Book Drives Melbourne

November book club - first event!

Our very first meeting of Tales to Remember BC! This month we will be reading Wool by Hugh Howey, a fascinating post-apocalyptic novel. We will start from 7pm. Please note that there will be a structure to the book chat, particularly early on. The Union Club offers dining and bevvies - please support the venue as you can. This book club is designed for making new friends and bonding over great stories, as an inclusive, progressive space. Although many of us feel strongly about books, please remember to respect others attending - even if you don't agree on a topic / issue.

Book swap brunch meet up

November Book of the month - Klara and the Sun

Book Club: [Klara and the Sun](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54120408-klara-and-the-sun) by Kazuo Ishiguro From her place in the store, Klara, an Artificial Friend with outstanding observational qualities, watches carefully the behaviour of those who come in to browse, and of those who pass in the street outside. She remains hopeful a customer will soon choose her, but when the possibility emerges that her circumstances may change for ever, Klara is warned not to invest too much in the promises of humans. In Klara and The Sun, Kazuo Ishiguro looks at our rapidly changing world through the eyes of an unforgettable narrator to explore a fundamental question: what does it mean to love?

Artists and Mentors: Transcription by Ben Lerner vs. Discipline by Larissa Pham

Art Cure - Big Ideas Book Club November 2026

\*\* FACE TO FACE MEETING \*\* **Art Cure: The Science of How the Arts Transform Our Health, by Daisy Fancourt** Shortlisted for The Women's Prize for Non-Fiction 2026 and a Sunday Times bestseller DIET. SLEEP. EXERCISE. NATURE. ARTS? Many of us consider making and consuming art to be a hobby, or even a luxury. But what if arts engagement - from classical music to salsa, poetry to pop concerts, galleries to graffiti - was in fact one of our most powerful tools for unlocking health and happiness? In Art Cure, world-leading expert and award-winning scientist Professor Daisy Fancourt reveals the life-changing power of the arts. From attending the theatre to decrease the risk of frailty, to dance building new neural pathways, Fancourt draws upon ground-breaking research and inspiring true stories to empower readers to improve their own health through the arts.

📚 #InPursuit – A Book Club for Builders, Thinkers, and Doers

📚 #InPursuit is a book club for entrepreneurs, creatives, and curious minds who know personal growth fuels business growth. **See a lot of RSPVPs and wonder how it works? We'll break up into groups of 6-8 to share our insights, then swap groups after 30-45min so you can maximise learning from everybody!** *Note: this even is not organised by or affiliated with The State Library of Victoria* **That's what #InPursuit is all about** It’s not a traditional book club, it’s a space for people who are actively designing a better life through the pursuit of business, creativity, and personal growth. This event is for anyone #InPursuit of better business, life and relationships. Instead of reading the same book, we each come prepared to share one powerful insight from something we’ve read in the past 3-months. Anything non-fiction that’s moved us forward. Whether it’s a mindset shift, a productivity system, a new philosophy, or just a truth that punched us in the gut. This is a place to unpack it together and hear what others are learning too. We’re not just here to *read*. We’re here to *integrate*. Because when we grow, our business and our lives grow too. **🔍 Why Join? You'll leave with:** * 5–10 fresh insights from books you may never have picked up * Deeper awareness of how others think, lead, and evolve * New connections with people walking a similar path toward purpose, results, and impact This isn’t a lecture. It’s a room full of people building themselves while they build the thing. **📖 How It Works** First time? No pressure to share, just come curious. We'll break up into groups of 6-8 and share our insights, then swap groups so you can maximise the learning! Returning? Bring one idea you’ve read about in the last 3-months and be ready to speak on: 1. What did you learn? 2. How did it shift your perspective about the world or yourself? 3. How has it changed the way you show up or behave? We keep it structured, but flexible. After sharing, we open up to Q&A, personal stories, challenges, and deep dives. Some of the best insights come from the conversations *after* the share. **🧠 Who This Is For** * Entrepreneurs or side-hustlers finding their footing * Business owners, and doers building toward better * Curious minds who love ideas but care more about action * People tired of shallow conversations and hungry for growth If you’re working on something—or becoming someone—this space is for you. It’s a practice ground for people who want to grow forward. We’re all #InPursuit of mastery, momentum, and the kind of success that starts from within. **Map on how to get there** We're in the Create Quarter on the ground level (back right of the Quad as you enter from Swanson St). We'll likely be on a long table together. https://www.slv.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/SLV-EnglishMap_Jan25.pdf

Instant Audio book from your epub file

We will look at a website site that lets you create an audio book from your e.pub book file-- with a star quality voice actor--for free --for early users! We can look at the process together, and within 15-30 minutes you can have a professional audio book produced --and on sale- online \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **Event Title:** Turn Any EPUB into a Professional Audiobook in Under 30 Minutes **Event Subtitle:** Unlock instant global publishing and creator-controlled monetisation for your digital books. ### **Event Description** Stop letting your digital books sit undiscovered. Join us for a game-changing workshop where you'll witness the future of audiobook creation. We’ll show you, step-by-step, how to take any standard EPUB file and transform it into a fully produced, high-quality audiobook in under 15 minutes. Forget expensive studio rentals, months of production, and complicated distribution deals. This is the fastest, most cost-effective way to: * **Open a massive new revenue stream:** Tap into the exploding audiobook market. * **Reach a global audience:** Publish instantly to a revolutionary new platform. * **Take control of your earnings:** Benefit from direct, instant creator payouts. * **Enhance your credibility:** Offer your audience professional-grade audio content. **What You'll Learn:** * **The EPUB-to-Audio workflow:** See how simple it is to convert your digital books. * **Instant audiobook generation:** Witness the magic of cutting-edge technology. * **Access to professional voices:** Discover how to leverage expressive AI voices that rival star-level talent. * **Free publishing & monetization:** Get exclusive access to a platform that pays you instantly. This event is essential for all authors, content creators, publishers, and anyone looking to maximize the value of their written work. **Limited Time Offer:** First-time users will receive free access to the audiobook creation tools and platform! ### **Step-by-Step Agenda** * **5.30 PM - 6:15 PM:** Welcome & Networking * **6:15 PM - 6:30 PM:** Introduction to the EPUB-to-Audiobook Revolution * The growing audiobook market and the challenge of traditional production. * How our platform makes it accessible and profitable for everyone. * **6:30 PM - 6:45 PM:** Live Demonstration: EPUB to Audiobook in < 15 Minutes * Watch as we upload an EPUB file and convert it into a finished audiobook. * Experience the quality and expressiveness of the AI voice actors. * **6:45 PM - 7:00 PM:** Key Features Deep Dive: Professional Voices & Publishing * Exploring the range of expressive, studio-quality voices available. * Understanding the free global publishing and distribution process. * **7:00 PM - 7:15 PM:** Monetization and Instant Payouts Explained * How the innovative creator payout system works. * Case studies and success stories. * **7:15 PM - 7:30 PM:** How to Get Started for Free & Q&A * Guide to accessing the free tools and platform for first-time users. * Open floor for questions and individual project discussions. * **7:30 PM - 8:00 PM:** Networking & Hands-On Workshop (Optional) * Connect with fellow creators and publishers. * Get help starting your own audiobook conversion process.

Book Review Group - November 2026

Hi all, Welcome to our November book club, the last one for the year!! We are a friendly group of avid readers that enjoy a variety of books and great conversation, over a meal. New members are welcome, but spaces are limited. The books for Thursday 19 November 2026 are: **Science Fiction** If We Cannot Go at the Speed of Light by Kim Cho-yeop (translated by Anton Hur) [If We Cannot Go at the Speed of Light by Kim Cho-yeop | Goodreads](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/233182349-if-we-cannot-go-at-the-speed-of-light) **Fantasy** The Dungeon Book by Gareth Hanrahan [The Dungeon Book by Gareth Hanrahan | Goodreads](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/244670911-the-dungeon-book) **Urban Fantasy** The Weirdstone of Brisingamen by Alan Garner [The Weirdstone of Brisingamen (Tales of Alderley, #1) by Alan Garner | Goodreads](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/694997.The_Weirdstone_of_Brisingamen) Our next book club in January is our Australian Author Month, so please bring along your Australian Author suggestions. You don't have to read all the books. However, the more you read, the more robust the conversation will be with multiple people discussing each book. Don't forget to bring along some Sci-Fi, Fantasy and Urban Fantasy suggestions for the following meet-up! If you would like to see all the books (excluding bonus books) that we have read before, click [here](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1K96OI_w3AIBzkDVWXenQNc6mYbZ2cMvfRnzVehkp9Bo/edit#gid=0) to have a look. Since there are so many authors out there, we try not to repeat authors, however, I am relaxing this slightly moving forward. If you are new(ish) to the group, check out the back catalogue for some inspiration if you are stuck for something to read. Numbers are limited. If you can’t make it, please change your RSVP to a NO as a courtesy to the organiser and to let any wait-listed people into the meet-up. If you have time, stay back for a social catch up with your fellow book club members (or arrive early to chat prior to the meeting). Of course, you can go as soon as the book club finishes, but if you have time, then this is a great opportunity to find out all the news and what books people have been reading over the last couple of months. Happy Reading!!! 🤓😊

November - All we have is Time by Amy Tordoff

The Labyrinth of Solitude and Other Writings, Octavio Paz (Nobel, 1990)

In selecting the winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature, the Swedish Committee has a broad definition of "Literature". This can encompass not only the long form fiction we usually consider as literature, but also lyrics (hello Bob Dylan) or non-fiction. The title piece in this collection is an essay, a first for this book club. Paz writes about solitude in the labyrinth of life's journey as "the profoundest fact of the human condition" he finds it responsible for the Mexican perspective on death, fiesta and identity. The works in the book also cover Paz's analysis of Mexican history both pre-Columbian and colonial. The essays are highly acclaimed and considered some of the "most enduring and powerful works created on Mexico. Since starting this book club a few years ago we have formed a nice core membership. If you haven't come yet, please look out for the books on the table, pull up a chair, order a wine and join us. We like to hear what everyone has to say and enjoy the conversation, we're not cliquey at all! Oh, and to defray the Meetup monthly bill I will accept gold coin contributions or wine if you want to pay for multiple in one hit. I hope to see everyone again at this one with some new faces.

James by Percival Everett - Thursday 19 November 2026

Yarra and Botanics Walk discussing 'None of this is True’ by Lisa Jewell

We'll meet at the spot where Fed Square meets the Princes Bridge over the Yarra (near the pedestrian crossing closest to the river from Flinders St, on the Fed Square side). We'll walk for about 6km along the Yarra River, through the Botanic Gardens and back along the river to Federation Square for a coffee after the walk. This month, we're reading and talking about 'None of this is True’ by Lisa Jewell. The blurb: "Celebrating her 45th birthday at her local pub, popular podcaster Alix Summers crosses paths with an unassuming woman called Josie Fair. Josie, it turns out, is also celebrating her 45th birthday. They are, in fact, birthday twins. A few days later, Alix and Josie bump into each other again, this time outside Alix's children's school. Josie has been listening to Alix's podcasts and thinks she might be an interesting subject for her series. She is, she tells Alix, on the cusp of great changes in her life. Josie's life appears to be strange and complicated, and although Alix finds her unsettling, she can't quite resist the temptation to keep making the podcast. Slowly Alix starts to realise that Josie has been hiding some very dark secrets, and before she knows it Josie has inveigled her way into Alix's life - and into her home. But, as quickly as she arrived, Josie disappears. Only then does Alix discover that Josie has left a terrible and terrifying legacy in her wake, and that Alix has become the subject of her own true crime podcast, her life and her family's lives under mortal threat. Who is Josie Fair? And what has she done?” Goodreads rating: 4.07 How does a walking bookclub work? Like a normal bookclub, we talk about the book, what else we're reading, have read, or want to read (as well as a few tangents into life outside literature!) but we do it while walking around Melbourne and then over a coffee. We often split into smaller groups as we walk, but we also regroup through the walk. Should I read the book beforehand? The conversation will be more interesting if you do, but you can still come along if you haven't finished it yet! Do I need to bring anything? **Comfy** walking shoes, drinking water, some money for coffee or a bite to eat after if you wish. No need to bring the book unless you want to. No shows No shows (RSVPing yes and not attending) mean the group waits unnecessarily for those who are not coming, thinking you are running a little late. It’s absolutely fine to change your rsvp for any reason up until the walk begins, and you don’t need to leave a comment, send a message or give a reason, but if you don't click that 'change rsvp' button, you may be removed from the group. Membership Fee Did you know that while it is free to attend most events, Meetup charges organisers about $600 a year to organise a group? Members of the Walking Book Club are asked to pay a membership fee of $10 per year (not per event) to help cover this cost. When you join the group, you'll be automatically given a three month trial so you can see what the group is like, without needing to make any payment. If you would like to continue attending events after this, please follow Meetup's instructions to pay the $6.50US/approx $10AUD fee once per year (or contact group organisers if you would prefer to make payment using paypal, payID, cash or bank transfer).