Tough Guy Book Club, an international network of men’s book clubs, meets monthly in Paddington to encourage meaningful pub discussions through a shared love of reading.
Founded in 2012, Tough Guy Book Club aims to transform pub culture by replacing passive entertainment with thought-provoking discussions. With 122 chapters worldwide, including 17 in Queensland, the club invites men to connect over literature in a relaxed, pub-friendly environment.
A Pub, A Book, A Chat – When and Where
Tough Guy Book Club gets together on the first Wednesday of every month at 7 p.m., giving blokes a chance to have a proper chat over a good book and a drink. The Paddington chapter meets at Hope & Anchor, 267 Given Terrace, creating a laid-back and friendly pub vibe.
The next catch-up is happening on 5 February 2025, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. It’s a great opportunity to meet like-minded guys, share thoughts on the latest read, and enjoy some lively conversation. Interested participants can RSVP on the club’s Facebook page or the chapter website to let the club know.
Page Turners and Pub Banter
Tough Guy Book Club curates diverse books, exploring themes of identity, morality, and personal struggle. Recent selections include:
- The Secret History by Donna Tartt (1992) – A psychological thriller about elite classics students at a New England college entangled in murder, exploring morality, obsession, and societal defiance.
- A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess (1962) – A dystopian novel following teenage delinquent Alex in a violent future as he undergoes state-imposed rehabilitation, examining free will and control.
- Honeybee by Craig Silvey (2020) – A coming-of-age story about a fourteen-year-old navigating gender identity and self-acceptance through an unexpected friendship.
How It All Works – FAQs Answered
The club is open to men aged 18 and over without reading prerequisites. Members are encouraged to engage in open discussions, with the only rule being “no work talk.”
Participation is free, and those interested in starting a chapter can contact info@toughguybookclub.com.au.
The Verdict from the Locals
Members appreciate the opportunity to break from routine and engage in genuine conversations with like-minded people, turning casual pub nights into meaningful social experiences.
What’s Next for Tough Guys
As the club grows, it remains committed to fostering camaraderie and insightful discussions through literature, one pub at a time.
Published 24-Jan-2025