Book Clubs Sydney

Why do we still work so much? In 1930, celebrated economist John Maynard Keynes predicted that rising productivity would reduce the working week to just fifteen hours by now, leaving society with a novel challenge: what to do with all that free time! He was remarkably close on the productivity prediction—yet the standard working week has barely changed. So where did the promised leisure go? Did consumerism convince us to trade leisure for luxury brands and better gadgets? Did work itself become too central to who we are — our identity, our worth, our status in the world — to simply give some of it up? Or did most of the gains from productivity growth flow upward, leaving the rest of us running just to stand still? We'll explore the history of the five-day week, the evidence coming from today's four-day week trials, and whether working less could create a happier, healthier society—or simply new problems. Join us as we unpack this fascinating debate about the future of work. **Primary Reading:** ***[Why Do We Still Work So Much? The Pros and Cons of a Four-Day Week](https://1drv.ms/b/c/adb4f7488b2eef0a/IQCfF5CxxVm9TIsn_v-hJtKqAWQ9x-UGtw9eqXi33H0qTdk?e=0eXqR6)*** (a document prepared for this meetup) **Report: *[Four-Day Work Week (2026)](https://www.aph.gov.au/About_Parliament/Parliamentary_departments/Parliamentary_Library/Research/Issues_and_Insights/2026/FourDayWorkWeek)***[ ](https://www.aph.gov.au/About_Parliament/Parliamentary_departments/Parliamentary_Library/Research/Issues_and_Insights/2026/FourDayWorkWeek) by Parliamentary Library of Australia **(Optional) Book: *The Case for a Four-Day Week* (2021) by Anna Coote, Aidan Harper and Alfie Stirling** There wasn't one ideal book (affordable and easily available in paperback) for this month's topic, so the primary reading is a document prepared specially for this meetup, It traces the history of the working week from its origins through to today's four-day trials and policy proposals, weighing the strongest arguments on both sides. It's designed to give everyone a shared, evidence-based foundation for the discussion. However, if you are fine with reading eBooks or can find it with your library, the main book I would suggest is *The Case for a Four Day Week* by Anna Coote, Aidan Harper and Alfie Stirling, which is a widely cited book-length treatment of the topic and is readily available as an eBook, though you will probably need to order it in if you'd prefer a paperback. And if you have no luck with that book, there are also two other similar books mentioned below which you may also want to try (O'Connor and Lindzon, 2026; Schor, 2025) We also recommend you look at a short, up-to-date report from the Parliamentary Library of Australia, which offers a concise local policy snapshot to complement the broader discussion in the main reading. As always, we strongly encourage you to do the reading before attending. This will enrich both your experience and our collective discussion. We’ve also included links below to further resources on the topic. So join us for a drink (and optional meal) at 6:30pm on Monday, 2 November, on the 2nd floor of the Keg & Brew Hotel in Surrey Hills (i.e. up two flights of stairs). The venue is conveniently located near Central Station and the Light Rail. We look forward to seeing you there! P.S. Please adjust your RSVP if you have indicated that you will come but are no longer able to do so. This is courteous to others if there is a waitlist. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- These are just optional links to consider. Feel free to pass on other useful links in the discussion section. **Videos** * Two short explainer videos about why we still work so much: [The five-day workweek was made up. What if we changed it?](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hn5-FIkFq0I) [Why do we still need to work?](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6KXZP-Deel4) * Two videos on the four-day work week: [TED The Case for a 4-Day Work Week by Juliet Schor](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MyVfUaXyyqo) [ABC Could a 4-day working week be coming to Australia?](https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-07-29/could-a-4-day-working-week-be-coming-to-australia/105588208) * SBS Insight - Rat Race - Episode 11 2026. As post-COVID attitudes towards work-life balance continue to change, some of us are questioning our role in the rat race and opting out. For others, the choice is hampered by housing and cost-of-living pressures. This Insight explores how Australians are balancing a desire to clock-off - and doing something like a 4-day week - with their need to pay the bills. **Written** * A Britannica overview of issues relating to a four-day work week: [The Four-Day Work Week](https://www.britannica.com/procon/four-day-workweek-debate) * Studies and trends in Australia's experience with four day work week; [Emerging Four Day Work Week Trends in Australia](https://www.researchgate.net/publication/372461877_Emerging_Four_Day_Work_Week_Trends_in_Australia) * An annotated reading of John Maynard Keynes' 1930 lecture about what 2030 might look like: [Keynes (1930) Economic possibilities for our grandchildren ](https://www.elysian.press/p/economic-possibilities-for-our-grandchildren) * Other books which members may want to look at: *\- Do More in Four: Why It's Time for a Shorter Workweek* (2026) by Joe O'Connor and Jared Lindzon — written by the pioneer behind Ireland's national four-day week pilot, this is one of the most current, practically-minded account of how organisations are actually redesigning work around a shorter week, including in the age of AI. *\- Four Days a Week: The Life\-Changing Solution for Reducing Employee Stress\, Improving Well\-Being\, and Working Smarter* (2025) by Juliet Schor — drawing on the largest study yet conducted on reduced-hours trials (245 organisations, 8,700 workers), this is Schor's own full account of the evidence behind the case for a four-day week. *\- Bullshit Jobs: A Theory* (2018) by David Graeber — a provocative anthropological argument that a significant share of modern work is pointless by the admission of the people doing it, offering a very different angle on why we still work so much.

26 attendees

Social meet-up: Western Classics Book Club

Thu, Oct 22, 8:00 AM

A social meet-up for those who come along to the Western Classics Book Club. There is no set book to discuss. Just come along and chill. Meeting at 7.00pm. NB. We normally meet in the Long Room (the large room). Our socials normally get about 10 people, so we will meet in the 'Two Tables Room.' This is on the same level, but at the top of the stairs turn right, instead of left. Look out for the sign. Contact dalemills@cantab.net for any extra info.

12 attendees

Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov

Thu, Nov 5, 8:00 AM

From The Politically Incorrect Book Club Sydney

Meeting at the usual place, upstairs at the Shakespeare Hotel, Surry Hills, Sydney, on Thursday 5 November 2026, we will be discussing *Lolita* (1955) by the Russian-American author Vladimir Nabokov. This is one of the most famous and controversial novels of the 20th century. Humbert is a middle aged man obsessively attracted to to a 12-year-old girl whom he nicknames 'Lolita.' After he marries her mother, Humbert manipulates circumstances to gain control over Lolita after her mother's death. He then sexually abuses her over a long period of time, convincing himself that (despite her age) she is consenting and enjoying it. For me (Dale), the power of the novel is that morally Humbert is the lowest of the low — a serial child abuser. Yet he would probably be the most captivating guest at a dinner party: cultured, clever, witty and amusing. How do we distinguish between the morality of a person's words and ideas on the one hand, and the reality of their actions on the other? Nabokov forces us to confront an idea sometimes assumed by the ancient Greeks: that a person's intelligence, charm and artistic sensitivity somehow reflects their inner beauty. Or perhaps the most intelligent and witty people can be the most morally corrupt? The novel was initially rejected by several publishers because of its subject matter before being published in Paris. It later became an international bestseller and is now considered a classic. Easily available in hard copies from local libraries (free) or through inter-library loan ($3.50). About $13 from Amazon, ebay and bookshops. Soft copies from our friend Anna or a free pdf from me on request at dalemills@cantab.net We meet upstairs in the pub in a private room conducive to discussion. Look for the sign or ask at the bar for details. There will be about 30 of us. We talk about the book in big group for about 40 mins, before breaking up into small groups. Newcomers are very welcome.

27 attendees

Social meeting of The Politically Incorrect Book Club

Thu, Oct 15, 8:00 AM

From Drafting Dreams Screenwriting And Social Club

This is a social for members of The Politically Incorrect Book Club. There is no set book to discuss. Just turn up ready to chat! 7:00pm till whenever.

8 attendees

Sydney Rapid Romance and Quick Sparks

Mon, Oct 26, 7:15 AM

We are trying something a little different for our next gathering. Instead of our usual screenwriting talk, we are hosting a speed dating night for our community. The idea is to keep things relaxed and low-pressure, giving everyone a chance to meet people from our club that they might not have had a proper conversation with yet. Whether you are looking for romance or just hoping to expand your social circle, it should be a fun change of pace from our typical meetups. We will have a series of quick rounds where you can chat with different members, followed by some time to hang out and grab a drink afterward. This is open to anyone in the Drafting Dreams community who wants to step away from the keyboard for a few hours and meet some new faces in person. It is just a casual way to see if there is any chemistry or connection between us, screenwriting aside. If you are interested in joining us, please make sure to RSVP by the end of the week so we can get the numbers right for the venue. We are looking forward to seeing who shows up and hopefully sparking a few new connections.

21 attendees

Stoics in the park: NEW LOCATION- Sydney Park

Sat, Oct 24, 3:30 AM

From Sydney Stoics

From The Politically Incorrect Book Club Sydney

Unlike other philosophies, Stoicism was named after a place not a person, making it accessible to ALL people. In ancient greco-roman times people would meet at the Stoa, where they would discuss Stoic Philosophy. We can meet in the park just as the stoic sages 1000s of years ago. Join us to read through and discuss Meditations by Marcus Aurelius. Google books has a FREE PDF you can download. No need to do any homework, we will read together and discuss. Am looking forward to hearing your thoughts. Event fee (optional) is $2, this goes to admin costs of running the group, please consider I am from Wollongong and wanted to keep this group when original organiser stepped down. I have significant travel expenses and am generally organising creative events that take resources. A gratuity would be a wonderful way to make me feel appreciated. Pay on the day, payID 0416147804, PayPal: paypal.me/jonnikaren or private message for direct deposit details. In lieu of event fee, you can buy me a coffee :)

12 attendees

The Builder's Stone by Melanie Phillips

Thu, Oct 29, 8:00 AM

**Meeting at the usual place, The Shakespeare Hotel, 200 Devonshire Street, Surry Hills, we will be discussing *The Builder's Stone* by Melanie Phillips.** *The Builder's Stone* argues that Western Civilisation is built on an uneasy alliance between Athens and Jerusalem - a fusion of Greek reason and Biblical morality. Phillips contends that the modern West is abandoning the moral and spiritual foundations that once gave it coherence and concludes with a 10-point 'rescue plan' for the West. The format of the meeting is that we talk about the book in a focused way for about 45 mins and then the meeting formally ends. The purpose of the discussion is to explore ideas and minority opinions are given a lot of space. After the meeting, almost all of us stay behind and speak informally about the book or anything else. The book is available from the usual places, including our friend Anna. Otherwise, please contact me at dalemills@cantab.net for a free pdf.

11 attendees

A Christmas Carol (play)

Sat, Nov 14, 5:00 AM

From Sydney Speculative Scribes

In preparation for our next book discussion, some might wish to take advantage of a stage production of *A Christmas Carol* by Charles Dickens, adapted for the stage by Michael Wilson. I (Dale) have bought a ticket for the Saturday November 14 play at 4.00pm. Everyone is welcome to join me. I will be sitting in seat E8 (which is an aisle seat). People can go online and book a seat next or near to me, or anywhere else in the theatre. The play is being shown at the Zenith Theatre / Pymble Players, about a 5 mins walk from Chatswood train station. Just buy a ticket and we can meet up there! More info and (scroll to the bottom of the page) ticket purchase options at https://pymbleplayers.com.au/a-christmas-carol Tickets are $30 + $3 concession, or $5 extra full price. Contact me on dalemills@cantab.net for more info.

5 attendees

Short Story Club: 'Bright Hearts' by Kaaron Warren

Sat, Oct 31, 1:00 AM

4.8

Short Story Club is a reading club for time-poor people who love speculative fiction. Just like other clubs we read the story and discuss it... though expect to go deeper into craft as writers. This session we're reading Ditmar finalist '[Bright Hearts](https://reactormag.com/bright-hearts-kaaron-warren/)' by Kaaron Warren. Kaaron Warren published her first short story in 1993 and has had fiction in print every year since. She has published six multi-award winning novels (*Slights*, *Walking the Tree*, *Mistification*, *The Grief Hole*, *Tide of Stone*, and *The Underhistory*) and eight short story collections, the most recent being *Calvaria Fell*, with Cat Sparks. No need to bring anything but your thoughts, having read the story.

6 attendees

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

Thu, Dec 3, 8:00 AM

From Queer Reads and Queer Cinema

Meeting at the usual place, upstairs at The Shakespeare Hotel, 200 Devonshire Street, Surry Hills, Sydney, Thursday 3 Dec, at 7.00pm, we will be discussing *A Christmas Carol*, by Charles Dickens. Published in 1843, it recounts the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, an elderly miser who is visited by the ghosts of Christmas Past, Christmas Present and Christmas Yet-to-Come. In the process, Scrooge is transformed into a kinder, gentler man. It is high on the list of books that people think they have read, but haven't. This fun 150-page novel was written at a time when the English-speaking world was re-imagining the holiday season. At a time when Queen Victoria's husband, Prince Albert, played a major role in popularising what now seem 'ancient' traditions, such as the Christmas Tree and the eating of gingerbread at that special time of year. There is a small industry of movies, animations and commentaries. For those wanting more of a reading fix, there are multiple academic commentaries and re-tellings: feminist, gay, black, Jewish, science fiction, steampunk, horror-zombie, coming-of-age, literary, philosophical and Marxist. For those who like Dickens, there is a NSW Dickens' Society at https://dickenssydney.com.au Hard copies of the book are available from local libraries and from amazon, and soft copies from [https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/46](https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/46) There will be about 30 of us in a semi-private room, upstairs, conducive to discussion. We will discuss the book as a 'big group' for about 40 mins, before breaking up into informal small groups to further discuss the book or anything else. We are a friendly lot and newcomers are welcome. Contact Dale on [dalemills@cantab.net](mailto:dalemills@cantab.net) for more info.

17 attendees

Queer Cinema: Vale Tim Curry

Fri, Oct 16, 7:15 AM

From Drafting Dreams Screenwriting And Social Club

October's film cannot be named due to copyright restrictions however here is a description of the film to give you a clue. I would like, if I may, to take you on a strange journey. Brad and Janet have just got engaged and are on their way to share the good news with their old teacher Dr. Scott, when they break down near an old house. Owned by a sweet transvestite from transsexual Transylvania, Dr Frank-N-Furter, who has been making a man with blond hair and a tan. Get ready to do the time warp again and celebrate the incredible life of Tim Curry in arguably his most iconic role. There will be call and response with props so expect noise and mess! Don't dream it, be it Run time: 1h 40m M CC *You need to be a library member to attend this event, if you haven't joined yet, we value your membership and would love you to join. Discover everything the library has to offer including free e-books, audiobooks, e-magazines, movie streaming and so much more. Access our e-library 24/7. Join our library [here](https://library.waverley.nsw.gov.au/libero/WebOpac.cls?VERSION=2&ACTION=SIGNUPAGREE&RSN=&DATA=DWL&TOKEN=75KA1hXWhx6590&Z=1&NewBreadCrumb=1)*

5 attendees

This is a social for members of The Politically Incorrect Book Club. There is no set book to discuss. Just turn up ready to chat! 7:00pm till whenever.

8 attendees

Sydney Rapid Romance and Quick Sparks

Mon, Oct 26, 7:15 AM

21 attendees

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