What we’re about
****Note: What's the twist?-
Instead of everyone agreeing to read one book for a meeting, we each read whatever we want, then share it with the rest of the group every alternate meeting. Our discussions are always fresh and interesting! Those who don't have a book to share but want a recommendation for their next read are also welcome to join. Then we vote on the discussed books and the book with highest votes gets discussed further in the subsequent meeting.
Books we talk about cover just about anything. Some example topics include: the history of salt, a man lost at sea, why some technological developments should make us optimistic about the future, creativity at Pixar, neuroplasticity, biotechnology, American sub-cultures, biographies, the economics, geography and biology underpinning the development of the New World, the politics of mental illness, harnessing a positive mental attitude, the changing role of the policies in US & Canada, walking the trail, communication in the workplace, and much much much much more.****
The aim here is to establish a group of independent readers in the GTA who are curious about everything. Have you read an interesting book lately? Come and tell us about it! This relaxed and friendly book group is for those who enjoy reading books, asking questions, and having thought provoking, fun discussions on a wide variety of topics. Read whatever you want, then come and spend a few minutes discussing it with us. No formal book reports required, promise :). Paper books, e-books and audio books are all considered books for the purposes of this group.
Let's talk about the books you've been reading.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- 1984 by George Orwell (virtual)Link visible for attendees
We will meet for a discussion of the book 1984 by George Orwell (one of the most upvoted books in a previous "Bring Your Own Book" event).
To attend this event, you should have read this book and be able to partake in discussions on this book.
From the publisher:
1984 has become a classic literary example of political and dystopian fiction. That Orwell's book was published in 1949 and remains completely relevant today is a testament both to his powers as a prophet and to the possibility that the future he envisioned may yet come to pass. The story takes place in London in 1984, a world of perpetual war, pervasive government surveillance, and incessant public mind control, dictated by a political system euphemistically named English Socialism (Ingsoc) under the control of a privileged Inner Party elite.In 1984, Orwell presents a chilling vision of totalitarianism through the story of Winston Smith, a low-ranking member of the ruling Party in the nation of Oceania. Winston works at the Ministry of Truth, where his job is to rewrite historical records to match the Party's ever-changing version of events. The novel explores themes of truth, freedom, and individuality as Winston struggles against a system designed to crush the human spirit through constant surveillance, propaganda, and the manipulation of language and thought itself.
Bring an open mind and a smile! I hope to see you there.
- 1984 by George Orwell (in person)Balzac's Coffee @ Toronto Reference Library, Toronto, ON
We will meet for a discussion of the book 1984 by George Orwell (one of the most upvoted books in a previous "Bring Your Own Book" event).
To attend this event, you should have read this book and be able to partake in discussions on this book.
From the publisher:
1984 has become a classic literary example of political and dystopian fiction. That Orwell's book was published in 1949 and remains completely relevant today is a testament both to his powers as a prophet and to the possibility that the future he envisioned may yet come to pass. The story takes place in London in 1984, a world of perpetual war, pervasive government surveillance, and incessant public mind control, dictated by a political system euphemistically named English Socialism (Ingsoc) under the control of a privileged Inner Party elite.In 1984, Orwell presents a chilling vision of totalitarianism through the story of Winston Smith, a low-ranking member of the ruling Party in the nation of Oceania. Winston works at the Ministry of Truth, where his job is to rewrite historical records to match the Party's ever-changing version of events. The novel explores themes of truth, freedom, and individuality as Winston struggles against a system designed to crush the human spirit through constant surveillance, propaganda, and the manipulation of language and thought itself.
Bring an open mind and a smile! I hope to see you there.
- Walkable City by Jeff Speck (in person)Balzac's Coffee @ Toronto Reference Library, Toronto, ON
We will meet for a discussion of the book Walkable City: How Downtown Can Save America, One Step at a Time by Jeff Speck (one of the most upvoted books in a previous "Bring Your Own Book" event).
To attend this event, you should have read this book and be able to partake in discussions on this book.
From the publisher:
Walkable City is both an urgent call to action and a practical guide for change. Jeff Speck, a city planner who has dedicated his career to determining what makes cities thrive, demonstrates how walkability is the single most important factor in a city's livability and how it can be achieved. A walkable city is one in which you can accomplish most of your daily tasks on foot - and where walking is safe, comfortable, and enjoyable.In Walkable City, Speck presents his "General Theory of Walkability" - that for people to choose to walk, the walk must be useful, safe, comfortable, and interesting. He then provides practical solutions through his "Ten Steps of Walkability," covering everything from the right mix of uses and housing types to the proper design of streets, parking policies, and public transportation. The book shows how getting people out of their cars and onto their feet is not just good for their health and happiness, but essential for the environmental and economic future of our cities and towns.
Bring an open mind and a smile! I hope to see you there.
- Walkable City by Jeff Speck (virtual)Link visible for attendees
We will meet for a discussion of the book Walkable City: How Downtown Can Save America, One Step at a Time by Jeff Speck (one of the most upvoted books in a previous "Bring Your Own Book" event).
To attend this event, you should have read this book and be able to partake in discussions on this book.
From the publisher:
Walkable City is both an urgent call to action and a practical guide for change. Jeff Speck, a city planner who has dedicated his career to determining what makes cities thrive, demonstrates how walkability is the single most important factor in a city's livability and how it can be achieved. A walkable city is one in which you can accomplish most of your daily tasks on foot - and where walking is safe, comfortable, and enjoyable.In Walkable City, Speck presents his "General Theory of Walkability" - that for people to choose to walk, the walk must be useful, safe, comfortable, and interesting. He then provides practical solutions through his "Ten Steps of Walkability," covering everything from the right mix of uses and housing types to the proper design of streets, parking policies, and public transportation. The book shows how getting people out of their cars and onto their feet is not just good for their health and happiness, but essential for the environmental and economic future of our cities and towns.
Bring an open mind and a smile! I hope to see you there.
