Book Club

What you'll learn

Discover the joy of reading and shared literary discussion in this comprehensive 8-session Book Club course in Sydney. 

Designed for book lovers of all levels, this course provides an opportunity to explore various genres, delve into themes, and share interpretations with fellow readers. This course forms part of our By Donation Programme. Each session will focus on specific aspects of the selected books, fostering insightful conversations and building a sense of community.

What to Expect

• Welcoming Environment: Open to both avid readers and those new to book clubs, fostering an inclusive space for all.
• Varied Genres: Engage with a diverse range of literary works, from fiction to nonfiction, and classics to contemporary novels.
• Guided Discussions: Sessions will be facilitated by an experienced group leader to support deeper engagement and analysis.
• Building a Community: Join like-minded individuals in enriching discussions, sharing different viewpoints, and developing a lifelong love for reading.

Who is this course for?

This course is for adults of all ages who are passionate about reading and want to explore literature in a structured and social setting. It is ideal for those seeking to join a community of readers, expand their literary knowledge, and improve their analytical discussion skills.

Course Content

Session 1: Introduction to the Book Club

• Meet fellow participants and introduce the structure of the course
• Discuss reading preferences, genres, and previous experiences with book clubs
• Overview of book selection process and schedule for upcoming sessions

Session 2: Understanding Genres and Authors

• Introduction to a variety of genres: fiction, non-fiction, poetry, memoir, etc.
• Discuss the significance of genre in shaping reading experiences
• Introduction to the first selected book, background on the author and context

Session 3: Getting into the First Book

• Begin discussion of the first selected book
• Explore the setting, plot, characters, and initial themes
• Share first impressions and initial thoughts in a facilitated discussion

Session 4: Themes and Motifs

• Delve deeper into the ongoing book, focusing on its main themes and motifs
• Discuss character development, symbolism, and the author's writing style
• Encourage participants to express their interpretations and questions

Session 5: Exploring Diverse Perspectives

• Discuss how different life experiences shape interpretations of the book
• Share insights on the book's social, cultural, or historical contexts
• Open the floor to discuss how the book connects to current societal issues

Session 6: Wrapping Up the First Book and Introducing the Next

• Conclude discussions on the first book, summarising key takeaways and reflections
• Introduce the second book, providing context about its genre, themes, and author
• Encourage participants to prepare by exploring the second book's first few chapters

Session 7: Deep Dive into the Second Book

• Discuss the key elements of the second book: plot, character dynamics, and key themes
• Explore participants' personal connections or reactions to the narrative
• Compare the book to previous readings, noting differences in genre, style, and impact

Session 8: Final Reflections and Future Reading

• Reflect on the entire book club journey, discussing favourite moments and key learnings
• Share suggestions for future reading, allowing participants to introduce new genres or authors
• Discuss strategies for maintaining regular reading and creating personal book clubs outside of the course

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, it is intended that you will have :

• Explored a diverse range of literary genres and authors
• Enhanced your critical thinking and analytical skills through in-depth literary discussions
• Gained confidence in articulating your thoughts and interpretations in a group setting
• Built a community of fellow book enthusiasts, fostering lasting connections
• Developed strategies for continuing your literary journey beyond the course

What to Bring

• A notebook and pen for taking notes during discussions
• Copies of the selected books (information on where to obtain these will be provided in advance)

Additional Information

The course is designed to be interactive, with flexibility to accommodate varying reading paces. Participants are encouraged to actively engage in discussions and contribute to book selection for future sessions. This book club aims to not only explore literature but also develop a supportive community of readers.