The Australian Book Club

Readings’ Australian Book Club - where readers read and discuss contemporary Australian fiction and non-fiction.

All the Australian Book Clubs are full for 2010. Check back in November 2010 for information about our 2011 bookclubs.

Why Join?

There are a couple of unique features about Readings’ Australian Book Clubs. First, we only read Australian literature. A deliberate decision was made that we wanted to support Australian writers and writing, and to get people talking about them. In the oft-quoted words of Miles Franklin: ‘Without an indigenous literature, people can remain alien in their own soil. An unsung country does not fully exist or enjoy adequate international exchange of the inner life.’

Secondly, Readings’ Australian Book Clubs are distinctive because they are primarily about talking about books and only secondarily a social event. Many people abandon their book club when they feel passionate about a certain book and want to talk seriously about it, but realise that most people haven’t even read it and have come to simply gossip or catch up socially. The book then becomes superfluous to the gathering. In contrast, Readings’ Australian Book Clubs are for those who want to discuss books in a structured yet still informal setting.

What Do We Do?

At the meeting, the convenor will briefly introduce the book-club book, initiate discussion and keep it on track, and raise further points when conversation is flagging. At the beginning of each session, as people are arriving, there is an opportunity for ‘book recommendations’ where the club members share information about the books they’ve recently enjoyed. In closing discussion, the convenor will ask members to indicate overall how they felt about the book-club book.

Because all of the book-club convenors work in publishing or the book trade, there may be some talk about the book’s cover design and other publishing and marketing features so that the general context in which the book is presented to the reading public is also considered.

When and Where?

We are currently running three Australian Book Clubs at the Readings Office, Level 2, 170 Elgin St, Carlton.

The Book Club costs $77.00 for 10 sessions from March to December 2010. The Wednesday night group will begin in February and will cost $84.70. This price includes wine and nibbles at every book club session. You will also receive 20% off the RRP of all Australian fiction books at any Readings shop (on presentation of your Readings Australian Book Club Membership Card.)

When organising each night’s bookclub, we work on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Contemporary Literature Book Clubs

Readings runs Contemporary Literature Book Clubs at our Hawthorn and Port Melbourne shops. Please contact Desiree Boardman at Hawthorn on 98191917 or desiree.boardman@readings.com.au or Justine Douglas on 9681 9255 or justine.douglas@readings.com.au for more information.

Chatterbook

Have you been reading anything good lately? Want to share the experience with others? We are trialing an informal, once a month, get together called Chatterbook to chat about what has been exciting us (or not) in the book world.

If you are interested email Desi or Alexa or call on 9819 1917.

Kids' Bookclubs

• Young Adult Bookclub - last Wednesday of the month 5.30pm - 6.30pm

• Kids' Bookclub (9-12 y.o.) - last Thursday of the month 5.30pm to 6.30pm,
  last Sunday of the month 10.15am to 11.15am

For more information email Hawthorn or call 9819 1917.

Stitch & Bitch: A Monthly Port Melbourne Event

If you like to knit, or would like to learn how, and don’t mind a bit of gossipy talk, get your needles and yarn and come on down to the ‘Stitch & Bitch’ craft club at Readings Port Melbourne.

We meet at lunchtime on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month.

Everyone is welcome to join us. These are free events, but please book by calling (03) 9681 9255.

Readings St Kilda Book Club

Readings St Kilda Book Clubs are currently full for 2010. As soon as we have room for any more members we will say so here. Until then, stay tuned.

Readings Port Melbourne Book Club

Why Join?

Readings Port Melbourne Book Clubs are distinctive because they are primarily about talking about books and only secondarily a social event. Many people abandon their book club when they feel passionate about a certain book and want to talk seriously about it, but realise that most people haven’t even read it and have come to simply gossip or catch up socially.

The book then becomes superfluous to the gathering. In contrast, Readings Port Melbourne Book Clubs are for those who want to discuss books in a structured but informal setting.

What Do We Do?

Prior to the Readings Port Melbourne Book Clubs meeting, some brief ‘discussion questions/points’ will be placed on the Readings website and e-mailed to members. Also some review and/or interview web links will be flagged, if available. At the meeting, the convenor will briefly introduce the book-club book, initiate discussion and keep it on track, and raise further points when conversation is flagging. At the beginning of each session, as people are arriving, there is an opportunity for ‘book recommendations’ where the club members share information about the books they’ve recently enjoyed. In closing discussion, the convenor will ask members to indicate overall how they felt about the book-club book.

When and Where?

The Readings Port Melbourne Book Clubs meet in the first week of the month.

How to Join

We work on a first-come, first-serve basis. We will notify you if the book club cannot accommodate you. The Port Melbourne Book Club costs $80.00 for 10 sessions from March to December 2010. The cost also includes wine and nibbles at each book club session. After receiving payment we will provide you with a receipt and your Book Club Membership Card. You will receive 20% off the RRP of each book-club book from any Readings store (on presentation of your Membership Card).