In November, Fast Read book club will be reading a 144-page, boundary defying work by Lara Pawson. A startling hybrid book—fiction, memoir, history, essay—Lara Pawson makes us see the world with fresh eyes—and not look away.

An unnamed woman contemplates the toaster she’s inherited from a neighbour. A homely object, hardly worthy of a sonnet or still-life. And yet, thinking of where its parts originated, who assembled it, and how it arrived at her door, could it not be considered as a source of awe? There is nothing else in contemporary writing quite like this quest to think through the common objects that make up a comfortable life. Pawson makes us see in them all the parameters of history, slavery, genocide, as well as the joy of work, care, physical pleasure—until we realise that this extraordinary book is also a love story.

5.11.2026 · 6:30 PM - 7:45 PM

Tickets: https://www.trybooking.com/au/event/1662999

In November Weirdos are reading Our Cut of Salt, by Palestinian author Deena Helm. Our Cut of Salt centres on a haunted family home in Haifa and three generations of women connecting through the ghosts of its past...and present.

We'll also be joined Danielle Binks, author, literary agent and horror fan, and a member of Readers and Writers Against Genocide. Danielle will share a bit about their mission and add a fabulous perspective to discussion of this read. 

Thursday 19 November 2026 - 6:30 PM - 8:15 PM

Tickets: https://www.trybooking.com/au/event/1670150

Our Gay Book Club is back with host Jason Davis, this month reading Our New Gods by Thomas Vowles. 

Melbourne-set, this is a literary psychological thriller akin to Talented Mr Ripley. Described as a 'gay Bildungsroman' and a 'rush' of a read, this is a twisty, haunting work of ficiton by a talented screenwriter, and is something that will stay with you a long time. 

Tuesday 17 November 2026 - 6:30 PM - 7:45 PM

Tickets: https://www.trybooking.com/au/event/1667829