English Books & Literature

**💞 Speed Dating on Zoom – Personality Matched for Melbourne Locals** Meet Melbourne singles from home. We sort the matching, you just turn up. It's simple: complete a short personality quiz, jump on Zoom, and meet Melbourne singles in guided one-on-one rounds. Matches shared afterwards. **Choose your age range to register:** - **Ages 18-32** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=421.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Melbourne&groupurlname=join-the-local-singles-dating-scene&ar=18-32&face_v=14.0) - **Ages 30-46** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=421.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Melbourne&groupurlname=join-the-local-singles-dating-scene&ar=30-46&face_v=14.0) - **Ages 40-58** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=421.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Melbourne&groupurlname=join-the-local-singles-dating-scene&ar=40-58&face_v=14.0) - **Ages 55+** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=421.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Melbourne&groupurlname=join-the-local-singles-dating-scene&ar=55+&face_v=14.0) **⚠️ Important: RSVP ≠ registration.** To join, pick your age group below, sign up, and finish the personality quiz. Spots are limited. --- 🎯 **Perfect for:** - Melbourne locals after personality-matched dates - People fed up with swiping who want actual conversation - Anyone curious about speed dating in a relaxed setting - Introverts who shine in one-on-one conversations **How It Works** 1. **Sign up** – Tap the link for your age range above. 2. **Complete the quiz** – Short personality quiz so we can match you well. 3. **Join on Zoom** – Click the link, jump on, and the host handles the rest. 4. **Chat** – Quick timed rounds with Melbourne singles paired to you. 5. **Get matches** – Mutual matches shared after the event. **Event Details** - **Format:** Zoom video session – short timed rounds - **Location:** From home – all you need is Wi-Fi and a webcam - **Host:** Experienced host steering the session - **Vibe:** Great energy, real people, authentic conversation 💡 **Tip:** Check your Zoom setup and pick a quiet, well-lit spot ahead of time. **Frequently Asked Questions** **What's the personality quiz for?** It helps us match you with compatible people. **What happens after?** Mutual matches are sent out after the event. --- ✨ Speed dating from home — easy, fun, and personality matched. 🥰 ✨

**🥰 Meet North Melbourne Singles Tonight – Hosted Speed Dating on Zoom** Ditch the apps. Meet North Melbourne singles face-to-face on Zoom tonight. Quick, hosted rounds on Zoom with North Melbourne singles paired to your age group and personality. No awkward pauses — just natural conversation. **Choose your age range to register:** - **Ages 18-32** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=421.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=North%20Melbourne&groupurlname=golden-local-singles-mixer-dating-meetup&ar=18-32&face_v=3.0) - **Ages 30-46** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=421.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=North%20Melbourne&groupurlname=golden-local-singles-mixer-dating-meetup&ar=30-46&face_v=3.0) - **Ages 40-58** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=421.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=North%20Melbourne&groupurlname=golden-local-singles-mixer-dating-meetup&ar=40-58&face_v=3.0) - **Ages 55+** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=421.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=North%20Melbourne&groupurlname=golden-local-singles-mixer-dating-meetup&ar=55+&face_v=3.0) **⚠️ Your RSVP doesn't guarantee a place.** Click your age group link below, register, and take the personality quiz to lock in your spot. Limited places. --- 🎯 **Perfect for:** - Singles who prefer a hosted, structured experience - Anyone who likes connecting online before meeting face-to-face - First-timers new to speed dating ⭐ *"So much better than apps. Actual conversations with real people."* – North Melbourne attendee **How It Works** 1. **Pick your age group** – Register through your link above. 2. **Complete the quiz** – Short personality quiz so we can match you well. 3. **Hop on Zoom** – Join the call and your host will walk you through it. 4. **Speed date** – One-on-one rounds with personality-matched North Melbourne locals. 5. **See your matches** – Discover who you clicked with after the event. **Event Details** - **Format:** Live on Zoom – guided rounds from your home - **Location:** From home – all you need is Wi-Fi and a webcam - **Host:** Experienced host steering the session - **Vibe:** Laid-back one-on-one chats with North Melbourne locals 💡 **Tip:** Good lighting and a clean background make a big difference. **Frequently Asked Questions** **What's the personality quiz for?** It helps us match you with compatible people. **Do I need anything besides Zoom?** Just Zoom, a webcam, and Wi-Fi. That's it. --- ✨ One Zoom call, genuine conversations, real matches. See you there. ❤️‍🔥 ✨

**🫶 East Melbourne Virtual Speed Dating – Hosted, Curated & on Zoom** Meet East Melbourne singles from home. We sort the matching, you just turn up. It's simple: complete a short personality quiz, jump on Zoom, and meet East Melbourne singles in guided one-on-one rounds. Matches shared afterwards. **Choose your age range to register:** - **Ages 18-32** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=421.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=East%20Melbourne&groupurlname=join-the-local-singles-dating-scene&ar=18-32&face_v=14.0) - **Ages 30-46** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=421.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=East%20Melbourne&groupurlname=join-the-local-singles-dating-scene&ar=30-46&face_v=14.0) - **Ages 40-58** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=421.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=East%20Melbourne&groupurlname=join-the-local-singles-dating-scene&ar=40-58&face_v=14.0) - **Ages 55+** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=421.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=East%20Melbourne&groupurlname=join-the-local-singles-dating-scene&ar=55+&face_v=14.0) **⚠️ RSVP alone won't secure your spot.** You need to register through your age group link below and complete the personality quiz. Places are limited. --- 🎯 **Perfect for:** - Singles who prefer a hosted, structured experience - First-timers new to speed dating - People fed up with swiping who want actual conversation - East Melbourne locals after personality-matched dates **How It Works** 1. **Sign up** – Tap the link for your age range above. 2. **Fill in the matching quiz** – Helps us find your ideal matches for the evening. 3. **Join on Zoom** – Click the link, jump on, and the host handles the rest. 4. **Chat** – Quick timed rounds with East Melbourne singles paired to you. 5. **See your matches** – Discover who you clicked with after the event. **Event Details** - **Format:** Virtual on Zoom – hosted and well-structured - **Location:** Wherever you're comfortable – no venue, no travel - **Host:** Friendly host guiding every round - **Vibe:** Great energy, real people, authentic conversation - **Matching:** Driven by personality quiz results - **Matches:** Mutual matches sent out after the event - **Tech:** Zoom, webcam, and a stable connection - **Rounds:** Multiple short one-on-one rounds 💡 **Tip:** Prepare a couple of questions — it keeps the conversation moving. --- ✨ Real people, real conversations — all from your home. � ✨

Join us in our cosy new centre in Carlton North. Whether you are new to meditation or an experienced practitioner you are welcome at these relaxed and informal sessions. Simple instructions are provided and you can sit in a chair or on a cushion. Masks optional but not mandated. Bring your own sealed drink bottle. $10 for workers or $5 for concession. Find out about our Centre's activities Browse our bookshop for books, incense and dharma items. 803 Nicholson Street, Carlton North. Website: https://melbourne.rigpa.org.au/

**💞 Zoom Speed Dating for North Melbourne Locals – Matched by Age & Personality** Ditch the apps. Meet North Melbourne singles face-to-face on Zoom tonight. You'll cycle through short one-on-one video chats with North Melbourne locals matched to you by age and personality. A host keeps the evening flowing smoothly. **Register under your age group:** - **Ages 18-32** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=421.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=North%20Melbourne&groupurlname=join-the-local-singles-dating-scene&ar=18-32&face_v=14.0) - **Ages 30-46** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=421.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=North%20Melbourne&groupurlname=join-the-local-singles-dating-scene&ar=30-46&face_v=14.0) - **Ages 40-58** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=421.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=North%20Melbourne&groupurlname=join-the-local-singles-dating-scene&ar=40-58&face_v=14.0) - **Ages 55+** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=421.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=North%20Melbourne&groupurlname=join-the-local-singles-dating-scene&ar=55+&face_v=14.0) **⚠️ Your RSVP doesn't guarantee a place.** Click your age group link below, register, and take the personality quiz to lock in your spot. Limited places. --- 🎯 **Perfect for:** - People fed up with swiping who want actual conversation - North Melbourne locals after personality-matched dates - First-timers new to speed dating - Introverts who shine in one-on-one conversations **How It Works** 1. **Register** – Select your age group above and sign up. 2. **Fill in the matching quiz** – Helps us find your ideal matches for the evening. 3. **Hop on Zoom** – Join the call and your host will walk you through it. 4. **Meet your matches** – Cycle through short chats with compatible North Melbourne singles. 5. **Results** – We'll send your mutual matches afterwards. **Event Details** - **Format:** Virtual on Zoom – hosted and well-structured - **Location:** Your space – couch, desk, wherever suits you - **Host:** Experienced host steering the session - **Vibe:** Friendly and relaxed – genuine chats with North Melbourne locals - **Duration:** Around 1–1.5 hours - **Tech:** Zoom, webcam, and a stable connection --- ✨ Speed dating from home — easy, fun, and personality matched. 💗 ✨

A favourite comedian and what I have heard to be a terrific show. Let's check it out on the last night of the Festival. You can buy your tickets via Meetup here, or direct online here: https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/browse-shows/danielle-walker-bittersweet/ show blurb \-\-\-\-\- They say you can’t put lipstick on a pig. Well call the Guinness Book of Records, 'cause I did it and she’s a sexy little sow. This show is not about that, I just wanted to let you know that it can be done, and the results are absolutely stunning. You may have seen me on *Taskmaster*, *Gold Diggers*, *Thank God You’re Here* or a bunch of other shows if you are partial to free to air TV. I’ve also won some bigtime comedy awards if you care about that stuff. I’ve won Raw Comedy, Best Newcomer at Melbourne International Comedy Festival, The Pinder Prize and been nominated for Most Outstanding Show.

Sunday Evening Meditation 5.30 to 6.30pm Join us in our cosy centre in Carlton North. Whether you are new to meditation or an experienced practitioner you are welcome at these relaxed and informal sessions. Simple instructions are provided and you can sit in a chair or on a cushion. Masks optional but not mandated. Bring your own sealed drink bottle. $10 for workers or $5 for concession. Find out about our activities. Incense and other dharma books and items for sale 803 Nicholson Street, Carlton North. Website: https://melbourne.rigpa.org.au/

**🥰 Online Speed Dating – Real Melbourne Locals, Live on Zoom** Online speed dating for Melbourne locals — hosted live on Zoom, personality matched. You'll cycle through short one-on-one video chats with Melbourne locals matched to you by age and personality. A host keeps the evening flowing smoothly. **Find your age group below:** - **Ages 18-32** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=421.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Melbourne&groupurlname=golden-local-singles-mixer-dating-meetup&ar=18-32&face_v=3.0) - **Ages 30-46** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=421.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Melbourne&groupurlname=golden-local-singles-mixer-dating-meetup&ar=30-46&face_v=3.0) - **Ages 40-58** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=421.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Melbourne&groupurlname=golden-local-singles-mixer-dating-meetup&ar=40-58&face_v=3.0) - **Ages 55+** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=421.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Melbourne&groupurlname=golden-local-singles-mixer-dating-meetup&ar=55+&face_v=3.0) **⚠️ RSVP alone won't secure your spot.** You need to register through your age group link below and complete the personality quiz. Places are limited. --- 🎯 **Perfect for:** - People re-entering the dating scene after a break - Anyone curious about speed dating in a relaxed setting - First-timers new to speed dating **How It Works** 1. **Sign up** – Tap the link for your age range above. 2. **Fill in the matching quiz** – Helps us find your ideal matches for the evening. 3. **Log in** – Connect to the Zoom session from home. The host runs the show. 4. **Speed date** – One-on-one rounds with personality-matched Melbourne locals. 5. **Results** – We'll send your mutual matches afterwards. **Event Details** - **Format:** Live on Zoom – guided rounds from your home - **Location:** Online from home – no need to go anywhere - **Host:** Experienced host steering the session - **Vibe:** Friendly and relaxed – genuine chats with Melbourne locals - **Tech:** Zoom, webcam, and a stable connection - **Privacy:** Contact info only shared when both match - **Matching:** Driven by personality quiz results 💡 **Tip:** Check your Zoom setup and pick a quiet, well-lit spot ahead of time. --- ✨ Register, take the quiz, and connect with Melbourne locals tonight. 🦋 ✨

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! 📖

Posting this early because seemingly all Sundays in May are holidays or busy! I picked a shorter thriller that's hopefully a fast read/listen. [Columbus library link to book](https://cml.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S105C3458940) Location: Grandview Cafe, *1455 W. 3rd Ave*, Columbus, OH 43212 [Menu](https://www.grandviewcafe.com/menu) Book summary: Daniel leads a rich life in the university town of Athens, Georgia. He's got a couple close friends, a steady paycheck working for a regional airline, and of course, for a few glorious days each Fall, college football tailgates. He considers himself to be a mostly lucky guy -- despite the fact that he's suffered from a debilitating disease since he was a small child, one that has left him unable to speak or to move without a wheelchair. Largely confined to his home, Daniel spends the hours he's not online communicating with irate air travelers observing his neighborhood from his front porch. One young woman passes by so frequently that spotting her out the window has almost become part of his daily routine. Until the day he's almost sure he sees her being kidnapped.

Semi in honor of March being International Women's Month Columbus libraries: [https://cml.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S105C3454709](https://cml.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S105C3454709) Location: SOW Plated Menu: [https://www.sowplated.com/menu-brunch/](https://www.sowplated.com/menu-brunch/) Book summary: In 2006 Julia Lerner is living in Moscow, a recent university graduate in computer science, when she's recruited by Russia's largest intelligence agency. By 2018 she's in Silicon Valley as COO of Tangerine, one of America's most famous technology companies. In between her executive management (make offers to promising startups, crush them and copy their features if they refuse); self promotion (check out her latest op-ed in the WSJ, on Work/Life Balance 2.0); and work in gender equality (transfer the most annoying females from her team), she funnels intelligence back to the motherland. But now Russia's asking for more, and Julia's getting nervous. Alice Lu is a first generation Chinese American whose parents are delighted she's working at Tangerine (such a successful company!). Too bad she's slogging away in the lower echelons, recently dumped, and now sharing her expensive two-bedroom apartment with her cousin Cheri, a perennial "founder's girlfriend". One afternoon, while performing a server check, Alice discovers some unusual activity, and now she's burdened with two powerful but distressing suspicions: Tangerine's privacy settings aren't as rigorous as the company claims they are, and the person abusing this loophole might be Julia Lerner herself. The closer Alice gets to Julia, the more Julia questions her own loyalties. Russia may have placed her in the Valley, but she's the one who built her career; isn't she entitled to protect the lifestyle she's earned?

Let’s meet and share our thoughts about Carson McCullers’ novella, The Ballad of The Sad Café.

This month we’ll be reading Assassin’s Apprentice by Robin Hobb. Feel free to come even if you don’t finish the book!

Love getting lost in a good book? [The Book Loft](https://www.bookloft.com/) of German Village is an iconic independent bookstore packed with hard-to-find literary treasures! This isn’t your run-of-the-mill bookstore; it’s a 32-room literary wonderland that would make even the most seasoned bibliophile’s head spin (one of the largest in the country)! **MEET**: We'll gather outside the storefront and then start browsing... **DESSERT**: We'll grab some famous macaroons to start our foodie tour. [Pistacia Vera](https://www.pistaciavera.com/) is a delicious bakery and cafe in the German Village. This charming shop is especially known for its classic macarons. **HAPPY HOUR**: Italian drinks and bites at [Cento's happy hour](https://centogermanvillage.com/menus/). **PARKING**: Street parking all around here. Check the parking time limit. The bookstore and the foodie stops are all on 3rd Street within 4 blocks on the same side of the street.

Join us for our April Book Club gathering where we will come together to discuss *[Stop Me if You've Heard This One](https://www.kristenarnettwriter.com/stopmeifyouveheardthisone)* by [Kristen Arnett](https://www.kristenarnettwriter.com/about) in a safe and welcoming environment. Make new friends who share your passion for books and connect with fellow LGBTQ book enthusiasts.