Book Lovers

Welcome to our cozy **The Psychology and Personal Growth Circle** which is part of the Social Book Club! We will meet to discuss the book “**The Courage to Be Disliked"** (288 pages) written by Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga The idea is to connect with like minded readers that love to grow and get to know themselves better through reading and especially applying knowledge from books. We meet up once a month and talk about our progress applying knowledge from a certain book and our experience. The event will take place at the volunteer organisation **MUT**. It is an organisation to supports humans, animals and the environment especially in Vienna. MUT or the Social Book Club look forward to some donation to cover the cost of this event. If you would like to help, please bring some cash with you. Book Description: *The Courage to Be Disliked* shows you how to unlock the power within yourself to become your best and truest self, change your future and find lasting happiness. Using the theories of Alfred Adler, one of the three giants of 19th-century psychology alongside Freud and Jung, the authors explain how we are all free to determine our own future free of the shackles of past experiences, doubts and the expectations of others. It’s a philosophy that’s profoundly liberating, allowing us to develop the courage to change, and to ignore the limitations that we and those around us can place on ourselves. See you then! All the best Sebastian

Hi everybody, enjoying the snow? ☃️❄️☃️❄️☃️☃️ On Saturday, we're going to a location we've been to just once. A location which many liked and enjoyed 😉 🪩 ✨ *Ready for the meet-up announcement? 🥁🥁🥁 🌟 💃🏻 *You are invited!* 🕺 🌟 🗓️ : *21.02.26* 🕗: *20:00 o'clock* 🏠: *Hotel Max Brown* 📍 *Margaretenstraße 92, 1050* Later in the evening, we will try some of the *bars in the U6 arcades.* Please *register* for the event if you're joining us. And *deregister* if you can't come. See you soon. 🤩 Cheers, ✨🌞 ✨ https://maps.app.goo.gl/xqVfieYzdpiKnMkk8

Past-era discoveries and open networking night in Bratislava, Slovakia, conveniently starting and ending at Vienna Main Station (Wien Hauptbahnhof). After arriving in Bratislava's Petržalka suburb by direct train, we'll first head to the corn fields near the Austrian border to scout hidden WW2 bunkers and an iron curtain memorial site. Underway, we'll also look for the now-defunct tracks of the old Viedenská električka tram which until 1935 hauled theatre-goers and coffee lovers all the way to Vienna downtown. After so much history, it's time for early dinner. Fast-forward to a local restaurant in Bratislava's quaint downtown with tasty, reasonably-priced Slovak food and beer. Full and satisfied, we'll continue on to the [International Night Bratislava](https://bratislava.ixpat.com/internationalnight) for networking, games and fun. Right after this social highlight, we'll hop on our train back to Vienna, arriving shortly before midnight. Total time: Half-day Language: English Bring: Valid Passport/Visa or EU-National ID Card (driver's license doesn't count as travel ID) Wear: Seasonal outfit, rain gear depending on weather **Value and booking** Price includes train roundtrip, local transit and friendly host. Discount available for groups. Food/drinks are at your own expense. To secure your spots, please... Step 1: RSVP here on Meetup first (optional but recommended) Step 2: Complete your booking at https://vienna.ixpat.com/bratislava

Sip, paint, and channel your inner icon \*please sign-up here: [https://villavida.at/event/sip-and-paint-drag-painting-itsgretalicious-vienna/](https://villavida.at/event/sip-and-paint-drag-painting-itsgretalicious-vienna/)\* This February, we’re bringing together drag, painting, and cozy café vibes for a relaxed Sip & Paint session led by **@[itsgretalicious](https://www.instagram.com/itsgretalicious)**. Whether you paint all the time or haven’t touched a brush in years, this workshop is about having fun, experimenting, and enjoying the process — not perfection. You’ll be guided through a drag-inspired painting session, with space to do your own thing, chat, sip something warm, and let the colours take over. Expect a welcoming, queer-friendly atmosphere where creativity comes first and judgment stays at the door. **Details at a glance:** **February 21, 2026** **2:00 PM** **Drag Painting Workshop with ItsGretalicious** **€20** Painting materials, good vibes, and a cozy setting included All materials are provided — just bring yourself and whatever energy you’re in that day. Come solo or with friends, stay curious, and leave with your own artwork.

Join us for some focused writing time. All writers and all experience levels are welcome and don’t worry, no one will see what you've written. This session is about getting your writing done and meeting other writers in your area. When you show up, say hello to everyone, grab a drink, and get your writing tools ready. Once you’re all settled, take some time to chat with your fellow writers. Once everyone’s arrived, I will lead quick introductions and then set the timer for our quiet and focused writing session. Afterward, we’ll have time to chat and get to know each other. We often talk about our successes and challenges as writers. If you don’t have time to stick around, no worries! Schedule (tentative): 9:00 - 9:15: Arrive, set up, order some coffee, short introductions. 9:15 - 10:15: Timer starts. Time to write. 10:15 - 10:30: End. Short exchange, settle your bill, takeoff. **A note about the format** We don’t host critiques or readings. These events are a safe space for writers of all skill levels and genres to work on their craft, so no one will read or critique your writing. For our full event schedule, visit [https://shutupwrite.com](https://www.shutupwrite.com). **Other Important Details:** WiFi: Available Travel / Parking: Hietzing station (U4, 10, 60, 51A, 56A, 56B, 58A and 58B). Very limited public parking (Kurzparkzone), Parkgarage Hietzing nearby.

THIS EVENT IS NOW SOLD OUT. The outrageous solo comedy show by Turan Ali, is back by popular demand! STRAIGHT TALKING is back in Vienna for a third and final time, written and performed by Vienna Storytelling Collective's Turan Ali. After selling out in Volkstheater Rote Bar twice in 2025, this is a final chance to see Ali’s outrageously funny and thought-provoking solo comedy show, Straight Talking. It's an evening of shockingly candid truths. Where do straights go wrong in their lives? What can gays can teach straights about leading the lives they really want to live? Mixing comedy-storytelling, performance poems, ukulele songs, fabulous costumes and much more, Ali delivers outrageous claims with his much-celebrated, provocative direct-speaking. What the critics have said about Turan Ali : “Utterly fabulous.” (The Q Review) "An absolutely splendid human…a masterful storyteller" (The Wee Review) “Like the best stand-up comedians, his material has been tried, tested and perfected for an audience. It was a joy to watch” (Broadway Baby) “Highly recommended! Entertaining, educational and emotive” (Fringe Review) Turan Ali is an acclaimed stand-up comedian and storyteller from London, now based in Vienna with a very Turkish name, Austrian roots and a big mouth. He writes, produces and directs drama and comedy for the BBC, and performs comedy and stories on stage throughout Europe. This is high quality, intelligent, camp and provocatively queer comedy. An outrageously clever solo show. “I laughed my arse off the whole night” (audience member April 2025) Ali makes sense of having a Turkish Muslim father, an Austrian Catholic mother, growing up in London, going to a Jewish school, and being gay and proud of it. But not all parts of his world cope well with that pride. In this solo show, Straight Talking, Ali shines a light on some of the crazy ways heterosexuals run their lives and relationships, with many surprising things he claims straights can learn from gays. Expect outrageous stories, silliness, shocking confessions and incendiary suggestions, all delivered very queerly, through exceedingly straight talking. But, however funny it is, can you handle the truth? Tickets only available from Volkstheater: https://www.volkstheater.at/event/3184961/straight-talking/inhalt/ Book early - it will be sold out again.

The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald’s third book, stands as the supreme achievement of his career. First published in 1925, this quintessential novel of the Jazz Age has been acclaimed by generations of readers. The story of the mysteriously wealthy Jay Gatsby and his love for the beautiful Daisy Buchanan, of lavish parties on Long Island at a time when The New York Times noted “gin was the national drink and sex the national obsession,” it is an exquisitely crafted tale of America in the 1920s.

Come write with us at Cafe Pierre every Sunday at 18:00-20:00! A message from Shut Up & Write: "Shut Up & Write hosts free, in-person and online writing events for writers all over the world. Our goal is to ensure that every writer—regardless of genre or skill level—has access to the resources, community, and accountability that they need to be successful in their personal writing goals." And what this looks like at our event: We chat and give short introductions to what we are working on at 18:00, then start writing at 18:15. Though we try to start on dot, being late isn't a problem—just find a spot and get to work! We write until 20:00 and then discuss how our writing went. From fiction to non-fiction, academic papers to poetry, applications to work-related writing—anything goes! Nothing is needed except for you to bring whatever is need to get stuff done, i.e. laptop, headphones, pen and paper, and so on. Optional socialising may happen before 18:00 and after 20:00, or you may choose to use this time to get some more done! Please do order something from the café (drink, meal, dessert, etc.) so as to keep us in their good graces!

⭐️Would you like to meet new friends?✨Welcome to Speed Friending in Vienna! Age 20-29/30-39. Please read the description attentively: Our next event is coming soon! 💎Price 10€ and order a drink for boys It is for free for girls ✨if you’re not comfortable with the price, you are welcome to skip this event. 💡 How it works: • You’ll have a short conversations with different people. • After each round, you’ll switch to meet someone new. • You’ll note who you liked, and if there’s a match, we’ll connect you after the event. 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Age groups: The main groups are for ages 20-29 and 30-39 You are welcome)! Register today)✨ Join us on WhatsApp and Instagram and don’t miss new events https://www.instagram.com/makegoodfriends?igsh=YjA2czVxNjF0cGJi&utm_source=qr https://chat.whatsapp.com/ERvtYIUDqtHLtVwwytpKLZ

Como viene siendo habitual, nos reuniremos nuevamente en Freiraum. Hay una reserva para 25 personas, y muy previsiblemente nos sentaremos en las mesas altas en las que nos sentamos habitualmente. Como suele venir mucha gente, siempre es recomendable llegar puntual. Durante el horario de invierno empezaremos media hora más temprano (a las 18:30 h). Freiraum está en plena Mariahilferstraße (más concretamente en Mariahilferstraße 117, 1060 Wien), entre las estaciones de metro U3 Zieglergasse y U3/U6 Westbahnhof. El evento tiene la función de que nos juntemos para pasar un rato divertido. No olvides compartir el evento con otras personas interesadas. También tenemos un grupo de Facebook: [https://www.facebook.com/groups/426629184137458/](https://www.facebook.com/groups/426629184137458/) No olvides seguirnos en Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/cafedelalengua/](https://www.instagram.com/cafedelalengua/)

Speed Dating is: 💬 10-12 minutes for each mini-date ⚡ light conversations 🥂 A cozy atmosphere 💖 New connections 📅 When: 16 of November 📍 Where: Welt wcafe 🎟 Limited spots — book in advance! 💎Price 15€ for boys and order a drink It is for free for girls If you are not comfortable with the price you are welcome to skip the event. Register if you go and unregister if you don’t go.

Talk, socialise and meet new people in Pickwick's! What is featured: -Music that is not too loud -A cozy atmosphere -Main focus is socialising and talking -No entrance fee or membership fee (order at least 1 drink for common courtesy) -Food is also available to order -There is no agenda, just come and talk around. Wanna stay only for an hour? Wanna stay until closure at 2 a.m.? All up to you. You can find our whatsapp group via this link: https://chat.whatsapp.com/JnaWvfYv1czBMlzsVEmSDP How to find us? We will be downstairs to the right at Pickwick's! Spontaneous coming is always welcome, but if you are sure you are coming please RSVP together with your + people so we can give an approximate heads up to the owner regarding reservations. We are looking forward to meeting you all.

Weekly screenings from a large archive of many of the most significant, yet seldom seen and rarely accessible cinematic masterpieces in the history of film - from its earliest beginnings to the present day. Screenings are in original language, if English, or original language with English subtitles. Films are selected democratically on the inspiration of a brief pre-screening discussion. The selected title is typically a "neglected gem" that most of us discover together for the first time. Individual taste is not a criterion and all participants are expected to put the interests of the group as a whole above personal preference or prejudice. In this sense, the emphasis is on openness, exploration, and surprise. Each screening is followed by an in-depth group discussion, led and moderated by the curator. WARNNG: FilmStory is not just about watching movies! Rather, it's a socially responsible, intellectual engagement, involving an organic approach to group study of film language, philosophy, art, history, politics, and technology. In this sense, the film is always merely the current highlight in an explorative, ongoing group discussion. **FilmStory** is a members-only series that involves a closely knit community of cinephiles. Events take place every Sunday in a comfortable, private setting with limited capacity. Participation is reserved primarily for regular members, but we're always ready to make new friends! Non-regular members may request to meet the community and, upon acceptance as a "new joiner," are welcome to participate in one event, according to space availability. New joiners are asked to make a €6 member dues contribution in advance of the requested date. New members receive a message of confirmation and the address of the Living Room in 1080 Vienna upon receipt of their dues contribution. **FilmStory** is presented and hosted by **[KulturSalon Wien](https://www.meetup.com/kultursalon-wien/)**.

**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: The Magic Fish by Trung Le Nguyen. Join us for discussion at the Granville Public Library from 6 to 7pm. Follow us on Instagram: @granvillepridebookclub

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 February read is **_1984 by George Orwell._** In 1984, George Orwell imagines a world where the government watches everyone, rewrites reality, and punishes even private thoughts. Winston Smith dares to question this system, believing that truth and love might still exist. His rebellion draws him into a chilling struggle against a power that knows him better than he knows himself. The novel leaves readers asking whether freedom is possible when reality itself can be controlled. 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! 📖