English Books & Literature

We're back with another pub night! Join us for a pint, a bite, and much writerly debate. We'll be at our usual haunt: The Bishop and Belcher near Bloor and Church. Hope to see you then!

Call on 416-938-2223 to find me :) -Ritik

Good day everyone, Please join us for a fun, interactive and enjoyable evening at this wonderful Firkin Pub location to play some absolute classics like ***pictionary, scattegories, monopoly, clue, cards against humanity, taboo, jenga, hedbanz, euchre, scrabble, balderash, tapple, chess, checker, battleship and always some great new games too!*** \*Joined by my other social groups too; so we can anticipate a fabulous turn out with lots of friendly peers to begin our weekend with! \*All ages over 19 welcome! \*Please note we are at **The Pheasant: A Firkin Pub** at 1999 Avenue Road (roughly 6 blocks north of Lawrence - south of the 401 **(we are in the back dining area to find us)** *\*You can also ask the wait staff or bartender if you like to show you to the group (simply ask for Steve's games event)* **-Free Parking found on residential side streets** (Event Details Below) Sincerely, Steve Flemming (Organizer/Host ) Event Details: **Mix, Mingle and Friday Night Games!** **(Friday April 17th, 2026)** -A chance to play some interactive games we love like ***pictionary, scattergories, taboo, cards against humanity, jenga, monopoly, clue, euchre, scrabble, balderash, tapples, card games,and so many other choices as well!*** \*Feel free to bring your own games and friends too if you like -You'll find it's a cozy, relaxed and enjoyable environment! *** **Event Fee:** 10 dollars (Cash only at the door) (HST included) or by e transfer: **steveflemming11@gmail.com** *** **Friendly Reminders:** -Arrive any time after 7:00 pm (in the back area- great for board games, card games and mingling) (event goes to roughly 11:00 pm) \*Great dinner menu and food specials provided: (One beverage or appetizer minimum upon arrival to support venue) **Parking and Transportation:** \*Lots of street parking on avenue and free residential parking https://www.firkinpubs.com/thepheasantandfirkin/ (15-20 minute walk from Yonge & Lawrence subway station-or simply take bus or uber from the station)

Good day everyone, Please join us for a fun, interactive and enjoyable evening at this wonderful Firkin Pub location to play some absolute classics like ***pictionary, scattegories, monopoly, clue, cards against humanity, taboo, jenga, hedbanz, euchre, scrabble, balderash, tapple, chess, checker, battleship and always some great new games too!*** \*Joined by my other social groups too; so we can anticipate a fabulous turn out with lots of friendly peers to begin our weekend with! \*All ages over 19 welcome! \*Please note we are at **The Pheasant: A Firkin Pub** at 1999 Avenue Road (roughly 6 blocks north of Lawrence - south of the 401 **(we are in the back dining area to find us)** *\*You can also ask the wait staff or bartender if you like to show you to the group (simply ask for Steve's games event)* **-Free Parking found on residential side streets** (Event Details Below) Sincerely, Steve Flemming (Organizer/Host ) Event Details: **Mix, Mingle and Friday Night Games!** **(Friday April 17th, 2026)** -A chance to play some interactive games we love like ***pictionary, scattergories, taboo, cards against humanity, jenga, monopoly, clue, euchre, scrabble, balderash, tapples, card games,and so many other choices as well!*** \*Feel free to bring your own games and friends too if you like -You'll find it's a cozy, relaxed and enjoyable environment! *** **Event Fee:** 10 dollars (Cash only at the door) (HST included) or by e transfer: **steveflemming11@gmail.com** *** **Friendly Reminders:** -Arrive any time after 7:00 pm (in the back area- great for board games, card games and mingling) (event goes to roughly 11:00 pm) \*Great dinner menu and food specials provided: (One beverage or appetizer minimum upon arrival to support venue) **Parking and Transportation:** \*Lots of street parking on avenue and free residential parking https://www.firkinpubs.com/thepheasantandfirkin/ (15-20 minute walk from Yonge & Lawrence subway station-or simply take bus or uber from the station)

Pottery Night at Orkid Gallery! All tools included. No experience needed—just come create, connect & sip tea with us! 3-hour workshop.

Hello all! We're hosting a themed event called "Solve a Murder" where you come in, grab dinner and a glass of wine and solve a a murder mystery with case files. This is a themed event so if possible, I would highly recommend wearing late 1800s inspired clothes that match the Sherlock Homes vibe. We are limiting this event to only 25 people to make sure that the experience is great! Register fast. To confirm your registration please send me $25 as a deposit. Once you register I will send you a message with my email! The rest of the $25 will have to be paid on the day of the event.

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.

#### **This event page is for English speakers only.** **こちらのイベントページは英語話者の方向けです。** **日本人の方は、別のイベントページからお申し込みください！** *** We host a Japanese & English language exchange meeting every Sunday at 9:30 AM. Participants practice in pairs or small groups, with 50 minutes of Japanese practice and 50 minutes of English practice. The study materials used in our sessions are created by professional language teachers. ### **Before Signing Up, Please Read the Following** * **Please make sure to check the comments section of the event page, as all event details and materials will be shared there around Saturday.** * This meeting is intended for people who are genuinely interested in language learning. Participants joining for other purposes may be asked to leave. * We prioritize creating a safe and comfortable environment for all attendees. * Disruptive behavior, solicitation, or sales activities are not allowed. Anyone who does not follow the instructions of the organizer or staff may be removed from the group. * **Participation fee : Refunds and carryovers are not available.** ### **Participation Fee & Donation** Your participation fee will be used by Emiko Tanaka, a Yosakoi Ambassador, to promote Yosakoi Naruko Dance from Kochi, Japan, to the world. For more details, please visit our website: [Yosakoi Ambassador Project](https://yosakoiambassador.com/) We look forward to seeing you at the event!

Join us for **Emma,** a play based on Jane Austen’s witty and romantic comedy about a spirited young matchmaker whose well-meant schemes lead to tangled romances, laughter, and surprises at every turn. ***You can use our promo code to purchase discount tickets for any performance.*** **THE PLAY:** Meet Jane Austen’s intrepid heroine Emma Woodhouse, the self-proclaimed “matchmaker of Highbury.” Armed with confidence (but questionable skill), Emma’s romantic schemes hilariously backfire as tangled relationships and surprising suitors emerge. With wit, charm, and plenty of misunderstandings, this lively adaptation of the classic novel brings to life a world of love, laughter, and a touch of scandal. Presented by the Scarborough Theatre Guild. *Recommended for ages 10 and up. Contains period-specific attitudes.* \*\*\* **PRICE** **Discount Tickets:** $24 (includes all fees) *** **HOW TO PURCHASE** Sign up on this event page and use the promo code **THUMBSUP** to get your discount tickets. Use the code to purchase your tickets **[online](https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?ticketing=tscar&rd=1)** or call the box office at (416) 267-9292. ***You do not have to attend with our group. You may use our promo code THUMBSUP to purchase discount tickets for any performance.*** **Seating Arrangements:** Seating is reserved so members may not be able to sit together. However, we will get together before, during and after the show. Belinda will be seated in C-B33. *** **DETAILS** **When:** Saturday, April 18, 2026 **Time:** Show starts at 8 p.m. Meet Belinda at 7:30 p.m. at the theatre. **Where:** Scarborough Village Theatre, 3600 Kingston Road, Scarborough **Runtime:** About 2 hours, 30 minutes with intermission *** **MEETUP ARRANGEMENTS** Meet Belinda at 7:30 p.m. in the theatre lobby beside the box office. Belinda will is very short and will be wearing a pink Los Gatos baseball cap and pink eyeglass frames. Cell # (416) 879-7575 for use on day/time of performance only. **Intermission & After-Show Meetup Spots:** Meet Belinda beside the box office in the same place as you met her before the show. **\*\*\*** **[THUMBS UP CELLPHONE POLICY:](https://www.meetup.com/Thumbs-Up-Theatre-Toronto/events/243426512/)** Cellphones must be turned off, or kept in silent or flight mode (no sound and no vibration), and MUST NOT be pulled out or used under any circumstances during shows.

Join our **Spanish–English Language Exchange Meetup** and improve your conversation skills in a relaxed, social environment. This free event is perfect for anyone looking to practice Spanish or English while meeting new people in a cozy coffee shop setting. ### **🗣️ What You’ll Do** * Practice Spanish and English through real conversations * Join small groups and switch languages throughout the event * Learn practical vocabulary and everyday expressions * Build confidence speaking in a supportive environment ### **👥 Who Should Attend** * Spanish learners (all levels) * English learners (all levels) * Native speakers who want to help others * Anyone interested in language exchange and cultural connection ### **☕ Venue** We meet at a local coffee shop—just grab a drink and enjoy the conversation! ### **💸 Cost** **FREE event** (please support the venue by purchasing a drink) ### **🌟 Why Join?** Language exchanges are one of the most effective ways to learn. You’ll improve faster by speaking with real people, hearing authentic accents, and using the language in everyday situations. Whether you're a beginner or fluent speaker, you’ll find a welcoming community ready to practice and connect. **👉 RSVP now and start speaking with confidence!** **Héctor**

Come to our church on Sunday! We’re a welcoming bunch. Our website is nlife.ca

As adults, meeting new people isn’t as easy as it used to be. Between busy schedules and shrinking social circles, it can feel hard to form fresh connections—and while we’re constantly interacting online, it rarely matches the warmth and depth of a real, face-to-face conversation. That’s where our Fast Friending Evening comes in. It’s all about genuine, in-person connections with like-minded ladies and gents. Just show up, be yourself, and enjoy an evening of effortless conversations and meaningful new connections. **Book tickets now & save money -** [https://toro18thapril.eventbrite.co.uk](https://toro18thapril.eventbrite.co.uk) \*You can use any debit or credit card to purchase your ticket at PayPal checkout. It will ask you for your email address but that is only to send you a receipt. You do not need a PayPal account. EVENT COST: Early Bird - CAD$ 10 per person Regular Ticket - CAD$ 15 per person Cash at meetup - If you have not purchased your ticket in advance then you can pay CAD$ 20 cash when you meet Faye at the venue. **Our venue for the evening** \- Stout Irish Pub is spacious\, has comfortable seating and not very noisy\. We have a reserved area where our members can meet each other in a supportive environment\. **Here’s how your evening will flow:** **7:00 PM – Welcome** Arrive at 7:00 PM and be welcomed by your host, Faye, who will guide the evening and help with introductions. Feeling shy? Come a little early and she’ll ease you into small-group conversations. You’re also welcome to bring a lady friend along for free. **7:30 – 8:30 PM \| Fast Friending** Chat with a new attendee every 3 minutes, ensuring you meet a variety of like-minded ladies and gentlemen. **After 8:30 PM \| Open Mingling** Reconnect with those you enjoyed speaking to and continue meaningful conversations at your own pace \- We are not a close knit tight group\. Our evenings are warm and comfortable for members attending for the first time and those coming alone\. You will not feel alone\! \- We have many groups in this city\. Members of our other groups who RSVP are included as guests of the organisers in order to give you an indication of expected people\. \- This evening is for ladies and gents in the 25 to 45 age group\. While some will be at the younger end of this range there will also be others at the other end of the range and lots in\-between\! You will naturally gel with others of your own age range and so you will always find many attendees who fit your range\. \- We are not a 'dating' group\. We are focused on helping ladies and gents meet other like minded ladies and gents\. You will generally find a good gender balance \(maybe not perfect\) at all our events\. **Why do we have tickets?** 1. Cover our costs - Our host is compensated for their time and work. We also pay meetup and have dedicated staff to manage our events, hosts, venues and communication. 2. Group Safety - By securing your ticket we have a record and you contribute to a well organized evening where everyone is more committed and better behaved. 3. Management - Tickets help us better manage attendee group size, book suitable space and activity. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- ABOUT [fastfriends.co.uk ](https://fastfriends.co.uk/)- We have connected members successfully for the past 10 years in over 30 cities (operating as Expatsclub, MeetConnectDevelop and fastfriends.co.uk). \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- You can contact our founder Dan on +447715705005 with any questions or ideas. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Here are some videos which will give you some guidance and comfort to make your attendance more productive.** Secrets for socialising at our meetups - [https://bit.ly/44ZdVwx](https://bit.ly/44ZdVwx) Making new friends -[ https://bit.ly/455TsWY](https://bit.ly/455TsWY) How to make people like you instantly - [https://bit.ly/3Vj5PeT](https://bit.ly/3Vj5PeT) Members review - [https://bit.ly/3yHfu6d](https://bit.ly/3yHfu6d)

🚐🏛️ **Historic Road Trip: Doors Open Stratford!** 🏛️🚐 Join us for an unforgettable **Saturday adventure on April 18** as we head to beautiful Stratford, Ontario for the incredible **Doors Open** event! This is the very first weekend of Doors Open season in Ontario and I couldn't possibly be more pumped for it **What is Doors Open?** It’s a rare chance to explore some of Stratford’s most fascinating historic buildings and hidden architectural gems—many of which are normally closed to the public. From heritage homes to cultural landmarks, it’s a behind-the-scenes experience you won’t want to miss! 👉 Learn more here: [https://www.doorsopenontario.on.ca/pages/events/stratford](https://www.doorsopenontario.on.ca/pages/events/stratford) *** ### 🗓️ Event Details **📍 Departure:** 8:00 AM sharp outside Christie Station **🚐 Transportation:** Comfortable rental minivan **💵 Cost:** $70 per person (covers van rental + ever-increasing fuel costs 😅) **💳 Payment:** Send e-transfer to nicolasbello@yahoo.com to lock in your spot **⏰ Return:** Approx. 6:00 PM (depending on highway traffic) *** ### 🍔 Lunch Stop We’ll be stopping for a casual and tasty lunch at **Chuck’s Roadhouse**—a perfect mid-day break to recharge and share discoveries from the morning. Check out their amazing prices[ here. ](https://chucksroadhouse.com/menu/) *** ### 👋 Your Host Nick has been a **Doors Open volunteer in Toronto for over 20 years**, giving him a deep appreciation and insider knowledge of these unique heritage events. His passion, experience, and enthusiasm make him the perfect guide for a day of exploration! *** ⚠️ **Important:** Spots fill up FAST for these trips every single time—don’t wait! Grab your seat, bring your curiosity, and get ready for a fun, social, and history-filled day trip out of the city! 🏛️✨

**💞 Meet Cincinnati Singles Tonight – Hosted Speed Dating on Zoom** Online speed dating for Cincinnati locals — hosted live on Zoom, personality matched. Each round is a brief one-on-one Zoom chat with a Cincinnati local paired by age and personality. A host keeps the pace comfortable. **Find your age group below:** - 🌍 **Ages 18-32** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=430.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Cincinnati&groupurlname=dynamic-local-singles-speed-dating-meetup&ar=18-32&face_v=3.0) - **Ages 30-46** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=430.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Cincinnati&groupurlname=dynamic-local-singles-speed-dating-meetup&ar=30-46&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. --- 🎯 **Great fit for:** - 🔥 Singles who prefer a hosted, structured experience - Cincinnati locals after personality-matched dates 🧭 **How the session runs** 1. **Register** – Select your age group above and sign up. 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. 📍 **Event snapshot** - **Format:** Hosted on Zoom – one-on-one video dates - **Location:** Wherever you're comfortable – no venue, no travel 💡 **Tip:** Just be yourself. That's always the best approach. ⭐ *"The personality matching genuinely works. My matches were spot on."* – Cincinnati local **Frequently Asked Questions** **Do I need anything besides Zoom?** Just Zoom, a webcam, and Wi-Fi. That's it. **Do I need experience?** --- ✨ Register, take the quiz, and connect with Cincinnati locals tonight. 🥰 ✨ Short-form version for faster scanning. Everything important, without the extra padding.

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.

* 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.

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!

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?