For a Harry Potter reading party…

Harry Potter And The Cursed Child by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne and John Tiffany

The eighth Harry Potter story has been released. Based on an original story by J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter And The Cursed Child is the official rehearsal script of the West End play by writer Jack Thorne and director John Tiffany. If you’ve got a few Potterheads in your book club, a staged reading could be a fun idea for a meeting, and you can find some simple instructions for hosting one here.

For a morning tea at the NGV Tea Room…

Brett Whiteley: Art, Life and the Other Thing by Ashleigh Wilson

This biography is the perfect excuse to plan a book club outing to the National Gallery of Victoria. Brett Whiteley is one of Australia’s most celebrated artists and Ashleigh Wilson had unprecedented behind-the-scenes access when researching Whiteley’s life and works. The NGV has a number of these works included in their collection, and after morning tea, your book club could wander through the galley to see them in person.

For a conversation about the real world…

The Hate Race by Maxine Beneba Clarke

Maxine Beneba Clarke’s memoir is a powerful, funny and, at times, devastating memoir about growing up black in white middle-class Australia. Our managing director Mark Rubbo writes, ‘You can’t read this book and not be affected by it; you can’t read this book and not be astounded by the force of its writing. It will be something you want to discuss with your friends, with your world.’ Here is a book to inspire honest conversation about the realities of racism in Australia, and possibly even action too.

For a good gossip between friends…

Truly Madly Guilty by Liane Moriarty

Employing her razor-sharp observational skills, Liane Moriarty traces the fall-out of an ‘ordinary backyard BBQ’ in the suburbs of Sydney – one that has gone horribly awry. Moriarty switches back and forth between the BBQ itself, and the present-day where the six adult attendees are struggling to come to terms with the BBQ’s repercussions. The set-up draws comparisons with Christos Tsiolkas’ classic book club fare, The Slap, but the story and the characters are all vintage Moriarty.

For book clubs who like to challenge themselves…

The Voyeur’s Motel by Gay Talese

This non-fiction book has been the subject of much controversy due to the premise (a hotel owner spies on his guests having sex), the ethics of Gay Talese’s own involvement (such as not informing authorities of the man’s actions), and the proven unreliability of the material (brought to light only after the book was slated to be published). As the Guardian wrote, it is a work of ‘great moral queasiness’, and while it’s certainly not for everyone, there is a lot of fodder here for book clubs who like to explore difficult questions.

For transporting your meeting back in time…

Ghost Empire by Richard Fidler

In 2014, Richard Fidler and his son Joe travelled to Istanbul, and his account of this journey will transport readers into the history of the dazzling Byzantine Empire. As these turbulent stories from the past are brought vividly to life, Fidler must also navigate the unfolding changes in his relationship with his son. This is a richly-descriptive read, and we recommend you supplement your get-together with an equally rich Turkish feast.

For prompting a discussion about truth vs fiction…

Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi

Two sisters are born into different villages in eighteenth-century Ghana: one is sold into slavery, and one is married off to a slave trader. The consequences of their split fates reverberate through the generations that follow. Author Yaa Gyasi has spoken about why she made the decision to explore historical events through fiction, and this interview would make an excellent jump-off point for your discussion.

For late night drinks with no easy answers…

The Island Will Sink by Briohny Doyle

Briohny Doyle’s debut novel asks thrilling questions about our near-future: What happens when you can outsource your memories, even edit them? When death can be reversed through digitisation, what is the point of living? If the lines between real and unreal are fully blurred, can you really trust anyone, even yourself? It’s possible that you may just find yourself in need of a drink to help you prepare for the coming apocalypse.