Book Swaps Toronto

OSC #5 - Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid

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.

📖 September’s book: Where the Crawdads Sing

We’ll meet to chat about this month’s book and share a bite or a drink while we make new connections and get to know one another. This is a ladies only event.

The Girls Book Club: Fantasy/Romance Book Club Meetup #10

Hi everyone!! 💖 This is now our TENTH book club meetup! I can’t wait to get to know you all more, hang out and talk books. For this meeting we’ll be FINISHING Gild by Raven Kennedy!!! Please read the whole book before coming so that we have lots to discuss! Don’t stress if you’re new or didn’t make it to the last meetup! This is a super chill group and we’re mostly here to chat, vibe, and obsess over books together. Can’t wait to see you all!! 📚✨ P.S this MAYBE will be our last meetup on this site. If you haven’t had a chance to attend a meeting but would like to in the future, send me your number and I will add you to the WhatsApp group chat! I will be messaging every member this as well if I do decide to close down this page :)

Tough Guy Book Club - Toronto ON

Join us for the Toronto Chapter of Tough Guy Book Club. You can find out this month's book here [https://toughguybookclub.com/books](https://toughguybookclub.com/books?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExcTVleWRsd0ZYSWdqZXV4QXNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR5aL8E3xpn05czDIaY5kEiHH3oABs4hICFLOrNXUsW-0gY5HePBTW1ni0SYzw_aem_qNxAzG9ij-sVr5-Rf8Uw3Q) If you have the chance, try to pick up the book and read a couple of pages before the night. If you haven’t, come anyway, no one gives a damn. We are not your boss. If you got one, make sure to bring your copy of the books down, it’ll help you talk about bits of it, we suggest underlining stuff that sticks out to you as important. Also like all months, we will be announcing next month’s book at the meeting and handing them out to those of you who were wise enough to pre-order last month. See you there. Want to know more about Tough Guy Book Club? Read this - [http://toughguybookclub.com/about-us](http://toughguybookclub.com/about-us?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExcTVleWRsd0ZYSWdqZXV4QXNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR5QrDxxQmsaiuIfgbomTP4b6948UogKCm9U4Dudq5-VU_8aUx5RnTiUjO_R1Q_aem_n5AIic3b6NMTZ5TUJGTLkw)

ABCD Reads "Transcription" by Ben Lerner

ABCD Reads "[Transcription](https://tpl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S234C4726966)" by Ben Lerner. ([RESULTS](https://opavote.com/results/5098056250032128) of the poll for this event.) **:: ABOUT THE BOOK ::** "From the “most talented writer of his generation” (The New York Times), a lightning flash of a novel that is at once a gripping emotional drama and a brilliant examination of the devices, digital and literary, we use to store―or to erase―our memories. The narrator of Ben Lerner’s new novel has traveled to Providence, Rhode Island, where he is to conduct what will be the final published interview with Thomas, his ninety-year-old mentor and the father of his college friend, Max. Thomas is a giant in the arts who seems to hail “from the future and the past simultaneously” and who “reenchants the air” when he speaks. But the narrator drops his smartphone in the hotel sink. He arrives at Thomas’s house with no recording device, a fact he is mysteriously unable to confess." (from [Goodreads](https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/231387262-transcription)) "An emotional drama and an examination of the devices, digital and literary, we use to store—or to erase—our memories." (from [BookMarks](https://bookmarks.reviews/reviews/transcription-2/)) **:: ABOUT THE EVENT ::** 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 before attending (though finishing any book 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 BOOK ::** At the end of each event, we will ask for nominees for our next book. If you have a good one in mind, please ensure it 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). When enough nominees are collected, Michael will send the members a direct message with a link where you can vote.

Good Morning, Midnight by Lily Brooks-Dalton

This time we'll be reading *Good Morning, Midnight* by Lily Brooks-Dalton. Here's the blurb: Augustine, a brilliant, aging astronomer, is consumed by the stars. For years he has lived in remote outposts, studying the sky for evidence of how the universe began. At his latest posting, in a research center in the Arctic, rumors of war arrive. The scientists are forced to evacuate, but Augustine stubbornly refuses to abandon his work. Shortly after the others have gone, Augustine discovers a mysterious child, Iris, and realizes the airwaves have gone silent. They are alone. At the same time, Mission Specialist Sullivan is aboard the Aether on its return flight from Jupiter. The astronauts are the first human beings to delve this deep into space, and Sully has made peace with the sacrifices required of her: a daughter left behind, a marriage ended. So far the journey has been a success, but when Mission Control falls inexplicably silent, Sully and her crew mates are forced to wonder if they will ever get home. As Augustine and Sully each face an uncertain future against forbidding yet beautiful landscapes, their stories gradually intertwine in a profound and unexpected conclusion. In crystalline prose, *Good Morning, Midnight* poses the most important questions: What endures at the end of the world? How do we make sense of our lives? The book is available here: Amazon- Hardcover, Paperback, eBook, Audiobook: https://a.co/d/09erObPQ Indigo- Paperback: https://www.indigo.ca/products/good-morning-midnight?variant=46166439362737 Kobo- eBook: https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/good-morning-midnight-1?sId=d4557681-b69a-4e68-931e-9c5bfbe6139d&ssId=Ot0g5Y1HiPhQuZozArWj8&cPos=1 Toronto Public Library: https://tpl.bibliocommons.com/v2/record/S234C3411234 Looking forward to seeing you there!

Let's discuss "Station Eleven" by Emily St. John Mandel

*Station Eleven* by Emily St. John Mandel is a post-apocalyptic novel tracing a devastating flu pandemic that wipes out most of human civilization. The story interweaves pre-collapse memories with life twenty years later, centered on an actress in a traveling Shakespeare troupe and how interconnected survivors endure through art and memory. We will start our discussion at 7:30. Food and drink are available for purchase.

Bookish Bi Reading Club

September Books n’ Brunch: The Courage to be Disliked

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. 😁

Short Reads Social #13: "Are we post-education?" (Sept 15th)

Short-Read Socials are back! Come meet with like-minded and unlikeminded people to talk about the topic of the month. This time, we're thinking about **education.** *Are students doomed to be illiterate in the age of AI? Has education become nothing but a business? Is higher education 'worth it' anymore?* \-\-\- **How does it work?** * The event is casual. You can talk to anyone there with or without our prompt sheets, either about the month's topic or about whatever you want. * Open philosophical discussion, including for controversial topics, is welcome but be respectful :) * If you've read/watched/heard anything related to the topic of the month, feel free to bring it in! Not necessarily physically, but you can if you want... * If not, here are some thought-provoking reads to start you off (read as many or as few as you want): * [Everyone is cheating their way through college](https://nymag.com/intelligencer/article/openai-chatgpt-ai-cheating-education-college-students-school.html) (paywall free version [here](https://www.removepaywall.com/search?url=https://nymag.com/intelligencer/article/openai-chatgpt-ai-cheating-education-college-students-school.html)) * [The great university con: how the British degree lost its value](https://web-wp.archive.org/web/20210731070421/https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/education/2019/08/great-university-con-how-british-degree-lost-its-value?src=longreads) * [The Age of Reading is Over](https://nextcloud.quackhouse.ca/s/joeG9iXm5dcxxto) * [Your Review: School](https://www.astralcodexten.com/p/your-review-school) * Feel free to post other recommendations (blogs, movies, tv episodes, video essays, etc.) in the comments!

Fortune Favors the Dead by Stephen Spotswood (Peter)

9 books, 6 ebooks, 4 audio

JOIN the WAITLIST - Korean x ESL English Language Exchange, Class & Games

**\#\#\# 👨‍🏫** **KOREAN X ENGLISH LANGUAGE EXCHANGE** * **Mini English Class with Certified Teacher + Board Games 🎲** **###** **⚠️ PLEASE JOIN the waitlist and we will let guests in based on the class’ needs to balance the number of Korean & English speakers!** ***We can only accept a limited number of guests due to the venue's space limitations.*** **SPECIAL PROMOTION COST:** **If this is your first or second class, the class is** **FREE****, JUST buy 1 item from the Café Princess Menu** **If this is your third class: pay $3 + buy any menu item from the Cafe Princess menu** **\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-** **###** **📍 LOCATION: CAFÉ PRINCESS** * **5590 Yonge Street, North York** * **Across the street from** **FI****NCH SUBWAY STATION** **near Shoppers Drug Mart** **###** ***📅*** **DATE:** ***Thursday, September 3, 2026*** * **🕡 Time: 6:30 PM – 8:45 PM** **Please register ASAP** **if you want to attend on Sept 3rd so we can save your spot!** ***We had roughly 80 people sign up for the last two events... but we only have space for 30 people max.*** **\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-** **After registering, please do the following on Sept. 3rd :** 1. **✅ Do your best to arrive on time @ Café Princess (6:30 PM)** 1. **✅ Tell us whether you want to focus on learning/practicing ENGLISH or KOREAN** 1. **✅ Tell us your level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced or Expert** 1. **✅** **Buy 1 item from the Café Princess Menu** **(This is the only cost if this is your 1st or 2nd class. There is an additional $3 fee if this is your third class)** **\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-** **✨ Popular menu items include:** * ***🍓 Strawberry Cheesecake Bingsu*** * ***🍧 Mango or Oreo Bingsu*** * ***☕ Matcha & Tiramisu Lattes*** * ***🧇 Princess Waffles with Ice Cream & Much More*** **###** **What to Expect** * ***🇰🇷 Guided Korean & English language practice*** * ***📚 Interactive mini-lesson led by an award-winning certified teacher*** * ***🗣️ Structured conversation activities with native and fluent speakers*** * ***🎲 Board games and social activities to practice language naturally*** * ***🤝 Make new friends while improving your communication skills*** **###** **Learn From an Expert Language Teacher** ***John Dias (OCT, PhD researcher, MA, BEd, HBA & EELC) is an award-winning certified language teacher with 10+ years experience*** **###** **Who Should Attend?** * ***English learners (ESL)*** * ***Native Korean speakers wanting to practice English*** * ***Korean learners of all levels*** * ***International students, newcomers, professionals, and anyone interested in language and culture*** **Feel free to e-mail [info@tilelearning.com](mailto:info@tilelearning.com) if you have any questions.** **Check out our [website](https://www.tilelearning.com/) and [instagram](https://www.instagram.com/tilelearning/) accounts for more details.**