Book Lovers

**THIS WILL BA A BI-WEEKLY EVENT TO CHAT, LAUGH, AND GET TO KNO**W EACH OTHER. NO PRESSURE TO ATTEND - JUST VISIT OR DROP IN...(members only please) ***Be kind and rsvp so that the host knows how many tables to save.*** **Anyone that is not a member will be asked politely to leave and apply to TSSC if they so choose.** SINCE WE ARE BOOKING THE PB PLEASE SERIOUS RSVPS ONLY. THANKS A BUNCH! Bring yourself and your sense of humor. The group can decide it's own agenda of chat after a few meetups. I know it is difficult NOT to talk about politics or religion, but we are a social group whose premise is fun! As tempting as it can be, please restrain and stick to topics less heated. SEE **YOU AT 2PM.**

\*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 $35 depending on which type of class you want to continue with\* These English (For Spanish speakers or advanced learners only), French, and Spanish classes are primarily meant for adults who are travellers, or who are planning to live in an English, French, or Spanish-speaking country. 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. 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 language classes are as conversational as these ones. We guarantee it! Cheap parking can be found using the "Spot Hero" app.

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!!

\*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 $35 depending on which type of class you want to continue with\* These French, English (For Spanish and French speakers only), and Spanish classes are primarily meant for adults who are travellers, or who are planning to live in a French, English, or Spanish-speaking country. 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. 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 language classes are as conversational as these ones. We guarantee it! Cheap parking can be found using the "Spot Hero" app.

The purpose of the group, based on the book The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron, is for people to meet and talk about their artistic challenges in any field (painting, writing, music etc.) and encourage each other to break their creative blocks and fulfill themselves in their art. If you find people who are sympathetic, you may want to form your own group, meeting regularly to explore the book and supporting each other in their artistic journeys. I have gone through 2 such clusters and can say that it is a very powerful experience. Why not come to a meeting and see for yourself?

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!

The next event is happening on Saturday March 21 at 2:30PM at Danu Social House! Please RSVP if you're planning on coming so we can plan appropriately!

Instead of everyone agreeing to read one book for a meeting, we each read whatever we want, then share it with the rest of the group every alternate meeting. Our discussions are always fresh and interesting! Those who don't have a book to share but want a recommendation for their next read are also welcome to join. Then we vote on the discussed books and the book with highest votes gets discussed further in the subsequent meeting. Books we talk about cover just about anything. Some example topics include: the history of salt, a man lost at sea, why some technological developments should make us optimistic about the future, creativity at Pixar, neuroplasticity, biotechnology, American sub-cultures, biographies, the economics, geography and biology underpinning the development of the New World, the politics of mental illness, harnessing a positive mental attitude, law, the changing role of the policies in US & Canada, walking the trail, communication in the workplace, and much much much much more. The aim here is to establish a group of independent readers in the GTA who are curious about everything. Have you read an interesting book lately? Come and tell us about it! This relaxed and friendly book group is for those who enjoy reading books, asking questions, and having thought provoking, fun discussions on a wide variety of topics. Read whatever you want, then come and spend a few minutes discussing it with us. No formal book reports required, promise :). Paper books, e-books and audio books are all considered books for the purposes of this group. \*\*\* **Books discussed in previous "Bring your own book" events are here:** [GTA Book Club BYOB log Google Spreadsheet](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1em0ZTWtxNbXPp5Rt5Tegp8Kj4gM8Kc54_8CAgtjfB_Q/edit?usp=sharing) During the event, a poll will be opened for everyone to vote on the book we should all read in the subsequent event. At the end of the event, the subsequent event will be updated with the book that had the most votes from this event. Bring a book to share or observe (find your next read) and bring an open mind! I hope to see you there.

A #1 New York Times bestseller. Human beings have never had it better than we have it now in the West. So why are we on the verge of throwing it all away? In 2016, New York Times bestselling author Ben Shapiro spoke at the University of California–Berkeley. Hundreds of police officers were required to protect his speech. What was so frightening about Shapiro? He came to argue that Western civilization is in the midst of a crisis of purpose and ideas; that we have let grievances replace our sense of community and political expediency limit our individual rights; that we are teaching our kids that their emotions matter more than rational debate; and that the only meaning in life is arbitrary and subjective. As a society, we are forgetting that almost everything great that has ever happened in history happened because of people who believed in both Judeo-Christian values and in the Greek-born power of reason. In The Right Side of History, Shapiro sprints through more than 3,500 years, dozens of philosophers, and the thicket of modern politics to show how our freedoms are built upon the twin notions that every human being is made in God’s image and that human beings were created with reason capable of exploring God’s world. We can thank these values for the birth of science, the dream of progress, human rights, prosperity, peace, and artistic beauty. Jerusalem and Athens built America, ended slavery, defeated the Nazis and the Communists, lifted billions from poverty, and gave billions more spiritual purpose. Yet we are in the process of abandoning Judeo-Christian values and Greek natural law, watching our civilization collapse into age-old tribalism, individualistic hedonism, and moral subjectivism. We believe we can satisfy ourselves with intersectionality, scientific materialism, progressive politics, authoritarian governance, or nationalistic solidarity. We can’t. The West is special, and in *The Right Side of History*, Ben Shapiro bravely explains how we have lost sight of the moral purpose that drives each of us to be better, the sacred duty to work together for the greater good. ═════ 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](mailto: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.

✨🌙 EXPLORE LUMIÈRE: THE ART OF LIGHT 🌙✨ An Outdoor Night Walk of Light, Art & Waterfront Vibes Let’s go chase some light. Join us for **Lumière: The Art of Light** (formerly the Winter Light Exhibition) in its beautiful new home at **Trillium Park**. This free outdoor exhibition transforms the park into an illuminated art experience, featuring works by Ontario artists who use light, innovation, and creativity to reimagine public space. This year’s curatorial theme is *“Renewal”* — celebrating the shift from winter into spring, longer days, and that subtle feeling that something new is beginning. There’s something magical about walking by the water at night, surrounded by glowing installations and good company. It’s reflective. It’s playful. It’s very Toronto. 👉 **Don’t forget to join our WhatsApp group** – [CLICK HERE!](https://chat.whatsapp.com/H59mSCbsAi018gYANrKAnc?mode=ac_t) *** 🌉 The Plan We’ll meet at the iconic **Princes' Gates**, then walk together over to Trillium Park. We’ll spend about an hour exploring the installations at a relaxed pace — taking photos, chatting, and soaking it in. Afterward, we’ll continue the evening with food and drinks by the waterfront. Most likely we’ll head to **Shoeless Joe's Sports Grill** along Queens Quay. We’ll hop on the TTC streetcar for a few stops to get there. Art first. Social second. Best of both worlds. *** 🧥 What to Bring This is an outdoor nighttime event — please dress properly. * Warm coat * Hat & gloves * Warm boots or sturdy shoes * Something warm to drink Comfort = enjoyment. *** 🧢 Meetup Details 📍 Meetup Location: In front of the Princes’ Gates 🫎 I’ll be wearing my Moose Hat ⏰ Meetup Time: 7:45 PM ❗ I will only wait 10 minutes Please arrive on time so we can walk over together. *** 💰 Cost Explore Lumière: FREE 🎉 🎟️ **Meetup Fee:** $5 cash in person **or** e-transfer to 📧 \*\*[mathewmaclean@hotmail.com**](http://mathewmaclean@hotmail.com%2A%2A/) This fee helps support the group and allows us to keep hosting events like this. Thank you for supporting community! 💖 *** 🌈 Who Is This For? This group is open to anyone who wants to be social and make friends — whether single or not. We also host: 🎬 Movies 🚶 Walks & hikes 🎭 Arts & culture outings 🍽️ Restaurant gatherings You’re always welcome. And remember — you can just show up on the day if you’re unsure about your schedule. *** ⏳ Leaving Time You’re free to head out at any time — after the lights, after dinner, whenever works for you. *** ⚠️ A Gentle Reminder Sometimes circumstances change and events may need to be canceled — please keep an eye on updates. *** 👤 Organizer: Mathew Questions? Post on the event wall or email 📧 torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com Come for the glow. Stay for the waterfront energy. Leave feeling like you stepped into a little pocket of light in the middle of the city. Winter fades. Spring hints. And Toronto lights up. ✨

Join us for **Towards Zero**, Agatha Christie’s masterful whodunit where an idyllic seaside gathering spirals into murder, secrets unravel, and the tension builds toward a shocking climax. The play will be presented by Stage Centre Productions at the Fairview Library Theatre in North York. ***You can purchase discount ticket(s) to attend with our group or any available performance.*** **THE PLAY:** A shocking murder disrupts a house party at the clifftop retreat of an elderly widow. Suspects, secrets, and suspense abound in this classic mystery by the best selling author of all time, Agatha Christie. *** **TICKETS** **Discount Tickets:** $27 (includes HST and meetup fee) **Regular Tickets:** $35 adults, $30 for students / seniors 60+ (includes HST) *** **HOW TO PURCHASE** Sign up on this event page and use the promo code Thup25 to get your discount tickets. You can book **[online](https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?ticketing=scp)** or by calling the box office at (416) 299-5557. If leaving a voice mail, include your name, phone number, show name and date/time of the performance. You can also send an e-mail to scptickets@gmail.com. ***You do not have to attend with our group. You may use our promo code Thup25 to purchase discount tickets for any available performance.*** Please note the box office may be slow to return your call or email because it's run by volunteers. Be patient. You will eventually receive a response. Members are responsible for purchasing their own tickets directly from the theatre. **Seating Arrangements:** Seating is reserved so members will get together before, during and after the show. Belinda will be seated in B13. *** **OVERVIEW** **When:** Saturday, March 21, 2026 **Time:** Play starts at 8 p.m. Meet Belinda at 7:30 p.m. **Where:** Fairview Library Theatre, 35 Fairview Mall Drive, North York, Ontario (near Don Mills station on the Sheppard subway line) **Runtime:** 2 hour, 30 minutes (includes intermission) *** **MEETUP ARRANGEMENTS** Meet Belinda at 7:30 p.m. beside the box office inside the lobby. She is very short and will be wearing a bright pink hat and pink eyeglass frames. Cell # (416) 879-7575 for use on day/time of performance ONLY. **Parking:** There is free parking in the lot beside the theatre.

Join us to celebrate the final month of the exhibition *[Linda Rotua](https://www.gardinermuseum.on.ca/event/linda-rotua-sormin-uncertain-ground/)*[ ](https://www.gardinermuseum.on.ca/event/linda-rotua-sormin-uncertain-ground/)*[Sormin: Uncertain Ground](https://www.gardinermuseum.on.ca/event/linda-rotua-sormin-uncertain-ground/)* with an **evening of poetry and storytelling.** This is a fascinating exhibition (3rd floor) The program features Linda Rotua Sormin reading from her poetry volume that accompanies the exhibition, along with invited poets sharing works inspired by the exhibition’s themes. https://www.gardinermuseum.on.ca/event/linda-rotua-sormin-uncertain-ground/ The evening is hosted by Dr. Sharanpal Ruprai, writer and Associate Professor of Women’s and Gender Studies at the University of Winnipeg. As you explore the exhibition, receive a personalized poem, created on the spot by artist Patrick de Belen. **Program Schedule-** 5:30 – 6:30 pm: Explore the exhibition 6:30 – 7:30 pm: Poetry reading 7:30 – 8:30 pm: Reception and more time in the exhibition **Invited Poets** Bashar Lulu Jabbour Jaqueline Chia Laboni Islam Ogen Kanu Patrick de Belen **Ticket link here (and more info *the invited poets*)** Use this promo code for the 'Members rate of $25" meetup15 https://www.gardinermuseum.on.ca/event/uncertain-ground-poetry-night-march-19-2026/ (For ease--click the Buy Tickets along the black bar. Enter name/email--promo code spot in on the next page) See you there. A unique/engaging night out.

**Our March pick is *God of the Woods* by Liz Moore.** **This month’s novel is an award-winning literary mystery that blends family drama with psychological suspense. It explores women’s voices and relationships while delivering an exciting, eerie, and deeply suspenseful story. The book is 576 pages in print or 14 hours and 35 minutes on audiobook.** Early morning, August 1975: a camp counselor discovers an empty bunk. Its occupant, Barbara Van Laar, has gone missing. Barbara isn’t just any thirteen-year-old: she’s the daughter of the family that owns the summer camp and employs most of the region’s residents. And this isn’t the first time a Van Laar child has disappeared. Barbara’s older brother similarly vanished fourteen years ago, never to be found. As a panicked search begins, a thrilling drama unfolds. Chasing down the layered secrets of the Van Laar family and the blue-collar community working in its shadow, Moore’s multi-threaded story invites readers into a rich and gripping dynasty of secrets and second chances. It is Liz Moore’s most ambitious and wide-reaching novel yet.

**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. . . .

This Month's Book: *On A Sunbeam* by Tillie Walden Join us for discussion at the Granville Public Library from 6 to 7pm. Follow us on Instagram: @granvillepridebookclub

Join us for a cozy evening of books and conversation. 🗓 Tuesday\, May 12 \| 6:30 p\.m\. Hilliard Branch \| 4500 Hickory Chase Way Schedule 6:00 p.m. – Book sale opens 6:30 p.m. – Author talk 7:15 p.m. – Audience Q&A 7:30 p.m. – Book signing It’s a great chance to pick up a new book, hear an author’s perspective, and share the experience with a community of readers.

This will be the first ever Book Club Meet up for this group! * We will be discussing Dating After the End of the World by Jeneva Rose (if you would like a free EPUB copy of this book to read on kindle, message me & I can send you the ebook) * ***Changed the book from Daggermouth due to it being independently published and hard to find in print**** * Feel free to attend even if you haven't started or finished the book ◡̈ ! * Small snacks will be provided. You’re welcome to bring your own snacks & drinks too! * Even if the meetup event shows full, you are welcome to come. If you can no longer attend the event, no worries, just please try to update your status on meetup for it.

Calling all founders, CEOs, lawyers, doctors, and entrepreneurs to join our special *Founder Edition* of Sip & Read meetup event. Let's sip on fine wine and discuss our first book **The 5AM Club- Own Your Morning Elevate Your Life, by Robin Sharma**. We will pair this book with our favorite wine at **Wine on High** and engage in thought-provoking discussions on startup businesses and entrepreneurship, and network with like-minded individuals in a cozy book club setting. Come prepared to discuss this month's book. At the end of each book club meeting, we will take next book and venue suggestions from the participants for the next meeting. Whether you are a book lover, women entrepreneur, or a content creator, this event is perfect for sharing ideas and insights with other funders and founders in the entrepreneurial world. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to connect, learn, and grow together. Sign up now to reserve your spot! *Fun fact! This meetup was established in 2015 and had over 1,000 members. I had to shut down operations while attending law school, but we're back!!*

Welcome, readers! Our March read is **_The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver._** The story follows Taylor Greer, a young woman from rural Kentucky who leaves home for the West, only to find herself unexpectedly becoming the guardian of an abused Native American toddler named Turtle. In Tucson, Arizona, they form a makeshift family with a diverse group of people, including Guatemalan refugees and a single mother, exploring themes of motherhood, community, belonging, and finding hope in hardship. The story blends humor with serious issues, creating a story about finding family in unexpected places. 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! 📖