The Reading Room (2pm in the Library for a start @ 10.30am – 12noon)
JUNE SESSION
Here are forty texts to read at some stage in your life- forty texts that can enrich you in all manner of ways. Some are recent, like Harry Potter; some ancient, like Homer and Lao Tzu. There are memoirs (Nelson Mandela), poetry (Les Murray) and many of the world’s great novels, from George Eliot’s Middlemarch to Toni Morrison’s Beloved. Our guide, in entertaining short essays about personal encounters with each of these works, is Michael McGirr- schoolteacher and former priest, reviewer of hundreds of novels and lifelong lover of literature.
His humour and insight shine through in stories that connect the texts he has selected with each other, and connect us to them. Never prescriptive, and often very funny, this book is an invitation to reflect on-and share with others-the extraordinary gift of reading. ‘It is a gift that is taking me a lifetime to unwrap,? McGirr writes. ‘The excitement has never worn off.?
About the Author
Michael McGirr is the bestselling author of Snooze- The Lost Art of Sleep, Things You Get for Free and Bypass. He has reviewed almost one thousand books for various newspapers; his short fiction has appeared in Australian and overseas publications; and he has been a publisher of Eureka Street and fiction editor at Meanjin.
Review a title
Why not review a book for the benefit of our members. We will publish these reviews in our social media and website from time to time.
This event is a BMI Community Art Project – Ballarat’s Oldest Cultural Institution
My Accidental Career by Brenda Niall Award-winning author Brenda Niall’s engaging account of her remarkable life presents a fascinating history spanning nine decades: from her childhood in affluent Kew in the 1930s, her university days and travels in Ireland, her academic career at a time when marriage was the exception for young women- to her
Member News Update – Membership Discount Wednesday 15 June 2022 The Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute in partnership with the Melba Opera Trust will be presenting three young artists who have been awarded a scholarship to help develop their artistic skills to enable them to become well rounded operatic artists. The program An Afternoon of Song, Arias &
The Murders at Fleat House by Lucinda Riley One dead bully. A school full of suspects. When a young student is found dead at a private boarding school, its elite reputation is at risk. The headmaster is determined to write the death off as a tragic accident – but Detectives Jazz Hunter will soon suspect
A wonderful way to warm up this Winter and brush away the cobwebs from your vocal cords. Come and join us… We are looking at new ways to support our Heritage Institution. Jane Valpied, Vice President Event information If you have some fundraising ideas, then we could love to hear from you.
Not Just The Wife Of The General Manager by Sally Warriner It was the 1970s and Sally was in her early twenties when she returned from a backpacking sojourn and hitchhiked to Australia’s far north. But instead of moving back to Canberra as planned, she stayed. After marrying a cattle station manager, Sally lived and
Come along and enjoy a great night of cinema entertainment and warm community company. We are looking at new ways to support our Heritage Institution. Jane Valpied, Vice President Event information If you have some fundraising ideas, then we could love to hear from you.
