Books and Drinks

Hi there, Here are the books for the May 19th meetup. And remember, you don't have to read both books! Enjoy, and see you on the 19th of May! PLEASE NOTE THAT THE LOCATION HAS MOVED FROM THE BLEEDING HORSE TO JIMMY RABBITTE AT 87 LOWER CAMDEN STREET. Note: If these books are difficult to find in bookshops, try online (e.g.: Amazon.co.uk, kennys.ie, easons.com, bookdepository.com to name a few). AS THIS GROUP DOES NOT TAKE ONLINE PAYMENTS, EVERYONE WILL SHOW AS 'UNPAID'. PLEASE IGNORE. **1\. Empire of AI \- Karen Hao** An eye-opening account of the tech arms race shaping out planet, from an award-winning journalist and AI insider to the world of Sam Altman and OpenAI When longtime AI expert and journalist Karen Hao first began covering OpenAI in 2019, she thought they were the good guys. Founded as a nonprofit with safety enshrined as its core mission, it was meant, its leader Sam Altman told us, to act as a check against more purely market forces. But the core truth of this massively disruptive sector is that it requires an unprecedented amount of proprietary resources: the ‘compute’ power of scarce high-end chips, the sheer volume of data that needs to be amassed at scale, the humans on the ground ‘cleaning it up’ for sweatshop wages throughout the Global South, and a truly alarming spike in the need for energy and water underlying everything. We have entered a new, ominous age of empire with OpenAI setting a breakneck pace, as a small group of the most valuable companies in human history try to chase it down. In exhilarating prose and with unparalleled access to those closest to Sam Altman, Hao recounts the meteoric rise of OpenAI and shows us the sinister impact that this industry is having on society. **2\. Leonard and Hungry Paul – Ronan Hession** Leonard and Hungry Paul is the story of two friends who ordinarily would remain uncelebrated. It finds a value and specialness in them that is not immediately apparent and prompts the idea that maybe we could learn from the people that we overlook in life. Leonard and Hungry Paul change the world differently to the rest of us: we try and change it by effort and force; they change it by discovering the small things they can do well and offering them to others. Séamus

We are organizing this games night **every Tuesday at 7.00pm, Wild Duck 🦆**, Temple Bar! **🎟️This event is ticketed at the gate.** **With a 10€ ticket you'll get a drink too. Card/Cash accepted** *Do you want to meet new people and also enjoy playing games? Then join us!* We usually play Social, quick and easy to learn games where you break the ice and have fun! You don't need to be a game expert, our games are easy and other attandees will explain you in few minutes if you have never played that game. We have lots of games here but You’re more than welcome to bring your own games. *(also some people may stay till midnight)* *See* *you there 🎲*

An Examined Life - A discussion group to exchange ideas and opinions related to science, economics, psychology and philosophy. The format is that we select a theme and pick a book related to that theme to discuss. The link to the book will be posted and also a talk/podcast related to the book should you not have time to read the full book before the meetup. Pre-reading is not mandatory, however, everyone will get more out of the session if you read the book or listen to the short talk. The aim is to meet in Wetherspoons. Usually we are at a long table near the front window or, if not, a long table downstairs. Ask around and I'm sure you'll find the group! Outliers - Malcom Gladwell Book link https://www.amazon.ie/Outliers-Story-Success-Malcolm-Gladwell/dp/0141036257/ref=asc_df_0141036257?mcid=f14a0c45b0b33d649fd5fbfa274398c7&tag=ieshopgosmp-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=743310902853&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=10083558665555011541&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=m&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=1007858&hvtargid=pla-466623711983&psc=1&language=en_IE&gad_source=1&dplnkId=99f5d2dc-e973-4dd3-8d25-f3a59a1b9c97 YouTube summary link [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=snC-vezNCKs ](https://youtu.be/lGnXYgbBLvQ?si=vQIoPfBsuD3UWWV) Hope to see you there

🎲 **Social Games Night at Board and Brewed – Every Tuesday!** Join us every Tuesday at Board and Brewed for an evening dedicated to board game nerds and newcomers alike. From 5 PM to 10 PM, immerse yourself in the world of strategy, creativity, and fun! * **📍 Location**: 75 York Road, Dún Laoghaire. * **🕔 Time**: 5 PM - 10 PM, every Tuesday. Arrive any time! * **🚉 Nearby Transit**: * **DART Stations**: 5-10 minute walk from both Dún Laoghaire and Salthill stations. * **Bus Routes**: 46A, 75, 75A, and 111 bus routes stop just outside. The 7 bus stop is just a 5-minute walk. * **🚗 Parking**: Conveniently park in the nearby underground car park (library Road) or find on-street parking outside. * **💰 Cost**: Just €5 for an entire evening of unlimited gaming. * **🎲 Games Galore**: Choose from over 300 games, with new additions each month. From classic favorites to the latest hits, there's a game for every taste and skill level. * **👥 Perfect for Everyone**: Whether you're a first-time player, looking to try new games, or an experienced strategist, our Social Games Night is designed for all. * **🍕 Delicious Bites**: Fuel your gaming with our gourmet pizzas and toasty sandwiches, perfect for sharing with new friends or enjoying solo. * **🤝 Make New Connections**: Arrive solo or with friends and connect with fellow game lovers in a welcoming, vibrant atmosphere. * **🌟 Experienced Staff**: Our friendly team is always ready to recommend games and help with the rules, ensuring a great experience for all. * **🏆 Monthly Specials**: Keep an eye out for our themed gaming nights and special events! Social Games Night at Board and Brewed isn't just a gaming session; it's an opportunity to dive into new worlds, challenge your mind, and form lasting friendships. See you there for a night of laughter, strategy, and unforgettable memories! 🌟🎉🍹

Join us for some casual games @ Corrigans. All levels welcome!

📚Reading books and discussing them are two distinct experiences! Conversations about books and sharing insights help us better appreciate literature and enrich our lives. Let's grab a drink (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) and discuss books we're currently reading or have recently enjoyed—whether poetry, fiction, or non-fiction. Bring your physical book or e-reader. There's no formal structure or agenda—just books and good conversation.💬 It's a perfect place to get book recommendations and rediscover your reading momentum if you've hit a slump. We welcome readers of all backgrounds and interests! ⚠️**Something Happened?** If something unpleasant happened to you, it may happen to others. Even if it seems minor, don't hesitate to reach out to me. 🔍 **How to find us?** * When I reach the venue, I'll leave a comment in the meetup where the group is seated. Normally, the booking is in my name, so you can ask the staff for the group. * If you're unable to find us, leave a comment in the meetup page. I'll be able to guide you. We highly encourage you to move between tables and strike up conversations with fellow book lovers. These discussions about literature and reading recommendations are often the highlight of the event! As an organizer, I'm always looking for feedback about the event and suggestions for new events, so feel free to suggest ideas to me. 💡 I look forward to seeing you all! 😊

**Registration/booking on our system at least 24 hours before class is necessary. We do not take walk ins/your rsvp on meetup is not a booking.** BOOK [HERE](themovementstudio.ie/handstandsandcoffee) From beginner to winner! We have a special weekly 2 hour class that is more like a weekly workshop. It's a very social class, with amazing coffee, great coaching, and smiles and good work being done. Fancy trying something new? Spending time safely outside your comfort zone? Please visit themovementstudio.ie/handstandsandcoffee to book your spot Registration/booking is necessary. We do not take walk ins.

Let’s team up for a chill Literati Dublin meetup at the International Literature Festival Dublin. We’ll hang out in Merrion Square Park, soak up the good weather, and enjoy a full day of talks, readings, and creative events together. No pressure, just good vibes, books, and interesting conversations. **Bring a blanket**, and get ready to spend a relaxed day in the park surrounded by stories and inspiring people ☀️ Perfect chance to connect, discover new authors, and enjoy Dublin at its best. **The area will have chairs to sit, bars, food trucks, bookshop and libraries.** The events are listed here :) https://ilfdublin.com/whats-on/festival/ See you there 💚

Our May book will be All Systems Red by Martha Wells, first book in the Murderbots Series. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32758901-all-systems-red

Let's attend together Literature Festival Dublin to see Colm Toibin with his new book The News From Dublin. After the event we can hang out and benefit from Festival Attractions, Foodtracks, bar, library and bookshops around the park :) Link to book: https://ilfdublin.com/whats-on/festival/type/conversations/the-news-from-dublin-colm-toibin/ Event desctiption: ***The News from Dublin* comes to Dublin… A master of understated emotions, the bestselling author of *Brooklyn* and *Long Island* returns to ILFD with a beautiful new collection of short stories.** *“A subtle, intelligent and deeply felt writer.*” Guardian A woman in Galway hears of the death of her son in the First World War. An Irishman seeks anonymity in Barcelona, haunted by crimes he has committed. A man goes to Dublin from Enniscorthy to implore the Minister for Health for a special favour. A young woman is pregnant during the Spanish Civil War. An undocumented worker finds himself living an illegal life and must leave San Francisco, and his child, after thirty years in America. Three sisters who have been living in Argentina decide to return to Catalonia…There are few authors more attuned to human yearning than Colm Tóibín. In *The News from Dublin* he delves into the days and nights of those living far from home: lives of great longing, at a great distance from past lives and past selves. Colm Tóibín is the author of eleven novels, including *The Master,* *Brooklyn* and its sequel *Long Island*, and *The Magician*, and three collections of stories. He has been three times shortlisted for the Booker Prize. In 2021, he was awarded the David Cohen Prize for Literature. Between 2022 and 2024 he was the Laureate for Irish Fiction.

This group is all about hosting a monthly in-person book club right here in Dublin City! If you're into the book we're reading and want to chat about it with others, this is the perfect spot for you. We'll meet for about 1-2 hours, enjoy some drinks and/or food, and dive into the book of the month—sharing our thoughts, exploring themes, and swapping recommendations for future reads. We suggest a €2 voluntary contribution per person to help cover MeetUp fees (cash or Revolut works). See you there!

Welcome, readers! Our May read is **_Kindred_ by Octavia E. Butler.** The story follows Dana, a Black woman living in 1976 California, who is suddenly pulled back to a Maryland plantation before the Civil War. She learns her survival is tied to a white slaveholder’s son. Forced to move between centuries, she must endure the brutal realities of slavery while fighting to hold on to her identity. Tense, intimate, and unforgettable, Kindred explores how the past refuses to stay buried. 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! 📖

Welcome, readers! Our June read is ***Endurance: Shackleton's Incredible*** ***Voyage*** **by Alfred Lansing.** A work of nonfiction, and one of the most astonishing survival stories in history, we follow Sir Ernest Shackleton and his crew after their ship is crushed by Antarctic ice. Stranded in one of the harshest environments on Earth, the men endure months of isolation, freezing temperatures, and near starvation—yet refuse to give up hope. Lansing brings their ordeal to life through vivid detail and firsthand accounts, capturing both the brutality of nature and the resilience of the human spirit. At its core, the story is a powerful testament to leadership, perseverance, and the unbreakable will to survive against impossible odds. 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 **all** **drinks must be purchased at the bar.** Happy reading! 📖

Join us for Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn! Fresh from a brief stay at a psych hospital, reporter Camille Preaker faces a troubling assignment: she must return to her tiny hometown to cover the unsolved murder of a preteen girl and the disappearance of another. For years, Camille has hardly spoken to her neurotic, hypochondriac mother or to the half-sister she barely knows: a beautiful thirteen-year-old with an eerie grip on the town. Now, installed in her old bedroom in her family's Victorian mansion, Camille finds herself identifying with the young victims—a bit too strongly. Dogged by her own demons, she must unravel the psychological puzzle of her own past if she wants to get the story-and survive this homecoming.

The theme for May is Thriller. • The book we will be discussing is A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson. (determined by votes from April Book Club. Let me know if you'd like a free digital copy of the book) • This event will be at the main library. 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! Let me know if you’d like to volunteer to bring snacks or drinks for the group.

**Our May novel is: *The Quiet Librarian* by Allen Eskens** **This month’s book is set in the 20th century and mixes historical fiction with suspense and thriller elements. It also centers on women’s stories and relationships. The novel is 368 pages in print or 8 hours and 12 minutes on audiobook.** Hana Babic is a quiet, middle-aged librarian in Minnesota who wants nothing more than to be left alone. But when a detective arrives with the news that her best friend has been murdered, Hana knows that something evil has come for her, a dark remnant of the past she and her friend had shared. Thirty years before, Hana was someone else: Nura Divjak, a teenager growing up in the mountains of war-torn Bosnia—until Serbian soldiers arrived to slaughter her entire family before her eyes. The events of that day thrust Nura into the war, leading her to join a band of militia fighters, where she became not only a fierce warrior but a legend—the deadly Night Mora. But a shattering final act forced Nura to flee to the United States with a bounty on her head\*\*.\*\*

[Columbus library link to book](https://cml.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S105C3351321) Location: The Goat River South 219 S High St, Columbus, OH 43215 Street parking is free on Sundays [Menu](https://static1.squarespace.com/static/686d3ed16745133042482c5f/t/68ff654dbb03b96875430bde/1761568077220/all_brunch-20250311.pdf) Book summary: On a hot day in Bethlehem, a twelve-year-old Palestinian-American girl is yelled at by a group of men outside the Church of the Nativity. She has exposed her legs in a biblical city, an act they deem forbidden, and their judgement will echo on through her adolescence. When our narrator finally admits to her mother that she is queer, her mother's response only intensifies a sense of shame: 'You exist too much,' she tells her daughter. Told in vignettes that flash between the U.S. and the Middle East--from New York to Jordan, Lebanon, and Palestine--Zaina Arafat's debut novel traces her protagonist's progress from blushing teen to sought-after DJ and aspiring writer.

By popular demand, the group wanted to read and discuss the semi-autobiographical novel by Henri-Pierre Roche, that inspired the Truffaut movie we watched last year. The book is available through the Columbus Library's interlibrary loan system. They reported there are twenty-eight copies available in the state of Ohio. If you have a library card, you can file an interlibrary loan request here: https://www.columbuslibrary.org/library-services/ . There are also used copies available on Amazon and eBay for under twenty dollars. You may want to rewatch the movie after reading the book, so we can compare and contrast in our discussion. The Columbus Library has four copies on DVD, and it's streaming on HBOMax.