Book lovers from around the country are invited to join thousands of other readers in Australia’s biggest online book club, Together We Read from 16-30 August.
This year the chosen book is Melbourne author Kirsty Manning’s The Paris Mystery, an intriguing mystery set in pre-WWII Paris.
All you need to take part is a library card and the Libby app for digital borrowing.
The Together We Read digital book club connects readers through Australian public libraries with a featured title for two weeks each year.
During the program, readers can participate in online discussions about the title as well as an online event with the author.
Together We Read is completely free and is facilitated by OverDrive, creator of the award-winning Libby app and a leading digital reading platform in Australia for ebooks, audiobooks, magazines and newspapers.
Now in its third year, the 2023 Together We Read selection is the novel The Paris Mystery by Kirsty Manning (Allen & Unwin) – a glittering mystery, set in pre-World War II Paris, combining exquisite settings, fascinating characters, delicious food and high fashion with engrossing intrigue and dark secrets.
Author Kirsty Manning said the library was her place of “refuge” growing up in Tamworth.
“Librarians fed my love of reading and expanded my world,” she said.
“Now, when I write I always try to create vivid settings for my readers so that wherever they are curled up they too can travel to different times and places.
“That’s why I’m delighted to be part of Together We Read to promote libraries in Australia and transport readers to Paris and beyond.”
Ms Manning said she sees a love of libraries being “rediscovered”.
“In a world that can sometimes feel overwhelming – libraries provide both a solace and an escape,” she said.
“There are endless ways to connect: curl up with your favourite book, join a reading group or book club or attend an author talk.
“Now more than every we need to gather – virtually or in real life – and fill ourselves with big ideas, hope and most important – joy.”
Malcolm O’Brien, Regional Manager of OverDrive in Australia and New Zealand said, “Together We Read is a wonderful opportunity for people around the country to get together and start reading or listening to the same book for the same two weeks”.
“Whether it’s with your existing book club, a group of old friends, your family members or favourite colleagues; join Together We Read this August through the Libby app and start reading.”
Come along to OverDrive’s live online event with Kirsty Manning on Tuesday 29 August at 7.30pm AEST to meet the author, ask questions, and enjoy a well-rounded bookish discussion.
