Book Clubs Toronto

Toronto's book enthusiasts connecting through club meets

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August's Book: The Marriage Portrait

Tue, Aug 18, 11:00 PM

From Toronto Ladies Book Club

4.8

Florence, the 1550s. Lucrezia, third daughter of the grand duke, is comfortable with her obscure place in the palazzo: free to wonder at its treasures, observe its clandestine workings, and devote herself to her own artistic pursuits. But when her older sister dies on the eve of her wedding to the ruler of Ferrara, Modena and Reggio, Lucrezia is thrust unwittingly into the limelight: the duke is quick to request her hand in marriage, and her father just as quick to accept on her behalf. Having barely left girlhood behind, Lucrezia must now enter an unfamiliar court whose customs are opaque and where her arrival is not universally welcomed. Perhaps most mystifying of all is her new husband himself, Alfonso. Is he the playful sophisticate he appeared to be before their wedding, the aesthete happiest in the company of artists and musicians, or the ruthless politician before whom even his formidable sisters seem to tremble? As Lucrezia sits in constricting finery for a painting intended to preserve her image for centuries to come, one thing becomes worryingly clear. In the court’s eyes, she has one duty: to provide the heir who will shore up the future of the Ferranese dynasty. Until then, for all of her rank and nobility, the new duchess’s future hangs entirely in the balance. Full of the beauty and emotion with which she illuminated the Shakespearean canvas of *Hamnet*, Maggie O’Farrell turns her talents to Renaissance Italy in an extraordinary portrait of a resilient young woman’s battle for her very survival.

14 attendees

Prisoner of Tehran - by Marina Nemat

Thu, Aug 13, 10:30 PM

From Non-fiction Book Club Meetup Group

4.6

CANADIAN AUTHOR 🇨🇦 What would you give up to protect your loved ones? Your life? In her heartbreaking, triumphant, and elegantly written memoir, *Prisoner of Tehran*, Marina Nemat tells the heart-pounding story of her life as a young girl in Iran during the early days of Ayatollah Khomeini's brutal Islamic Revolution. In January 1982, Marina Nemat, then just sixteen years old, was arrested, tortured, and sentenced to death for political crimes. Until then, her life in Tehran had centered around school, summer parties at the lake, and her crush on Andre, the young man she had met at church. But when math and history were subordinated to the study of the Koran and political propaganda, Marina protested. Her teacher replied, "If you don't like it, leave." She did, and, to her surprise, other students followed. Soon she was arrested with hundreds of other youths who had dared to speak out, and they were taken to the notorious Evin prison in Tehran. Two guards interrogated her. One beat her into unconsciousness; the other, Ali, fell in love with her. Sentenced to death for refusing to give up the names of her friends, she was minutes from being executed when Ali, using his family connections to Ayatollah Khomeini, plucked her from the firing squad and had her sentence reduced to life in prison. But he exacted a shocking price for saving her life -- with a dizzying combination of terror and tenderness, he asked her to marry him and abandon her Christian faith for Islam. If she didn't, he would see to it that her family was harmed. She spent the next two years as a prisoner of the state, and of the man who held her life, and her family's lives, in his hands. Lyrical, passionate, and suffused throughout with grace and sensitivity, Marina Nemat's memoir is like no other. Her search for emotional redemption envelops her jailers, her husband and his family, and the country of her birth -- each of whom she grants the greatest gift of all: forgiveness. ═════ Discussion questions: TBD Facilitator: Andrii ═════ $$ Refundable deposit: We'd like to make sure everyone on the RSVP actually intends to join us and enjoy the event. Please make a **refundable** deposit of $5 to hold your spot, via Paypal or Interac e-transfer to [toronto.nonfiction@gmail.com](mailto:toronto.nonfiction@gmail.com), when you RSVP or shortly thereafter. If you are waitlisted please wait until a spot opens up for you before making a transfer. You'll get your $5 back in cash if you join us at the event. If you decide to drop out later or not attend, consider this a donation to support our meetup and zoom subscriptions, which aren't cheap. Thank you! ═════ Meeting format: * We meet to discuss the book after having read it beforehand. * A facilitator guides the discussion ensuring that everyone has a chance to speak, one person at a time. * Warning: Participation in a book club is a dangerous activity. You may encounter opinions different from yours. By joining the group you agree to assume all risks.

8 attendees

ABCD Reads AND Watches "Good Omens"

Tue, Aug 4, 11:00 PM

From A Book Club, Downtown (ABCD)

4.8

[[RESULTS](https://opavote.com/results/4896565132263424) of the poll for this event] ABCD Reads AND Watches "**Good Omens**", a [book](https://tpl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S234C741952) by Terry Pratchett & Neil Gaiman, and a [TV series on Amazon Prime](https://www.primevideo.com/detail?gti=amzn1.dv.gti.2eb57089-fc1c-d3d0-c5f7-cfcb696e66b5&linkCode=xm2&tag=amazon-ca-ro-mac-chr-20). **:: ABOUT THE BOOK ::** "The world will end on Saturday. Next Saturday. Just before dinner, according to The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch, the world's only completely accurate book of prophecies written in 1655. The armies of Good and Evil are amassing and everything appears to be going according to Divine Plan. Except that a somewhat fussy angel and a fast-living demon are not actually looking forward to the coming Rapture. And someone seems to have misplaced the Antichrist. Put New York Times bestselling authors Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett together . . . and all Hell breaks loose." (from [Goodreads](https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/12070.Good_Omens)) **:: ABOUT THE MOVIE ::** "The adaptation of Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman's fantasy novel of the same name where the End of the World is fast approaching and after many years of living with mortals, Aziraphale the angel (Michael Sheen) and Crowley the demon (David Tennant) decide they must stop the Apocalypse but first they must find the 11-year-old Antichrist (Sam Taylor Buck)." (from [MetaCritic](https://www.metacritic.com/tv/good-omens/)) **:: ABOUT THE EVENT ::** Instead of just reading the book as usual, this time we're asking that you also watch the TV-series adaptation (or, at least, the first episode thereof). During our discussion, we'll explore the strengths of both the book and the movie, evaluate the adaptation's effectiveness, and touch on any other topics that arise. You are welcome to arrive 30 minutes before the event and stay 30 minutes or longer afterward to connect with other attendees outside the book talk. Please ensure you have read the book and watched the movie before attending (though finishing either is not a barrier to participating, as long as you don't mind spoilers). First-time attendees can join for free. If the event is full, we maintain an unofficial waitlist. Please send [Michael](https://www.meetup.com/members/55295192/) a direct message for more information, in either case. We request a $3 contribution from regular attendees to help cover our monthly meetup costs. **:: ABOUT OUR NEXT READ&WATCH ::** At the end of each event, we will ask for nominees for our next Read & Watch (date TBA). If you have a good pairing in mind, please ensure that the book is between 200-400 pages long, available from the Toronto Public Library, and counts as contemporary literary fiction (though these are not hard and fast rules), and that the movie or TV-series is readily available. When enough nominees are collected, Michael will send the members a direct message with a link where you can vote.

6 attendees

August Books n’ Brunch: The Courage to be Disliked

Sun, Aug 30, 5:30 PM

From Books & Brunch Meetup

4.7

Book Description: An international bestseller and TikTok sensation with more than 10 million copies sold worldwide, The Courage to Be Disliked is a transformative and practical guide to personal happiness and self-fulfillment. Now you can unlock your full potential and free yourself from the shackles of past traumas and societal expectations to find true personal happiness. Based on the theories of renowned psychologist Alfred Adler, this book guides you through the principles of self-forgiveness, self-care, and mind decluttering in a straightforward, easy-to-digest style that’s accessible to all. The Courage to Be Disliked unfolds as a dialogue between a philosopher and a young man, who, over the course of five enriching conversations, realizes that each of us is in control of our life’s direction, independent of past burdens and expectations of others. Wise, empowering, and profoundly liberating, this book is a life-changing experience that shows you a path to lasting happiness and how to finally be the person you truly want to be. Millions are already benefiting from its teachings—and you can be next. PLEASE NOTE: There is no cost to attend but it is a restaurant so please plan to purchase at least a drink. It would be even better if you join us for brunch. 😁

5 attendees

Candide by Voltaire

Sun, Aug 23, 7:00 PM

From More Than A Classic Book Club

4.7

For August, we'll read Candide by Voltaire. 129 pages First published in 1759 About the book: *Candide* is the story of a gentle man who, though pummeled and slapped in every direction by fate, clings desperately to the belief that he lives in "the best of all possible worlds." On the surface a witty, bantering tale, this eighteenth-century classic is actually a savage, satiric thrust at the philosophical optimism that proclaims that all disaster and human suffering is part of a benevolent cosmic plan. Fast, funny, often outrageous, the French philosopher's immortal narrative takes Candide around the world to discover that — contrary to the teachings of his distinguished tutor Dr. Pangloss — all is not always for the best. Alive with wit, brilliance, and graceful storytelling, *Candide* has become Voltaire's most celebrated work.

12 attendees

OSC #4 - The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

Wed, Aug 12, 11:30 PM

From Open Shelf Collective

5.0

Welcome to our fourth meetup! The book for August is The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern. The first thirty minutes of the event is open social time while we allow attendees to arrive. The book discussion will begin at 8:00 PM. At the end of the meetup, we will accept nominations for the next book. We encourage attendees to stay afterwards and chat if they would like to as well. Out of respect for the venue and people on the waitlist, if you do not intend on attending we would appreciate you cancelling at least 48 hours in advance. We would like to keep these events free of charge, and continued last minute cancellations or no-shows may require us to introduce a small fee in the future. "The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern "**Two starcrossed magicians engage in a deadly game of cunning in the spellbinding novel that captured the world's imagination.** The circus arrives without warning. No announcements precede it. It is simply there, when yesterday it was not. Within the black-and-white striped canvas tents is an utterly unique experience full of breathtaking amazements. It is called *Le Cirque des Rêves*, and it is only open at night. But behind the scenes, a fierce competition is underway—a duel between two young magicians, Celia and Marco, who have been trained since childhood expressly for this purpose by their mercurial instructors. Unbeknownst to them, this is a game in which only one can be left standing, and the circus is but the stage for a remarkable battle of imagination and will. Despite themselves, however, Celia and Marco tumble headfirst into love—a deep, magical love that makes the lights flicker and the room grow warm whenever they so much as brush hands. True love or not, the game must play out, and the fates of everyone involved, from the cast of extraordinary circus performers to the patrons, hang in the balance, suspended as precariously as the daring acrobats overhead. Written in rich, seductive prose, this spell-casting novel is a feast for the senses and the heart." Results from the vote: [https://app.rankedvote.co/rv/lflwev853sj5nle65d/results](https://app.rankedvote.co/rv/lflwev853sj5nle65d/results)

10 attendees

Brainstorming Ideas - Plot, Characters, Worldbuilding

Sun, Aug 23, 5:00 PM

From Toronto Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers

4.8

**BACKGROUND** Whether we are authors, game masters, or artists, sometimes we can get stuck on ideas and rough concepts before fully forming our creations. This is the opportunity to brainstorm these with others. **DETAILS** You can bring in your ideas - including world-building, character details, plot arcs, magic systems, technology, etc. - and brainstorm places where you are stuck. Each participant will be given a time slot to workshop their ideas in a free-form manner as they see fit. It is not mandatory to bring something to discuss yourself; you can just show up and help others brainstorm and meet like-minded people in the process. Please make sure your RSVPs are honored on the day. **LOCATION** Balzac's Image Arts 122 Bond St, Toronto, ON M5B 1X8 (Walking distance from Yonge-Dundas/Sanfoka Square/TMU station )

3 attendees

OSC #5 - Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Wed, Sep 9, 11:30 PM

From Open Shelf Collective

5.0

Welcome to our 5th meetup for the Open Shelf Collective. We have selected Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid as our selection for this event. The first thirty minutes of the event is open social time while we allow attendees to arrive. The book discussion will begin at 8:00 PM. At the end of the meetup, we will accept nominations for the next book. We encourage attendees to stay afterwards and chat if they would like to as well. Out of respect for the venue and people on the waitlist, if you do not intend on attending please cancel as soon as possible and at the very latest 48 hours in advance. To ensure spots go to engaged members, we have limited new sign ups to two weeks before the event — existing RSVPs are not affected. We would like to keep these events free of charge, and continued last minute cancellations or no-shows may require us to introduce a small fee in the future. "Atmosphere" by Taylor Jenkins Reid: Joan Goodwin has been obsessed with the stars for as long as she can remember. Thoughtful and reserved, Joan is content with her life as a professor of physics and astronomy at Rice University and as aunt to her precocious niece, Frances. That is, until she comes across an advertisement seeking the first women scientists to join NASA’s Space Shuttle program. Suddenly, Joan burns to be one of the few people to go to space. Selected from a pool of thousands of applicants in the summer of 1980, Joan begins training at Houston’s Johnson Space Center, alongside an exceptional group of fellow candidates: Top Gun pilot Hank Redmond and scientist John Griffin, who are kind and easy-going even when the stakes are highest; mission specialist Lydia Danes, who has worked too hard to play nice; warm-hearted Donna Fitzgerald, who is navigating her own secrets; and Vanessa Ford, the magnetic and mysterious aeronautical engineer, who can fix any engine and fly any plane. As the new astronauts become unlikely friends and prepare for their first flights, Joan finds a passion and a love she never imagined. In this new light, Joan begins to question everything she thinks she knows about her place in the observable universe. Then, in December of 1984, on mission STS-LR9, everything changes in an instant. Fast-paced, thrilling, and emotional, *Atmosphere* is Taylor Jenkins Reid at her best: transporting readers to iconic times and places, with complex protagonists, telling a passionate and soaring story about the transformative power of love, this time among the stars.

6 attendees

Monthly Book Club - August - Cynthia's Chinese Restaurant (Thornhill)

Sun, Aug 9, 4:00 PM

From Richmond Hill Friends

4.8

In this book club, you read a book based on a theme and we all discuss the book each chose. If you just want to come out and join without reading a book that is perfectly fine. The theme for this month is Beach Read. The next meetup will be at Cynthia's Chinese Restaurant, 7700 Bathurst St Unit 51, Thornhill, ON L4J 7Y3. Please do not RSVP unless you intend to come. We will confirm with you up to 5 days before the event that you are attending. If you cannot confirm at that time, we unfortunately cannot reserve a spot for you. NOTE: No Shows will be removed from Richmond Hill Friends. Hope to see you all there.

5 attendees

[NEW DATE] Why we're polarized -- by Ezra Klein

Tue, Sep 22, 10:30 PM

From Non-fiction Book Club Meetup Group

4.6

One of Barack Obama's favorite books of 2022. One of Bill Gates’s “5 books to read this summer,” this New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestseller shows us that America’s political system isn’t broken. The truth is scarier: it’s working exactly as designed. In this “superbly researched” (The Washington Post) and timely book, journalist Ezra Klein reveals how that system is polarizing us—and how we are polarizing it—with disastrous results. “The American political system—which includes everyone from voters to journalists to the president—is full of rational actors making rational decisions given the incentives they face,” writes political analyst Ezra Klein. “We are a collection of functional parts whose efforts combine into a dysfunctional whole.” “A thoughtful, clear and persuasive analysis” (The New York Times Book Review), *Why We’re Polarized* reveals the structural and psychological forces behind America’s descent into division and dysfunction. Neither a polemic nor a lament, this book offers a clear framework for understanding everything from Trump’s rise to the Democratic Party’s leftward shift to the politicization of everyday culture. America is polarized, first and foremost, by identity. Everyone engaged in American politics is engaged, at some level, in identity politics. Over the past fifty years in America, our partisan identities have merged with our racial, religious, geographic, ideological, and cultural identities. These merged identities have attained a weight that is breaking much in our politics and tearing at the bonds that hold this country together. Klein shows how and why American politics polarized around identity in the 20th century, and what that polarization did to the way we see the world and one another. And he traces the feedback loops between polarized political identities and polarized political institutions that are driving our system toward crisis. “Well worth reading” (New York magazine), this is an “eye-opening” (O, The Oprah Magazine) book that will change how you look at politics—and perhaps at yourself. ═════ Discussion questions: TBD Facilitator: Susan ═════ $$ Refundable deposit: We'd like to make sure everyone on the RSVP actually intends to join us and enjoy the event. Please make a **refundable** deposit of $5 to hold your spot, via Paypal or Interac e-transfer to [toronto.nonfiction@gmail.com](mailto:toronto.nonfiction@gmail.com), when you RSVP or shortly thereafter. If you are waitlisted please wait until a spot opens up for you before making a transfer. You'll get your $5 back in cash if you join us at the event. If you decide to drop out later or not attend, consider this a donation to support our meetup and zoom subscriptions, which aren't cheap. Thank you! ═════ Meeting format: * We meet to discuss the book after having read it beforehand. * A facilitator guides the discussion ensuring that everyone has a chance to speak, one person at a time. * Warning: Participation in a book club is a dangerous activity. You may encounter opinions different from yours. By joining the group you agree to assume all risks.

3 attendees

Silent Bookclub Meeting #84

Thu, Jul 30, 10:00 PM

From Silent Book Club (Toronto)

4.8

The next event is happening on Thursday July 30 at 6PM in the Wellington Market Food Hall at The Well! We'll be meeting in front of the Nord Lyon in The Wellington Market (food court!) Please RSVP if you're planning on coming so we can plan appropriately!

81 attendees

Silent Bookclub Meeting #83

Tue, Jul 28, 10:30 PM

From Silent Book Club (Toronto)

4.8

The next event is happening on Tuesday July 28 at 6:30 PM at the Deck located in Clarence Square! Please RSVP if you're planning on coming so we can plan appropriately! To help cover the costs of meetup fees, we will be taking optional donations for this event. If you're inclined to, feel free to send any amount you're comfortable with to harresh.s@hotmail.com, or bring cash to the event. Please note that this is entirely optional and not required to join the event! All proceeds will go towards fees for this event and future events, as well as meetup fees

53 attendees

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Frequently asked questions

Toronto hosts a wide variety of book clubs covering every type of genre imaginable. From mystery and crime to romance and sci-fi, there's a club for each taste. These groups provide platforms to discuss current releases or revisit classics with fellow book enthusiasts.

To join a book club in Toronto, visit the Meetup website and search for book-related events or groups in the city. You can click on a group that piques your interest, join it, and then RSVP to attend their events.

Yes, many book clubs in Toronto are free to join. Typically, you'll only need to handle any costs related to the book being discussed, if not already owned. Check group details for any specific rules or fees.

Some Toronto book clubs still meet online for convenience and to accommodate more members. Virtual meetups often have flexible times, allowing more participants to join across different locations.

A book club meeting generally involves discussing the book read by the group members. Attendees share their thoughts, such as what they liked, disliked, and any significant themes they noticed. This creates a lively exchange of ideas among readers.

Yes, you can create your book club in Toronto on Meetup! Simply register and set up a new group, inviting others to join. Starting your group allows you to choose the book genres and themes you'll explore.

The frequency varies by club. Some meet monthly, offering ample time to read between gatherings, while others might get together bi-weekly. Check with specific groups on Meetup to understand their schedule.

Not all genres may have an established club, as availability depends on current member interests. However, new clubs frequently form, so keep checking for one that matches your preferences or consider starting your own!

While it's encouraged to read the book, it's not always mandatory to join the discussion. If you're unable to complete it, participating in the talk can still be rewarding and insightful.

The structure of book discussions can vary greatly since meetings are organized individually by each group. Some clubs have predefined discussion questions, while others offer open-ended dialogues.

Although Meetup is designed for group activities, you can engage in discussions and exchange personal book recommendations with fellow members during meetings or within group forums.

Search for the author's name in Meetup's search bar to discover dedicated fan clubs or meetings focusing specifically on their work. This method increases your chances of meeting like-minded readers.

Absolutely! Joining a book club is a fantastic way for new Torontonians to meet fellow literature enthusiasts and integrate into the local community, offering a mutual interest to build connections over.

Certainly, some Toronto book clubs focus on classic literature, enabling members to delve into timeless stories and engrained texts. These groups can foster deep discussions around universally resonant themes.

Meetup facilitates the platform for groups to form and organize events, but individual hosts manage the logistics, such as meeting location and agenda.