣** “I feel like Philosophy Club helps someone build their own belief system through a series of perspectives while not promoting what’s right and wrong” - Ekam 🗣 “I got hooked from day 1 (the topic was authority) and felt it was the right place for me. I feel it is a place where people can go to learn and discuss new perspectives and increase critical thinking and community by interacting with people who might challenge your point of views but at the same time encourage you to have openness and mind flexibility.” - Daniel **🤓 FAQ** * **Do I need to study or read anything to attend?** No preparation is necessary. This isn’t a study of other thinkers. We want to know what you think about the topic, not what an old philosopher thought. If you have a perspective from a religion or a school of thought to share, throw it on the table and we’ll discuss it. * **Is there a specific philosophy that Practical Philosophy is focused on?** The goal of our meet-ups is to not have dogmatic discussions, and flex our critical thinking muscles. Because of this, we want to hear from every realm of thought, and don't study a particular school. * **Is it mostly men that attend?** Surprisingly, no! Although often, philosophy is seen as a Candelabra affair in a dark room with a bunch of guys, our Practical Philosophy meetups are generally 50/50 between genders, and we don’t meet in any dark rooms. * **Can I come alone?** Of course you can, we encourage it :) * **Can I be late?** Please don't be! We do have a 15 minute grace period where we allow people to funnel in while we hang out, but after that if you arrive too late, it disrupts the flow of the conversation. * **Where do you meet?** The location is posted in Meetup and our [Whatsapp](https://tally.so/r/81LP4A) group for this location. It is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that you join the Whatsapp group! If you want to know what other cities have a Practical Philosophy Club, you can see our chapters on our [website](https://www.practicalphilosophy.club/). 🤝**POLICY** To respect our members privacy, we ask that no one privately message a member without first getting explicit consent. (This looks like speaking in person and being asked to message privately.) Contacting or texting other participants without prior consent is not permitted and may result in removal from the group. Practical Philosophy reserves the right to enforce this policy at its discretion to maintain a safe and respectful environment. **PRACTICAL PHILOSOPHY CLUB - Philosophy, everywhere. ✨** We started in Practical Philosophy back in 2021 and there are now 50+ chapters in 25+ countries, including Canada, Spain, Japan, Mexico and many more! 🗺️ **\*\*\*** **Join our [Mississauga Whatsapp](https://tally.so/r/81LP4A) 👈** **Follow us on [Instagram](instagram.com/practicalphilosophyclub/) 👈** **Our [website](https://www.practicalphilosophy.club/) 👈**

平日の午後にボードゲームをしながらカジュアルに英語を練習しましょう！North York Centre のフードコートでやります。公共のスペースなので、料金はありませんが、周りに配慮をお願いします。 私がボードゲームは用意しますが、もしやりたいゲームがあれば、持ってきて貰って構いません。 会えるのを楽しみにしてます！ Let's have a casual weekday evening playing board games and practicing English. We'll play in the food court of North York Centre. This is a public space so there is no cost, but please be kind to other people in the area. I will bring my own board games, but if you have any you would like to play feel free to bring them as well. I look forward to meeting you!

Join us for ESL Cafe on Mondays nights at St Paul's Bloor Street. We have groups for all levels of English: Basic English, Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced. At ESL Cafe, you can practice English conversation, drink coffee (or tea) and have lots of fun meeting other interesting people!!

**Meet new people over great food in a relaxed, social setting.** This is a small-group social dining experience for people who enjoy good food, good conversation, and expanding their circle in a natural way. Everyone attending is there to meet others — no pressure, no awkward networking. **What to expect** * A small group (usually 4–8 people) * A friendly, low-pressure atmosphere * Easy, natural conversation **How it works** We coordinate the group and reserve the table once attendees confirm. The venue and details are shared with the group beforehand. Just show up, order what you like, and enjoy the experience. Each guest covers their own food and drinks. To keep groups balanced and confirmed, seat confirmations happen through #dine: https://www.hashtagdine.com/

**Meet new people over great food in a relaxed, social setting.** This is a small-group social dining experience for people who enjoy good food, good conversation, and expanding their circle in a natural way. Everyone attending is there to meet others — no pressure, no awkward networking. **What to expect** * A small group (usually 4–8 people) * A friendly, low-pressure atmosphere * Easy, natural conversation **How it works** We coordinate the group and reserve the table once attendees confirm. The venue and details are shared with the group beforehand. Just show up, order what you like, and enjoy the experience. Each guest covers their own food and drinks. To keep groups balanced and confirmed, seat confirmations happen through #dine: https://www.hashtagdine.com/

🚨👉 To RSVP for this event, head to our [Luma event page](https://luma.com/7h4g008b). RSVPs are intentionally closed on Meetup.👈🚨 [https://luma.com/7h4g008b](https://luma.com/7h4g008b) To stay up-to-date with our latest events, please subscribe to our luma calendar here: [https://luma.com/techtank](https://luma.com/techtank) **Long CI times slowing down your development workflow?** Many teams assume improving CI performance requires new infrastructure, expensive tools, or major changes to their workflow. But in many cases, the tools you're already using include built-in flags that can significantly reduce CI time — they're just often overlooked. In this talk, **[Emily Xiong](https://www.linkedin.com/in/xiongemi/)** (Software Developer @ StackAdapt) will share how small configuration changes in common JavaScript tooling can lead to meaningful CI speedups, faster feedback loops, and a better developer experience. The core idea is simple: **you can often reduce CI time significantly without adding new infrastructure, SaaS, or complex changes.** Most JavaScript tooling already includes flags for caching, concurrency, and smarter execution. The real challenge isn't availability — it's awareness and correct setup in CI environments. Emily will walk through practical examples using tools many teams already rely on, including: * ESLint * Jest * Playwright * Next.js If you work on large codebases, monorepos, or pipelines that take longer than you'd like, this talk will show how **small adjustments to existing tooling can make a big difference.** *** ## About the Speaker **[Emily Xiong](https://www.linkedin.com/in/xiongemi/)** is a software engineer with 10+ years of experience building and scaling products in enterprise environments. She's experienced the industry’s ups and downs (including layoffs), which has shaped her resilience and focus on continuous growth. Emily is particularly passionate about developer experience, tackling challenges like large monorepos and long CI times. She stays closely tuned to developments in AI, both excited and a little cautious about where the industry is heading, and she enjoys blogging to explore ideas and share what she's learning. *** ## Important Notes for RSVPs **RSVP Commitment** ​If you RSVP and can no longer attend, please update your RSVP at least 24 hours in advance. No-shows may affect your ability to attend future TechTank events. ​​ **Photography & Video Disclaimer ​** By attending, you acknowledge that photos and/or videos may be taken and used for future promotional content. If you’d prefer not to be included, please inform the TechTank organizers when you arrive. ​​ *** ## Event Sponsor This event is sponsored by **[BrainStation](https://brainstation.io/)**. BrainStation is a global leader in digital skills training and workforce transformation. Founded in 2012, BrainStation has certified over **35,000 professionals** and worked with some of the largest companies in the world through cutting-edge digital skills training delivered online and in person from campuses in **New York, London, and Toronto**.  *** ## About TechTank [TechTank](https://www.techtankto.com/) is a Toronto tech community bringing developers, designers, and builders together through talks, workshops, and community events. Join our vibrant community for the latest updates and continued discussions: [https://linktr.ee/techtankto](https://linktr.ee/techtankto)  *** **Interested in Supporting TechTank?** If you or your company are interested in sponsoring a TechTank event or supporting the community, we’d love to hear from you. 📩 **Email us:** [techtankto@gmail.com](https://techtankto@gmail.com)

Join us at our vegan-friendly social climbing session! We welcome all vegans, vegetarians, or anyone who is curious about the lifestyle and/or interested in eating more plant-based. No climbing experience is necessary. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a first-time climber, all are welcome. We will be bouldering, top roping, and using autobelays - feel free to join whichever activity you're interested in! For those who are climbing for the first time, not to worry as it is quick to pick up and we are happy to provide some pointers on technique. You can boulder or use the autobelays after getting a quick orientation from the staff at the gym. For top roping, we're happy to belay any of our attendees. **Fees**: * $28 admission fee, plus rentals Climbing shoes are strongly recommended (disclaimer: rental shoes are not vegan as they contain suede/leather). Harnesses are only necessary for top roping and autobelay, however this gym is primarily a rope climbing gym. * Shoe rental: $7.00 * Harness rental: $7.00 Remember to sign the [waiver](https://waiver.smartwaiver.com/w/5f121ea156df1/web/) before you hit the rocks! You can sign the waiver online or in person once you arrive. Make sure to arrive at the Bloor location, there are multiple Basecamp locations! Happy climbing! 🧗‍♂️🌱 Note: Clean indoor shoes are allowed to be worn, however we highly recommend using climbing shoes otherwise your experience will be negatively impacted.

The next event is happening on Wednesday April 15 at 630 PM at Steadfast Brewery! Please RSVP if you're planning on coming so we can plan appropriately! To help cover the costs of meetup fees, we will be taking optional donations for this event. If you're inclined to, feel free to send any amount you're comfortable with to harresh.s@hotmail.com, or bring cash to the event. Please note that this is entirely optional and not required to join the event! All proceeds will go towards fees for this event and future events, as well as meetup fees.

This is a companion event for the [Garden to Ravine to Park hike](https://www.meetup.com/hike-to-eat/events/308601623). **Important notes** 1. You must walk some portion of the hike to join this meal. Sign up for the hike first, even if it's full. Then, sign up here. 2. This is a sharing meal. Those at the same table discuss what to order and split the food bill equally. 3. Dietary restrictions cannot be accommodated. You can skip some dishes but you'll still have to pay for them. 4. Everyone pays for their own drinks. I recommend not ordering anything except tea for the whole table, to keep the bill simple. 5. See reservation instructions below. [The Queen Seafood Cuisine](https://thequeenseafood.com/) is the upscale offering from the famous Congee Queen chain. Dumplings are topped with scallops; siu mai layered with truffles and quail eggs; pies stuffed with chicken and a whole abalone. There are only a handful of first-rate dim sum restaurants in Toronto; this is one of them. It's comparable to the best ones in Richmond Hill and Markham. RSVP closes 5 days before the event. If there are many people on the waitlist, we may arrange more seats. **Payment** * The $10 fee is a deposit. It will be refunded when you show up for the event. * If there are spots available when you sign up, you have 24 hours to e-transfer the fee to globaltorontoeats@gmail.com * If you're on the waitlist for this event, you don't have to pay. Once you're off the waitlist, you have 24 hours to pay. Remember to check your junk mail and Meetup notification settings so that you know when you've snagged a spot. * Please mention your Meetup.com name in the e-transfer description. * If you did not register for the hike or pay in time, you will be removed from the attendee list. The next person on the waitlist will get your spot. * If you paid the deposit but did not attend the hike, you will lose your spot. We will return your deposit. **Cancellation and refund policy** * You can cancel and get a full refund 5 calendar days before the event. For example, if the event is on Friday 7pm, you can cancel without penalty anytime before the preceding Sunday 11:59pm. * No refunds within 5 calendar days of the event, unless someone can take your place. * Full refund if the event is cancelled or rescheduled.

The next event is happening on Saturday April 18 at 2:30PM at Danu Social House! Please RSVP if you're planning on coming so we can plan appropriately! To help cover the costs of meetup fees, we will be taking optional donations for this event. If you're inclined to, feel free to send any amount you're comfortable with to harresh.s@hotmail.com, or bring cash to the event. Please note that this is entirely optional and not required to join the event! All proceeds will go towards fees for this event and future events, as well as meetup fees.

Move. Sweat. Smile. Repeat. This is a fun, high-energy Zumba class designed for real people — not performers, not fitness models, just humans who want to move, feel good, and leave happier than they arrived. Expect: Easy-to-follow Zumba routines Great music (Latin + global vibes) A welcoming, judgment-free space A workout that feels like a party (but still burns calories 😉) No dance experience needed. No pressure to “get it right.” Just show up and move. Followed by yoga for 20 mins. Sweat first, snacks after. If you’re free, we may head to a nearby spot to eat together. Class fee: $5 (helps cover space and music). Email money transfer to: monasalahuddin@hotmail.com

Please note: this is an invitation to experience group workshops and private feminine embodiment coaching. To learn more please contact Amanda Clarke at lusciousfeminine@gmail.com. Feminine Embodiment Women's Circles & Coaching https://secure.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/c/2/f/0/600_460789904.jpeg There is a cosmic shift happening on the planet and women are tired of playing second fiddle in this game of life. Playing small not only keeps you from manifesting what you truly want, but it also holds you back from living out your divine purpose. I’ve been there, stuck, held back, and yearning to break-free and frankly being in that place plain 'ol sucks! What if you could step-up and make a difference; a meaningful contribution in this world by just being you? How might the landscape of your life look? Over for the past six years, I’ve worked with women who are looking to break out of the spell of smallness. It pangs me to see women depressed, depleted, disconnected and downright insecure. One of the reasons many of my clients rave about the work we do together is because I provide immediate results. What I teach is inherent within you but there are layers of gunk bogging you down from accessing this wisdom. Spinning your wheels, and living a life of lack is no way to live, beautiful. You are so much more! What can you expect from our sessions together: • A solid understanding of what feminine energy is, and how to use it to have your way with the world • Develop a physical and energetic presence that attracts what you want: personally and professionally. • Feel more comfortable with your sensuality, and with receiving positive attention. • Experience more passion in your life - particularly your love life. • Be more at ease setting clear boundaries with others. • Learn to be in flow rather than always pushing and striving to make things happen. • Look and feel more sexy, confident and radiant • Gain clarity about your life purpose and the greatest gifts you have to offer the world • Establish or strengthen your intuitive guidance Book a FREE 30-minute discovery call to learn how I can help support you on your journey to coming home to yourself as a woman. This means MORE self-love, MORE self-confidence, MORE clarity, MORE empowerment and saying YES to living out your divine mission. For more information on my coaching packages please visit www.lusciousfeminine.com or to book a FREE 30-minute complimentary Discovery Call, email Amanda at lusciousfeminine@gmail.com “Before working with Amanda, I was the dried-out, work-obsessed intellectual. I lived in my head and felt completely severed from the neck-down. I over-intellectualized emotionally-charged situations to avoid being present…I am [now] able to ease my ‘mind-babble’, step into my power as a woman knowing that I am safe and secure within my own space, and practice expressing my needs and desires from a more authentic place… Amanda helped me to be trust in the power of vulnerability, surrender, and acceptance. It has been a pleasurable journey! \~ Stefanie T. Amanda Clarke The Luscious Feminine http://www.lusciousfeminine.com http://www.facebook.com/thelusciousfeminine lusciousfeminine@gmail.com

\*These classes are not a language exchange, but instead are meant to be a step in between so that students feel confident maintaining in depth and grammatically correct oral conversations outside of class\* \***Meetup event numbers only tend to show new students registering and do not include returning students attending class.** **Per class, there is an average of 7 students.** The first 2 classes are free and then only cost between $15 and $45 depending on which type of class you want to continue with.\* These French, Spanish, and English, classes are primarily meant for adults who are travellers, or who are planning to live in a francophone, hispanophone, or anglophone country. *English in this class can only taught in French and Spanish unless you are an advanced learner* The classes are primarily oral-based through guided conversations. They will teach you how to handle conversations in situations such as **"Going to the Convenience Store"**, **"Making Plans"**, **"Negotiating Prices"**, and **"Going out for a Drink"**. To ensure that students get used to using the language automatically, students will learn to maintain contextual conversations with timing before moving on to the next lesson. **Program is also offered in private and online classes**. Call (647)787-9953, e-mail us info@monkeylingo.ca, or visit monkeylingo.ca for more information! **Online and private classes are also available!** No other French nor Spanish classes are as oral as these ones. We guarantee it! Group classes are hosted at **600 Bay Street** (Wishbone Animal Rights Lab) every Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Call (647)787-9953 upon arrival if no one is there to let you in, and someone will come down to let you in. Parking is available across from the Greyhound bus station on Elm Street and Bay Street.

Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens Free Communal Garden Class Series GROWING MUSHROOMS In this class, we will discuss how to raise mushrooms on logs outdoors as a way to raise food in parts of your yard that are usually too shady to grow vegetables or other crops. We will discuss what mushroom species can be cultivated, what tree species they can grow on, and demonstrate how to prepare and inoculate the logs. By following these steps, you can have your own bountiful mushroom harvest! APRIL 27 | 6:00-7:30 PM | WELLS BARN 1851 E BROAD ST, COLUMBUS, OH 43205 INSTRUCTOR: MARC AMANTE Mare Amante is an Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Educator with Central State University who is also currently serving as CSU Extension's Agriculture and Natural Resources Interim Program Leader. He has worked on and managed diversified vegetable farms across the Midwest and currently owns and operates an urban farm here in Ohio where he raises microgreens, vegetables, raspberries, and log-grown mushrooms for sale to local markets and restaurants. Registerefor free here https://www.fpconservatory.org/events/cg-growing-mushrooms/

* Second ever book club! April meet up. All are welcome. * The book will be Play Nice by Rachel Harrison (determined by votes from March Book Club. Let me know if you’d like a free digital copy of the book) * This event will be at the main library, meeting room 1B, the location will not be changed for this event due to the number of people attending, we will just add more chairs if needed! * Feel free to come whether or not you’ve started or finished the book ◡̈ * Small snacks will be provided. You’re welcome to bring your own snacks & drinks too! Starting in June I will try to keep future book clubs at the Dublin Library. Now that I understand their reservation system, I will be on top of it with booking that location as soon as the date is released for the month. Thanks for your understanding with the varying locations in the meantime.

5th annual Earth Day Celebration! This year (2026) the Celebration is scheduled for April 25th with activities running from 10am-2pm. This is a non-ticketed event. Everyone is welcome! We will have food trucks, Birds of Prey, kids crafts, live music, raspberry plants, apple trees, and of course NATIVE PLANTS! Where: Lynd Fruit Farm, 9399 Morse Rd, Pataskala Ohio 43062 Time: Activities will be from 10am- 2pm. The Market will remain open until 5pm.

**Our April novel is: *The Hong Kong Widow* by Kristen Loesch** **This month’s novel blends gothic atmosphere with historical fiction and chilling horror, set against the haunting backdrop of China. The book is 368 pages in print and 10 hours and 42 minutes on audiobook.** In 1950s Hong Kong, Mei is a young refugee of the Chinese Communist revolution struggling to put her past in Shanghai behind her. When she receives a shocking invitation—to take part in a competition in one of the city's most notorious haunted houses, pitting six spirit mediums against one another in a series of six séances over six nights, until a single winner emerges—she has every reason to refuse. Except that the hostess, a former Shanghainese silent film star, is none other than the wife of the man who once destroyed Mei’s entire life. It is promised the winner will receive a fortune, but there is only one prize Mei wants: revenge. Decades later, the final night of that competition has become an infamous urban legend: The police were called to the scene of a brutal massacre but found no evidence, dismissing it as a collective hallucination. Mei knows what she saw, but now someone else is convinced they know what she did. She must uncover the truth about the last night she ever spent in that house—even if the ghosts of her past are waiting for her there. . . .

Soccer + vegan deli eats = the perfect Saturday ⚽🌱🔥 We’re kicking things off with soccer (all levels welcome!) and then heading to Vida’s Plant-Based Butcher for some seriously good food—Vida’s Reubens, Philly cheesesteaks, Chipotle Cheddar Melt and classic deli sides. Whether you’re playing, socializing, or just here for the food, this is a great way to meet like-minded people and enjoy the day! Game → Food → Good vibes 📍 Soccer - Park of Roses 3923 N High St Columbus, OH 43214 📍 Vida’s Plant Based Butcher 1724 Northwest Blvd Unit C Columbus OH, 43212

Welcome, readers! Our April read is **_Martyr!_ by Kaveh Akbar.** The story follows a young Iranian American poet grappling with grief, addiction, and the aching question of what makes a life meaningful. Drawn into an unexpected friendship with a terminally ill artist, he begins to confront faith, love, and the seduction of self-destruction. Lyrical, darkly funny, and emotionally piercing, the novel wrestles with beauty and despair in equal measure. It’s a story about longing—to be seen, to be forgiven, and to matter. Looking forward to discussing with everyone! We will meet at Zaftig Brewing Co in their event room in the back. We are welcome to bring in our own food, but **drinks must be purchased at the bar.** Happy reading! 📖