
What we’re about
Join us for adventures in reading & real life! We are a community of readers who discuss books over paired outings. Like to explore? Like to read? You’ve found your people! Join us here in-person and for online discussions wherever you are on the socials! FB, Insta, TikTok, Website
Newsletter/FB group: Meetup isn’t great at sending out notifications, so to stay up to date with the latest book and activity pairings, sign up for the newsletter at https://mailchi.mp/fc5e0725650d/thenoveltourist and join the community on our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ I also post regularly on books and book pairings on Instagram via @thenoveltourist
What the Club Will Do for You
The purpose of all NTBC events is to give you the opportunity to socialize with likeminded readers who are life long learners and love to try new experiences. If your goal is read more books, do more stuff and meet more friends, being part of NTBC can be a life-changing experience!
What You Can Do for the Club
Bring your fun-loving, healthy attitude. Be committed to reading, showing up when promised, and being respectful of other members. We require that your profile includes a clear picture of yourself so others can identify you at our events.
Terms and Conditions
By joining the Novel Tourist Book Club or signing up for or attending any event offered by the Novel Tourist Book Club, you agree to the following terms and conditions:
- Readers please: NTBC is, first and foremost, a book club. We do a lot of amazing activities tied to the books. There are lots of Meetup groups that also do these fun activities. So, if you don’t like to read or don’t plan to read, we are sure there is another group out there that is more suited to your interests. Now, that said, it doesn’t mean you have to read the book or finish the book every time. Sometimes, you try and the book just doesn’t resonate with you. That’s okay! Come and tell us how much you didn’t like it! All we ask is that you try.
- No Guests: Sadness, we know! We are all about the more the merrier, but there must be a limit to the number of attendees at any one event. Events fill up really fast and so unless the event allows you to add a guest (which will be very rare) your guest must create a Meetup account and rsvp for themselves as a member. Yay new members!
- Liability Waiver: By signing up for an event, all members take full responsibility for their own actions and agree to adhere to the following terms and conditions: https://docs.google.com/document/d/10ZE-yUJEcHUnXF_A8MUsfxWhEmrKxZEcojrHh8FjQzc/edit; and further agree to hold harmless the Novel Tourists Book Club organizers and members of this Meetup book club from any and all claims and liability in case of possible injuries as stated in Paragraph 6 of the Meetup Terms of Service Agreement ( https://help.meetup.com/hc/en-us/articles/360027447252-Terms-of-Service#h_9e385395-a405-4361-8afc-854a4f586c82 ). When attending an event, you acknowledge that you are doing this at your own risk.
- Event Payments:
- Name: If your name on your Meetup profile is different than your name on your payment profile (PayPal, Venmo), please provide your meetup name when you make your payment;
- Include Date or Event Title: Please include the date of the event or an indication of the event title (e.g. if we are going to a restaurant put the name of the restaurant not just “restaurant” or “book club.”)
- Be Open-minded, Kind and Courteous: We can’t imagine anyone who loves to read being anything but open-minded, kind and courteous. However, I also know we bibliophiles can have some pretty strong opinions about books! Whether you agree with someone or not, no doubt you came here for a welcoming environment. Healthy debates are natural, but kindness is required.
- No bullies: Personal attacks of any kind are not allowed. Period. I have zero tolerance for any bullying, degrading comments about another member’s race, religion, culture, sexual orientation, gender or identity. We are an open and inclusive community and to keep it that way a$$holes will be removed from the group.
- Photos/Videos: Joining the group and attending an event means you’re a-okay with being photographed/video recorded during events. We always takes pics: for the memories and for promotion of future events and NTBC.
- Communication settings: This is just helpful guidance. Events fill up really fast. Make sure your settings are set to maximize communication: Click on your profile pic in Meetup, click Settings, under General select Email Updates, scroll down and find The Novel Tourists Book Club under “Updates about your Group”, click Edit next to The Novel Tourists Book Club and then make your choices. I suggest checking “New Event Announcements,” “Changes to Event Time or Locations,” “My RSVP is confirmed,” and, most importantly: "Announcements to Members About the Group" and “Event updates from Organizer.” Also, you may want to download the Meetup app.
- Carpooling: It’s great for the planet! However, any arrangements are between you and the person driving. The Novel Tourists Book Club organizers and hosts do not provide, endorse, sponsor or take responsibility for any carpool arrangements pertaining to any event. Please use your good judgment when deciding whether or not to carpool with other participants of the book club event you are attending.
- Refund Policy:
- Events with a fee of less than $5: No refunds, even if someone takes your spot. The events fill fast and the only way to really try to make sure that those who are truly interested and able to come get a seat, is a nominal fee. This fee is offered to the event host to pay for their entrance/meal/etc as a way of saying thank you for your time and for putting this together for us.
- Events with a fee greater than $5: The general policy is if the Organizer/Host can get their money back, you’ll get your money back - if you timely cancelled. Once an event location has been paid, however, many times they won’t issue a refund. If they don’t refund us, we can’t refund you regardless of how far in advance you cancelled. That said, sometimes a refund can be issued IF you cancel at least a week in advance AND someone takes your spot. If you want to request a refund, message Audrey via Meetup to discuss. Please note, if you cancel the day before or the day of an event, there are refunds - regardless of the reason and regardless if someone takes your spot.
- If you do not agree to the above terms and conditions, do not sign up for the club. There is probably a different club out there that will better meet your needs.
Happy reading and adventuring!
- Audrey
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Suggest a Book for June's Book Club Theme: Pets! (Online Poll)Link visible for attendees
Let's chase a stick with the dogs or walk the walk with the cats! Or maybe a bunny hop is more your style? No, how about that pet lizard? Or a snuggly hamster? Whatever favorite fictional (or nonfictional) pet catches your attention, do tell! Give us your ideas for books we should read that feature a pet. https://forms.gle/ofTQh6tyFhtAQM8H7
After we get your ideas, we’ll pick 4 for you to select a winner!
The poll will close on April 19, so don’t delay!Link to Suggestion Poll: https://forms.gle/ofTQh6tyFhtAQM8H7
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Each month we put out a call for ideas for one book that will have both an online discussion event as well as an inperson event. After you share your ideas, we'll pick four to put out for vote as the Member Choice Book for the month. After the book is chosen…well that’s when the fun begins! Stay tuned for the exciting paired online discussion and in person event!This is not an "event" it is just a post to share the link to suggest the Member Choice Book for the Pet Theme. But feel free to click "attend" because then Meetup will show this to more people and we'll get lots of great book club book ideas!
Thanks for participating! Reading books and doing stuff together as a book club brings us all so much joy. 🤩
Audrey and Diane
- Magical Midday Tour of Manhattan and Discuss “The Book of Doors”Museum of Illusions, New York, NY$35.00
Join Audrey in NYC for a magical "midday" tour of Manhattan filled with illusions, libraries, bookstores and more. We'll pair our adventure with a discussion of The Book of Doors, by Gareth Brown - April's Member Choice Winner for the theme Books Set in a Library! The novel takes place in NYC and we're going to visit many of the places featured in the book. The event title was inspired by the chapter titled "The Magical Midnight Tour of Manhattan." 😎
This will be a mix of subway and bussing as well as walking (about 2 miles or so) so please consider your physical ability to walk that distance when considering attending. If you can't walk the distance, you could take an Uber when others are walking and just hang out at the next destination until we get there, but I can't guarantee when we will show up, so your patience in that regard will be important.
Details and payment information below:
FEE: $35
Pay on your own for train/subway/bus, meals, etc.HOW TO PAY: Use Friends and Family! Do not use the business option because it charges a service fee. Please note the event name or date on your payment. If your payment name is different than your Meetup name please make sure you note your Meetup name.
Venmo - @audrey-Heller1 (phone ends in 4478)
PayPal - https://www.paypal.me/AudreyBug
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GETTING THERE: AMTRAK- PHILLY-NYC: ** BUY ON YOUR OWN:
There: Amtrak 162 leaving PHL at 8:17am arrive Phl 9:45am
Return: Amtrak 671 leaving NYC at 7:53pm arrive Phl 9:15 pmWe're going to visit (approximate timetable):
- 10:15am Museum of Illusions (because the Book of Illusions) ($35pp)
- 11:30am -12:15pm Strand Book Store (where Cassie probably worked)
- 12:30 Quick Lunch around Union Square Park
- 1:30pm The Center for Book Arts - "Blooks" exhibit (because it's interesting like the books in the Book of Doors)
- 2:30pm Coffee/Break amd people watching at Bryant Park (where Drummond sees his friends)
- 3:15pm NYC Library and tour of the Polonsky Exhibition
- 4:45pm Grand Central Station Whispering Gallery (because it's magical!)
5:30 Early Dinner:
I'm going to try to get reservations at either The Reading Room or at the Library Hotel (where Cassie and Izzy hang out)
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THE NOVEL: The Book of Doors by Gareth Brown
Genre: Contemporary FantasyA debut novel full of magic, adventure, and romance, The Book of Doors opens up a thrilling world of contemporary fantasy for readers of The Midnight Library, The Invisible Life of Addie Larue, The Night Circus, and any modern story that mixes the wonder of the unknown with just a tinge of darkness.
Cassie Andrews works in a New York City bookshop, shelving books, making coffee for customers, and living an unassuming, ordinary life. Until the day one of her favorite customers—a lonely yet charming old man—dies right in front of her. Cassie is devastated. She always loved his stories, and now she has nothing to remember him by. Nothing but the last book he was reading.
But this is no ordinary book…
It is the Book of Doors.
Happy Reading!
Audrey
Housekeeping!
- Here are the Club’s Basic Rules and Liability Release. You should read them because by signing up for an event you agree to them! 🙂
- Some links above are affiliate links which means when you use them to buy your book they help support the club at no cost to you!
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~ Audrey
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-------------------The below is silly babble just for the Meetup algorithm - no need for book club members to read this!-------------------------------
Museum tours with socializing book club members in Philadelphia are such a fun way to meet new friends and be social with book loving book club members who like to read and explore authors, house tours, museums and other walking tours and try new activities such as hiking, reading, craft, hobbies, book clubs and more! It's especially fun for a book club to go on indoor tours and outdoor and indoor adventures with all the book club friends who like to socializ explore and try new - 🍽️ Dine: at Library II and 📚Discuss: The Library Book by Susan OrleansLibrary II, Voorhees, NJ$3.00
Join Audrey for a night celebrating books and libraries (April's theme!)! We’ll discuss The Library Book by Susan Orlean at Library II, a restaurant in Vorhees, NJ. It's a steak house (with a fabulous salad bar) and walls full of books!
If you have a craving for a riveting nonfiction book (it was a very close runner up for April’s winner!) and dinner surrounded by books, you’re going to love this night with other book-loving friends!
FEE: $3.00 Holds your spot and supports the club. Spots are filled first pay, first goes. There are only 12 spots. Food is pay on your own.
HOW TO PAY: Use Friends and Family! Do not use the business option because it charges a fee. Please note the event name or date on your payment.
Venmo - @audrey-Heller1 (phone ends in 4478)
PayPal - https://www.paypal.me/AudreyBug***
DINE: [Library II](https://www.librarytwo.com/)
Vorhees, NJ
Menu: Steakhouse with a famous salad bar, too
The Library II has served fine food & beverages for over forty years. The establishment originally opened in 1947 and has been a New Jersey landmark and a neighborhood favorite with a family atmosphere and a unique style.Well known for our steaks, seafood, and salad bar, its mission has always been to serve the finest quality food and provide top-notch service. From meeting our chef at the window who will trim your cut of steak or help you choose your lobster tail, to exploring our premium salad bar with a large assortment of fruits and vegetables, artisan breads and fine cheeses, your dining experience here is one of a kind. And of course, crafted cocktails, and an array of beer and wine is happily served table-side as well as in our spacious bar and lounge.
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**DISCUSS: The Library Book** by Susan Orleans
Genre: Nonfiction
On the morning of April 29, 1986, a fire alarm sounded in the Los Angeles Public Library. As the moments passed, the patrons and staff who had been cleared out of the building realized this was not the usual fire alarm. As one fireman recounted, “Once that first stack got going, it was ‘Goodbye, Charlie.’” The fire was disastrous: it reached 2000 degrees and burned for more than seven hours. By the time it was extinguished, it had consumed four hundred thousand books and damaged seven hundred thousand more. Investigators descended on the scene, but more than thirty years later, the mystery remains: Did someone purposefully set fire to the library—and if so, who?Weaving her lifelong love of books and reading into an investigation of the fire, award-winning New Yorker reporter and New York Times bestselling author Susan Orlean delivers a mesmerizing and uniquely compelling book that manages to tell the broader story of libraries and librarians in a way that has never been done before.
In The Library Book, Orlean chronicles the LAPL fire and its aftermath to showcase the larger, crucial role that libraries play in our lives; delves into the evolution of libraries across the country and around the world, from their humble beginnings as a metropolitan charitable initiative to their current status as a cornerstone of national identity; brings each department of the library to vivid life through on-the-ground reporting; studies arson and attempts to burn a copy of a book herself; reflects on her own experiences in libraries; and reexamines the case of Harry Peak, the blond-haired actor long suspected of setting fire to the LAPL more than thirty years ago.
Along the way, Orlean introduces us to an unforgettable cast of characters from libraries past and present—from Mary Foy, who in 1880 at eighteen years old was named the head of the Los Angeles Public Library at a time when men still dominated the role, to Dr. C.J.K. Jones, a pastor, citrus farmer, and polymath known as “The Human Encyclopedia” who roamed the library dispensing information; from Charles Lummis, a wildly eccentric journalist and adventurer who was determined to make the L.A. library one of the best in the world, to the current staff, who do heroic work every day to ensure that their institution remains a vital part of the city it serves.
Housekeeping!**
- Here are the Club’s Basic Rules and Liability Release. You should read them because by signing up for an event you agree to them.
Affiliate notice. Some of the links above are affiliate links, which means that if you make your purchase through that link, it supports the Club at no cost to you. Thanks!
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You can ignore all this part. It’s just for the algorithm. To make sure these Book Club events get seen. The Novel Tourist Book Club is a fantastic book club where people can get to know each other meet new friends have fun, exploring hobbies dining out at restaurants. We read books. Make new friends. Lots of fun with Book Club. Socializing. Social event. Lots of hobbies dining out is great fun and a great hobby full of socializing and great people to make friends with. We love books and adventures including foodie adventures and trying new restaurants.