31 Jan BOOK CLUB: INTRODUCTION + FEBRUARY

If you’re anything like me, you have a pile of books at home which you have yet to start reading. Knowing this, you still purchase new books telling yourself that you’ll get to it someday. Maybe you plan to start reading on your next holiday, or next sick day.

Did you stick to the plan? No.

In 2018 I aim to read more books, learn more, collaborate more, and create more. One thing came to mind when running through ways to keep accountable for reading, and having a Book Club was the first thing that came to mind.

How does it work?

Each month there will be two select works – one fiction, one non-fiction. These titles will be announced on the last day of each month. Although it’s recommended that you read both, you only need to have read one. On the last Tuesday of each month, we’ll have our monthly meeting where the wine and our discussion comes hand-in-hand.

How to get involved?

Pick up a copy of the monthly titles. Read either, or both, and let me know if you’ll make it to our meeting via email – jt@mrturner.com.au. Once your RSVP is confirmed, you’ll be sent the date, time and location to meet. Most importantly, drinks and nibbles will be provided each month – you just need to bring the banter.

FEBRUARY BOOK CLUB TITLES

Non-Fiction: Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert

Readers of all ages and walks of life have drawn inspiration and empowerment from Elizabeth Gilbert’s books for years. Now this beloved author digs deep into her own generative process to share her wisdom and unique perspective about creativity. With profound empathy and radiant generosity, she offers potent insights into the mysterious nature of inspiration. She asks us to embrace our curiosity and let go of needless suffering. She shows us how to tackle what we most love, and how to face down what we most fear. She discusses the attitudes, approaches, and habits we need in order to live our most creative lives. Balancing between soulful spirituality and cheerful pragmatism, Gilbert encourages us to uncover the “strange jewels” that are hidden within each of us. Whether we are looking to write a book, make art, find new ways to address challenges in our work, embark on a dream long deferred, or simply infuse our everyday lives with more mindfulness and passion, Big Magic cracks open a world of wonder and joy.

Fiction: Home Fire by Kamila Shamsie

Isma is free. After years of watching out for her younger siblings in the wake of their mother’s death, she’s accepted an invitation from a mentor in America that allows her to resume a dream long deferred. But she can’t stop worrying about Aneeka, her beautiful, headstrong sister back in London, or their brother, Parvaiz, who’s disappeared in pursuit of his own dream, to prove himself to the dark legacy of the jihadist father he never knew. When he resurfaces half a globe away, Isma’s worst fears are confirmed.

Then Eamonn enters the sisters’ lives. Son of a powerful political figure, he has his own birthright to live up to—or defy. Is he to be a chance at love? The means of Parvaiz’s salvation? Suddenly, two families’ fates are inextricably, devastatingly entwined, in this searing novel that asks: What sacrifices will we make in the name of love?

Not that you need another reason to join, but the reports are in: joining a book club can actually help you live a longer life.

I hope to see you next month at the first MR TURNER’s BOOK CLUB meeting!

Till then,