Book Swaps Sydney

Bring your own book club

Bring yourself and your book. 1. Shoes off, kettle on. 2. Read quietly for an hour with soft lo fi music at low volume 3. Have a biscuit 4. Chat for 15 minutes at the end See you every month. *Note: this is my home, so please be respectful in the space.*

July Bookclub ✨

Hi everyone! It’s been a little while, but Sarah and I are super excited to restart bookclub :) Please join us at Oliver Brown in Hornsby at 10:30am on Sunday, 26 July for a cosy catch‑up over brunch. We can’t wait to hear what you’ve been reading and have a good chat There is free 3‑hour parking available in the Westfield car park, which is just a short walk from Oliver Brown. If you’re unable to attend, please update your RSVP. We've created a Whatsapp group so we can all chat beforehand and get to know each other :) [Whatsapp Link](https://chat.whatsapp.com/BvuPhakCJ1V2UAN9luPBtm?s=cl&p=a&ilr=4&amv=0) See you soon! Yalda and Sarah x

'Closely Watched Trains' by Bohumil Hrabal

Please join us for an afternoon of wild discussion about a dark but short modern Czech classic!

August Books and Bevvies

Welcome to **Books & Bevvies** — a casual book swap and drinks social in the Sydney CBD. This is not a book club with homework. It’s a simple, low-key way to meet people, chat about what you’ve been reading, and walk out with something new. **HOW IT WORKS** Bring a book you’re happy to part with. Pop it on the swap table when you arrive. Mingle, chat, and swap recommendations. When the swap opens, take a book that catches your eye. Stay for a drink and a conversation after. **WHAT TO BRING** One book, any genre and any reading level. **GOOD TO KNOW** The venue relies on accurate numbers for staffing, so if you can’t make it, please change your RSVP to “not going”. Repeated no-shows may result in removal from the group. The venue is kindly not enforcing a minimum spend, but please support them by buying a drink, soft drink, or some lunch during the swap if you can. There is no mandatory entry fee, but voluntary contributions are **very much** appreciated. The group costs around **$65 a month to keep running**, so if you enjoy the swap and are in a position to chip in, even $5 or $10 makes a real difference. I’ll have a jar near the sign-in list on the day. Please feel free to contribute at any stage through the swap. **WHERE WE’LL BE** We’ll be in the Market Street Garden Bar, with a table full of books and bevvies.

Selections from One Thousand and One Nights (c.800-1??? CE)

The first in our **Journey to the East** reading series exploring texts from the Middle East, India, China and Japan. *Join the Really Old Books Whatsapp to see the full schedule - the Meetup site only allows me to advertise one event at a time:* https://chat.whatsapp.com/IzXLwdM1Fa33dNe4suamLV \-\-\- Have you seen that Christopher Nolan film, Inception? The one with the dreams and the dreams inside the dreams? Pretty confusing, eh? Well, to the audience of the Islamic Golden Age, a narrative device like that would've been perfectly normal, as we can see here with the stories within stories of the Thousand and One Nights. Our heroine Scheherazade is relying on her storytelling skill to stay alive, entertaining her husband King Shahryar and relying on a knack for narrative suspense to keep him from indulging in his awkward habit of beheading women. One story leads to another, one night into the next, and so, through the dense web of interconnected tales, she postpones her violent end. I promise I will not kill you if you do not read all of the stories here. We'll only be reading about six. I'm reading the abridged translation by Richard Burton, which is available in full on Project Gutenberg here: https://www.gutenberg.org/files/51252/51252-h/51252-h.htm We are reading the first 5 tales, including the frame narrative - from 'STORY OF KING SHAHRYAR AND HIS BROTHER' to '5. TALE OF NUR AL-DIN ALI AND HIS SON BADR AL-DIN HASAN', along with 'ALAEDDIN; OR, THE WONDERFUL LAMP' thrown in for good measure. This is about 300 pages in my edition - you can skip Alaeddin if you don't have time and aren't interested in the version of the story without Robin Williams / Will Smith. All of these can be found in the Modern Library edition 'The Arabian Nights' - as there are numerous other editions I don't know for sure where else you'll find these texts, but I know for certain they are on Project Gutenberg and in the Modern Library edition. Please contact me if you have any enquiries! Looking forward to a fun chat about a book that's been on my shelf, unread, for 5 years now.

August Book Club on Degrowth: Less Is More

Welcome to Meet the Moment Book Club, where we read books that meet the moment and make sense of it all together. Please see our [group page](https://www.meetup.com/meet-the-moment-book-club/) for a list of upcoming books. After discussing the true origins of illness and health, and seeing how much the current system affects our health, as well as the power we now have, armed with this new knowledge from *The Myth of Normal*, to get healthy -- we now take a look at the system itself. How did things become the way they are? Why is the world we live in so antithetical to life and health? And armed with this knowledge, what can we do about it? *Less Is More* was a game changer for me. After experiencing some health crises, I slowed down my life, and was transformed; because in this very fast-paced world, even slowing down is somehow revolutionary and transformative. So when I read *Less Is More*, it clicked immediately -- ah, this very fast-paced system itself needs to slow down, too. That alone would transform our world, our lives. Degrowth may be an off-putting word for some. Don't let it faze you. You'll understand it once you see it in context. *Less Is More* is also just beautifully written and an excellent read. You'll see. \*\*\* A Financial Times Book of the Year "'A powerfully disruptive book for disrupted times ... If you're looking for transformative ideas, this book is for you.' KATE RAWORTH, economist and author of Doughnut Economics ______________________________________ Our planet is in trouble. But how can we reverse the current crisis and create a sustainable future? The answer is: DEGROWTH. Less is More is the wake-up call we need. By shining a light on ecological breakdown and the system that's causing it, Hickel shows how we can bring our economy back into balance with the living world and build a thriving society for all. This is our chance to change course, but we must act now." https://www.amazon.com.au/Less-More-Degrowth-Will-World/dp/1786091216/ \*\*\* We will be meeting at The Erko Hotel, in the outside area in the back. We will start and end on time. There's no fee, but please purchase your own food/drinks from the venue. \*\*\* If you have trouble getting the book, message me. On reading a book: I encourage people to read books over just interviews or summaries, because nothing beats the slow digesting of the beauty and nuances in a book. Especially for the books in this book club that challenge our worldviews and help us see the world as it truly is, these books need to be really grappled with, to be fully engaged with, to receive the full benefits. For reference, I use book clubs to motivate me to finish the books I want to read, so the date of the book club becomes a deadline to finish the book by. I calculate the number of pages in a book and the number of days I can realistically read, and work out how many pages on average I need to read each day. That's how I've finished many books. Invariably, they're worth reading to the end. Of course, life happens and we're all busy. If you really can't finish a book or can only watch videos this time, that's okay. Come by with an attitude of listening, open to being inspired, and take in what others have to say; perhaps you'll want to read/finish the book afterwards. Just know that books are like most things in life: what you put in is what you get out of it. A podcast or ChatGPT can give you the high-level points, sure, perhaps to BS your way to a decent grade in class; but we're not in school anymore, and we read these books because they better our lives and help us see more clearly. But they can only do so if we read them, because reading is what makes all the new concepts come to life enough to maybe change yours. For the full magic, you just gotta read. Alright, thanks for reading my ode to reading. \*\*\* If the RSVP list is full, please join the waiting list as there will likely be fluctuations closer to the date. If you RSVP'ed and can't make it, please edit your RSVP so that others can attend. No-shows will be noted and barred from the book club. Look forward to seeing you there!

The Immigration Debate: Myths, Facts and Ethics

Immigration is one of the most emotionally charged issues in global politics today. No other issue generates as much heat, fear, or political division. But how much of what we hear about immigration is true? What are its actual effects on jobs, housing, public services, innovation and social cohesion? Has global migration actually been increasing — and do border restrictions even work? And even if we could agree on the facts, what ethical principles should guide our thinking? Do people have a right to seek a better life across borders? What do wealthy nations owe to those displaced by poverty, conflict, or climate change? How should we balance compassion, fairness, freedom and national self-determination? Join us for a thoughtful discussion as we explore one of the most important and controversial global questions of our time. **Book: *How Migration Really Works – A Factful Guide to the Most Divisive Issue in Politics* (2023) by Hein de Haas** **Companion Reading:** ***[The Ethics of Migration - An Introductory Guide v3](https://1drv.ms/b/c/adb4f7488b2eef0a/IQBTPryri9fhQ7DbyWSM78dqARlLVy5RSfRYrrllo-s5zb8?e=JElK3l)*** (prepared for this meetup) **Essential Ideas at a Glance: *[Infographics, Tables and Summaries on Migration Myths](https://1drv.ms/b/c/adb4f7488b2eef0a/IQDhmc7ksrVEQ5ZHZukMnbGZAWgYg_puO_IQhUu976w6aog?e=NLFebq)*** (prepared for this meetup) For this month’s meetup we have two principal readings that approach migration from complementary angles: one examines the myths and realities of migration across the world, while the other explores its ethical dimensions. In *How Migration Really Works*, Dutch migration scholar Hein de Haas argues that much of the public debate is driven by myths and misunderstandings. Although Australia receives some attention, this is not a book specifically about the Australian migration debate; it is a wide-ranging account grounded in decades of international research. De Haas explores questions such as whether migration is increasing, whether immigration lowers wages, whether immigration fixes the problem of an ageing population, and whether governments can effectively control migration flows. The result is a nuanced and evidence-based account of migration. The accompanying guide to the ethics of immigration examines the deeper questions that facts alone cannot answer. Even if we agree on the evidence, what should immigration policy aim to achieve? The guide introduces the major ethical perspectives and arguments from across the political spectrum, providing a framework for thoughtful and informed discussion. As always, we strongly encourage you to do the reading before you attend. This will enrich both your experience and our collective discussion. We’ve also included some further resources below that you may find useful. So join us for a drink (and optional meal) at 6:30pm on Monday, 3rd August, on the 2nd floor of the Keg & Brew Hotel in Surrey Hills (i.e. up two flights of stairs). The venue is conveniently located near Central Station and the Light Rail. We look forward to seeing you there! P.S. Please adjust your RSVP if you have indicated that you will come but are no longer able to do so. This is courteous to others if there is a waitlist. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- These are just optional links to consider to supplement the reading of the book and document. Feel free to pass on other useful links in the discussion section. **Videos** * Two presentations by Hein de Haas on his book: [How Migration Really Works (1hr)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wuwiwD67AjM) [How Migration Really Works (45mins)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89jS8FRkRCI) * A collection of short videos by de Haas: [Migration 101](https://heindehaas.org/migration-101/) * Harvard’s Michael Sandel convenes a debate on the ethics of national borders with the help of the BBC and a group of participants from over 30 countries: [The Global Philosopher - Should Borders Matter?](https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p03njc35) * Debating Open Borders: Carl vs Caplan (2023) Noah Carl and Bryan Caplan debate the merits of open borders: [Spotify - Open Borders Debate](https://open.spotify.com/episode/4Q8DMpZU4pUdRkA2Zv1hMo) [Apple - Open Borders Debate](https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/debating-open-borders-carl-vs-caplan/id1569224821?i=1000636401848) **Written** * Essential Ideas at a Glance: ***[Infographics, Tables and Summaries on Migration Myths](https://1drv.ms/b/c/adb4f7488b2eef0a/IQDhmc7ksrVEQ5ZHZukMnbGZAWgYg_puO_IQhUu976w6aog?e=NLFebq)*** (prepared for this meetup) * Hein de Haas's substack articles: [Hans de Haas’s substack](https://heindehaas.substack.com/) * Immigration Ethics - An Overview (in 999 words!): [Immigration Ethics Summary](https://1000wordphilosophy.com/2026/04/01/immigration-ethics/) * Encyclopedia Entries: [Stanford - Arguments for Open and Closed Borders](https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/immigration/) [Wikipedia – Opposition to Migration Arguments](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opposition_to_immigration) * Reviews of How Migration Really Works: [How Migration Really Works - Review](https://www.e-ir.info/2024/09/15/review-how-migration-really-works/)

The Standard Life of a Temporary Pantyhose Salesman

**Meeting at the usual place, the Shakespeare Hotel, 200 Devonshire Street, Surry Hills, on Thursday 13 August 2026, we will be discussing *The Standard Life of a Temporary Pantyhose Salesman* by Aldo Busi.** **It is a sprawling, semi-autobiographical picaresque novel, first published in Italian in 1985. It established Busi as one of Italy's most original and controversial contemporary writers.** **The novel follows Angelo Basarovi, a highly educated gay man in his thirties who is completing a university thesis while earning a living as a temporary pantyhose salesman. Angelo and the owner of the factory travel across Western Europe trying to sell hosiery, but the sales trips are really a framework for Angelo's observations on the people and institutions around him.** **Angelo reflects on his childhood, his homosexuality, class differences and the the search for authenticity in a conformist society.** **This is quite a long novel, at about 430 pages. Soft copies available from the usual places, including a pdf from Dale: email me at dalemills@cantab.net As this is a novel translated from the Italian, it may be a bit difficult to find hard copies through local libraries. Hard copies can be on the expensive side - at least from ebay and Amazon.** **As this is a novel** **translated from the Italian, it may be a bit difficult to find hard copies through local libraries. Hard copies can be on the expensive side.** **Some of us will be there from about 6.00pm onwards, but the meeting formally starts at 7.00pm. We will be meeting in one of the semi-private rooms upstairs. Look for the sign.**

The Complete Works of Jane Austen (play at the Genesian)

A comedy of errors leads to two actors needing to perform the complete works of Jane Austen in one play. Can it be done? I (Dale) will be going along to the Genesian Theatre on Sunday 9 August 2026 to see this play. Come along and enjoy the fun! We can talk about the play at a local pub afterwards. Tickets are about $35 and need to be bought from the website at https://genesiantheatre.com.au/

Emma by Jane Austen

Meeting at the usual place, upstairs at The Shakespeare Hotel, 200 Devonshire Street, Surry Hills, at 7.00pm on Thursday 6 August 2026, we will be discussing *Emma* by Jane Austen. *Emma* is compared to *1984* for being a book that many people think they have read but haven't. It tells the story of Emma Woodhouse, a headstrong woman in Regency England, who fills up her time with meddling in the romantic lives of her neighbors. Meanwhile, she is oblivious to her own needs, her social blunders and her misunderstandings. *Emma* is frequently cited by scholars as Austen's most technically perfect novel. It is the gold standard for 'free indirect discourse,' a style where the narrator’s voice blends seamlessly with the protagonist’s thoughts. This allows the reader to experience Emma’s delusions and biases in real-time, creating a sophisticated psychological portrait. Being a well-read lot, I suspect that the group as a whole will have read all six of Austen's novels. This will be a great discussion to honour the 250th anniversary of Austen's birth. The format of the meeting is that we will discuss the novel in a fairly focused way for an hour, and then the meeting formally ends. Most people stay back and speak more about the novel or anything else.

National Populism: The Revolt Against Liberal Democray by Goodwin and Eatwell

Meeting at the usual place, the Shakespeare Hotel, 200 Devonshire Street, Surry Hills, at 7.00pm, we will be discussing National Populism: The Revolt Against Liberal Democracy (2018) by Roger Eatwell and Matthew Goodwin. The authors argue that national populism has become more popular because of four things (1) the weakening of a national culture by multiculturalism and large-scale immigration (2) fewer opportunities because of slow economic growth and globalisation (3) a growing distrust by the bulk of the population towards liberal, cosmopolitan and urban-inhabiting media and political elites (4) and greater voter volatility. The discussion has greater importance now compared to when the book was first published, given the rising popularity of Pauline Hanson's One Nation in Australia, the AdF in Germany, Le Pen's RN in France, Trump in the USA and Nigel Farage in the UK. The format of the meeting is that we talk about the book in a fairly focused way for 50 mins, and then the meeting ends. Almost everyone stays back to talk more about the book or other things bookish in smaller groups. Dissenting opinions are welcome and everyone gets to have a say. The facilitator will play Devil's Advocate when there is consensus. We will be in a semi-private room upstairs, conducive to discussion. Look for the sign or ask at the bar.

The Language of Food - Annabel Abbs