English Books & Literature

Join us for this month's dark fiction writers meeting! Participants are encouraged to bring sacrifices—writing excerpts, that is—of up to 2000 words to read and receive critique. Listeners are appreciated as well. We welcome all dark genres and subgenres, including but not limited to: horror, dark science fiction, dark fantasy, suspense/thriller, etc. We'll be meeting at the MaRS Building near Queen's Park Station.

W. E. B. Du Bois (1868–1963) was an influential American sociologist, historian, writer, and civil rights activist. A co-founder of the NAACP and a lifelong pan-Africanist, he challenged racial discrimination through journalism, activism and academic research. His landmark book, *The Souls of Black Folk*, explored the experiences of Black Americans and introduced the concept of “double consciousness,” describing the tension of seeing oneself through both one’s own perspective and that of a society shaped by racism. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Du Bois advocated for immediate social and political equality, famously clashing with Booker T. Washington’s strategy of accommodation. Du Bois was one of the first Black Americans to earn a Ph.D. from Harvard University and remains a foundational figure in sociology, African American studies, and the global struggle for human rights. This is half-day philosophy conference on W. E. B. Du Bois presented by the University of Toronto's Centre for Ethics. The conference is free to attend and open to the public. The Conference Schedule * 1pm: Robert Gooding-Williams (Yale) * 2pm: William Paris (Toronto) * 3:30pm: Kwesi Thomas (Toronto/Simon Fraser) * 4:30pm: Chike Jeffers (Dalhousie) About the Centre for Ethics (http://ethics.utoronto.ca): The Centre for Ethics is an interdisciplinary centre aimed at advancing research and teaching in the field of ethics, broadly defined. The Centre seeks to bring together the theoretical and practical knowledge of diverse scholars, students, public servants and social leaders in order to increase understanding of the ethical dimensions of individual, social, and political life. In pursuit of its interdisciplinary mission, the Centre fosters lines of inquiry such as (1) foundations of ethics, which encompasses the history of ethics and core concepts in the philosophical study of ethics; (2) ethics in action, which relates theory to practice in key domains of social life, including bioethics, business ethics, and ethics in the public sphere; and (3) ethics in translation, which draws upon the rich multiculturalism of the City of Toronto and addresses the ethics of multicultural societies, ethical discourse across religious and cultural boundaries, and the ethics of international society. The Ethics of A.I. Lab at the Centre For Ethics recently appeared on a list of 10 organizations leading the way in ethical A.I.: https://ocean.sagepub.com/blog/10-organizations-leading-the-way-in-ethical-ai

**\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*QUICK UPDATE: Location changed! June 26 \*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*** Quick update: the weather forecast is being dramatically indecisive about rain today, and frankly, neither am I when it comes to letting you all get rained on. (Soggy books and soggy readers are not the aesthetic we're going for.) So, change of scenery, no risks taken! I've booked us a cozy table for all 10 **at Figaro Coffee House, 4 PM today**. Come find me on the **second floor**, I'll be the one welcoming you in! \* address: **350 Lakeshore Rd E,** Oakville Hope to see everyone at Figaro! Just added a picture of the coffee shop. Plz take a peek! https://www.google.com/search?sca_esv=b24d33f0b7e2f9cd&rlz=1CDGOYI_enCA1048CA1052&hl=en-US&sxsrf=APpeQnvgsV9pQIIKC5_qfJhL5fmrQtnlxw:1782480989590&kgmid=/g/11rmpqqs06&q=Figaro+Coffee+House&shem=epsd1,ltae,rimspwouoe&shndl=30&source=sh/x/loc/act/m1/3&kgs=17f45c13e5fbc3c6&utm_source=epsd1,ltae,rimspwouoe,sh/x/loc/act/m1/3 \*\*\*\*\* UPDATE! June 14 \*\*\*\*\* Hi everyone, I've decided to squeeze in **two more spots** for those who'd love to join us. Thank you for all the interest and excitement for our outdoor reading party! Please read the guidelines below, and I look forward to meeting you very soon. Happy reading! *** Hi nonfiction book lovers! It's been such a delight meeting monthly and diving into all kinds of conversations together. As summer deepens, we're taking our book club outside into the sunshine, the breeze, and good company. *July meetup will be on a break, so let's make June one to remember!* *** 📅 **June Meetup — Outdoor Edition** 🕓 **4:00 – 6:30 PM** **📍 Dingle Park, Oakville** *** **Meet first at**: ☕ Downtown Starbucks (**239 Lakeshore Rd E, Oakville)** Since the park can be a bit tricky to navigate, we'll all gather at Starbucks and head over together. **I'll be there from 3:50.** Please arrive by 4:00 sharp so we can set off as a group! Otherwise, you'll get lost! *** **What to bring:** * Your **nonfiction** read to share * ☕ Your favourite drink or coffee * 🍪 A small snack to pass around * 🧺 A picnic blanket * bug spray:) I'll be bringing a little game and some surprises. 🎁 So excited for this one. Hope to see you all there! ⚠️ Rain notice: If it rains, we'll move to a nearby café instead. Watch for an update by 4:00 PM on the 25th. Stay tuned! If you have any questions, let me know!! Looking forward to reconnecting in June! \*\*\*\*\*Just a gentle reminder: if you're unable to join us, please let us know in advance. Without prior notice, you won't be able to register for the following meetup. It's simply a matter of RESPECT for everyone involved! Thank you for understanding.

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, June 26th)** -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, June 26th)** -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)

**Join us the 4th Friday of every month at 6 pm at Cherie Bistro for a get-together jointly hosted by the Humanist Association of Toronto and Toronto Oasis. Catch up with friends and welcome new people. Please RSVP on Meetup so that we know how many people to expect.** Note: This week is Pride weekend so Cherie Bistro is not taking reservations and space may be limited.

A friendly online speed dating evening for North York singles, hosted on Zoom. We're a welcoming local community where people come to meet genuine faces from the area. Expect short one-on-one chats, matched by age, all from the comfort of home. Sign up here: [Reserve your place](https://theliveround.com/product?productId=533&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=North%20York&groupurlname=club-of-book-lovers-journey&face_v=6.0) Tapping RSVP lets us know you're interested. To join the rounds, please finish your sign-up at the link above.

**Meet & Greet – Books Up Circle** Join us for Books Up Circle meetup! This will be a relaxed, informal gathering where we chat, get to know each other, and share our love for books. **What to expect:** * Casual introductions and open conversation * Socializing with fellow book lovers **What to bring:** * Your book ideas or favorite recommendations * An open mind and a love for reading Come to socialize, discover new books, and make friends along the way. Sounds like a good deal to us—**come join the circle!** 📚

Note you will need to RSVP to attend our event this Saturday June 13 at Danu Social House. You can RSVP here: [https://luma.com/s3thypo0](https://luma.com/s3thypo0)

**✨ Reading Circle: Circe by Madeline Miller** Drop in as we gather to open up a conversation around Circe (Madeline Miller) in a discussion-first setting where the book drives the conversation, and the format keeps things moving naturally. Whether you read one chapter or the whole thing, and bring your reactions however raw they are, and bring your analysis — since genuine impressions beat polished opinions every time. New members are always welcome — and the discussion moves fast enough that settling in happens naturally, just turn up — the rest takes care of itself, and most people leave wanting to book into the next one. No facilitator or moderator runs the table — with every reader given room to share what mattered to them, and the session almost always goes in a direction no one predicted. --- **Helpful to bring:** - Any notes or passages you flagged while reading - An open mind and a willingness to debate - The book — whatever format works for you --- 🌿 A great discussion changes how you see a great book — sign up and bring your reading experience however partial and the conversation is always worth showing up for. We will see you on the night. 🌿

**🦋 Neighbourhood Read: Circe by Madeline Miller • Relaxed and Inclusive** We're meeting up to open up a conversation around Circe, our selection by Madeline Miller in a friendly low-key environment, and there is always more to discover in a good book together. No requirement to finish — come wherever you are in the book, and note any characters or moments you want to unpack, and bring your reading experience — since there is no wrong reading and every response is worth hearing. The evening is shaped by who is in the room — with the conversation moving where it naturally wants to go, and the most interesting moments never come from the planned questions. Every session is a good first session — and regular members are consistently enthusiastic about welcoming new readers, the only requirement is showing up ready to talk, and first-timers rarely feel like first-timers for long. ⭐ *"The group is warm and the conversation is always great — the discussion always produces at least one reading I had not considered"* – new to the group --- 💬 A great discussion changes how you see a great book — sign up and bring your reading experience however partial and the rest sorts itself out in the room. The group grows every time someone new joins. 💬

～English description below～ イベント参加費として、日本人の方(日本で生まれ育ち、現在英語を勉強している方)は2、日本人以外の方(日本語を勉強している方)は5頂いております。 皆さんから頂いたお金は、こちらのサイトの維持費や将来のランゲージエクスチェンジ施設利用料やソーシャルイベント等のために使われます。ご理解の程、よろしくお願いいたします。 予約受付開始：土曜日5:00PM 予約取消締切：土曜日14:00PM(当日) 予約受付締切：土曜日15:00PM(当日) スケジュール 5.15 PM - 5:30PM - チェックイン、グループ分け 5:30 PM - 6:15PM - 日本語の時間［または英語の時間］ 6:15PM - 7:00 PM - 英語の時間［または日本語の時間］ 【イベント内容】 Language Exchangeへようこそ！このグループでは、皆さんのレベルに応じて、3〜4名のグループにわかれ、同じ席になった人たちで各45分間、それぞれ英語と日本語でフリートークを行なっていただきます。決まったディスカッショントピックなどはございませんので、気軽に質問をしながらそれぞれのセッションを楽しんでいただければと思います。 開催場所：Atrium フードコート TJEXのサインボードを持ったオーガナイザーにお声がけください。(もしサインがなかったり、わからなければメッセージをお願いします！) 予約規約（⚠️重要） ・当日の不参加、もしくは15分以上の遅刻、また予約取消締切後の変更は原則不参加(No-Show)とみなします。不参加(No-show)が3回になりますと会員登録が抹消され、退会となりますのでご注意ください。 ・イベントに遅れそうな場合は必ずオーガナイザーまでメッセージをお願いします。イベント開始時間にいるメンバーでグループを組み直すこともあるので、連絡なしで到着された場合はイベントに参加できない可能性もあります。原則、30分以上遅れての参加はご遠慮いただいております。あらかじめご了承ください。 キャンセル待ち ・満席の場合、”キャンセル待ち”リスト(waiting-list)にご登録いただくことが可能です。“参加予定”リスト（going-list)中に空席が発生した場合は、”キャンセル待ち”への登録が早かった方を優先に、オーガナイザーが”参加予定”へ移動しますので、当日の参加状況の変更がないかご自身でご確認ください。 ※ご注意※ ・空席ができた際は、自動的に”キャンセル待ち”より”参加予定”へ変更されます。この時にMeetupよりお知らせがあるかはわかりません。 ・システムにより自動的に”参加予定”とされ、それに気づかずに参加しなかった場合でも、不参加とみなされますのでご了承ください。 Instagramアカウント @tjex.ca 最新情報やミートアップの様子を掲載しています。 ぜひこちらもフォローお願いします！ ***Although our group is a non-profit organization, we collect $ 5 per English Speaker for every event. All the proceeds are used to run this website and for social events*** *Canadian English speakers must be Native or Fluent in English in order to participate* RSVP: RSVP open: 5:00 PM RSVP cancel deadline: Saturday, 2:00 PM (day of the event) RSVP close: Saturday, 3:00 PM (day of the event) Day of Event: 5:15 PM - 5:30 PM - Check-in and Group placement 5:30 PM - 6:15 PM - Japanese conversation 6:15 PM - 7:00 PM - English conversation Event Description: This is an in-person language exchange! Members are placed into groups of three or four based on their language level. Each 45 minute session consists of friendly casual conversation, and/or informal study. Optional Dinner : After the Language event, we usually go for Dinner. Dinner is optional, you may or may not join the Dinner, it depends on you. However, Dinner is only for Participants that joined on the day of the event. Event Location: Atrium Food Court The food court is directly connected to the Dundas subway station. Leave the subway station and walk west along Dundas Street. At the intersection of Bay Street and Dundas Street, you will find an entrance. Proceed down the escalator. The food court is on the basement floor. Please talk to the organizer with the signboard showing TJEX. (If you can’t find them, please send a message to the organizer.) ⚠️RSVP & Late Policy: If you are unable to join on the day of the event, please change your status from 'going-list' to 'not going-list'. Failure to Not show up will result in 1 No -Show. Also, in case of arriving 15 mins late to the event will result in 1 No-Show. Members are removed from the group after 3 No-Shows. Waiting List: Members can join the waiting-list even if an event is full. When a spot becomes available, we will move you to the going-list. Going List: Only Members on the going-list can participate on the day of the event. Group Instagram - @tjex.ca Feel free to follow us!

**💡 Reading Meetup: Circe by Madeline Miller • Casual and Friendly** The book club is meeting to open up a conversation around the thought-provoking Circe by Madeline Miller with a friendly group who enjoy good conversation, and everyone leaves with something new to think about. The format is relaxed and member-led — with all opinions treated as equally valid, and the energy in the room tends to build as the evening goes on. Come however far through the book you are, and note any characters or moments you want to unpack, and bring your reading notes — because the book looks completely different through a new set of eyes. You do not need to have been before — and no introduction is required beyond showing up, your presence is the only requirement, and the relaxed setting means there is no pressure on you. --- **The session at a glance:** - Introductions are short and the book takes over within the first few minutes - Discussion opens with an initial question and flows from there without a set agenda - At some point toward the end the group votes on or suggests next month's read 💡 **Before the session:** mark the page you most want to talk about, because having one concrete thing to say takes the pressure off everything else, and the rest of the conversation will take care of itself. --- ☕ A good discussion is worth fifty pages of rereading — come along and join a conversation worth having and the discussion takes it from there. See you at the table. ☕

🔑 **Publish Ebooks with AI Fast — Income Blueprint — Publish at scale. Earn passively.** *The blueprint that makes AI-assisted ebook publishing fast and repeatable* For people who want to publish multiple ebooks without dedicating months to each one, this masterclass makes the whole AI-assisted publishing process concrete. Through the complete write-publish-earn workflow, you finish with a tested AI ebook system and the confidence to scale it. **⚠️ Your seat is not locked yet:** An rsvp on this page is not a confirmed spot, so click below to register — completing that form is what holds your seat — the cap is reached quickly so register without delay, and your spot is held only when you complete registration. ### [🔗 BOOK YOUR SPOT](https://aiventurelab.org/product/AIEbookBusiness?city=Columbus&groupurlname=club-of-bold-book-discussions-and-socials&startgmtdatetime=2026-06-27T22:00:00Z) --- **What the session produces:** - Niche research tools that identify profitable ebook topics automatically - How to use AI writing tools to produce full ebooks in hours not weeks - The complete AI ebook tech stack and how each tool fits into the pipeline - Strategies for building reviews and traction on new ebook listings Your knowledge is already worth more than you are charging for it — lock in your place and produce a live ebook and publishing pipeline in one session, as the session is kept small so everyone gets real time with the material. 🖊️ *Passive income starts with the first published ebook.*

This month we’ll be reading Goddess of the River by Vaishnavi Patel. Feel free to come even if you don’t finish the book!

**Our July novel is: *Listen for the Lie* by Amy Tintera** **This month’s novel was named one of the best books of 2024. It’s a domestic thriller with crime, mystery, and murder, told from women’s perspectives. The story includes a detective, an unreliable narrator, and plenty of suspense. The book is 352 pages in print and 9 hours and 18 minutes on audiobook.** What if you thought you murdered your best friend? And if everyone else thought so too? And what if the truth doesn't matter? After Lucy is found wandering the streets, covered in her best friend Savvy’s blood, everyone thinks she is a murderer. Lucy and Savvy were the golden girls of their small Texas town: pretty, smart, and enviable. Lucy married a dream guy with a big ring and an even bigger new home. Savvy was the social butterfly loved by all, and if you believe the rumors, especially popular with the men in town. It’s been years since that horrible night, a night Lucy can’t remember anything about, and she has since moved to LA and started a new life. But now the phenomenally huge hit true crime podcast "Listen for the Lie," and its too-good looking host Ben Owens, have decided to investigate Savvy’s murder for the show’s second season. Lucy is forced to return to the place she vowed never to set foot in again to solve her friend’s murder, even if she is the one that did it. The truth is out there, if we just listen.

It’s time for the groups first social event, Game Day! We will be playing a mix of board games, card games, possibly Jackbox TV games, and beyond. The games will be more relaxed & beginner friendly, this is a time to have fun and get to know each other! I’ll be providing pizza, let know if you’d like to contribute any snacks or refreshments ◡̈ Also feel free to message me if you’d like to suggest any games. If you’ve been thinking about attending book club this is the perfect time to join in. This is not the monthly Book Club meeting where we discuss the voted on book, that is on July 25th. Please reach out to me here or on instagram ( LitterallyEmily ) with any questions.

Let’s meet and discuss John Updike's Rabbit, Run, the first in his series of four novels following the life, hopes, and disappointments of former local basketball star, Harry "Rabbit" Angstrom, as he fitfully confronts and evades adulthood.