A Novel Way
to Meet
Bring a book. Meet the person behind another one.
A 90-minute social mixer built around books, quiet reading and natural conversation.
28 August 2026
9:30 PM 90 minutes
Meet someone through the book they brought.
Instead of walking into a room and wondering who to speak to, every guest begins by choosing a book from our reading table.
Inside each book is the first name of the person who brought it. That person becomes your first conversation partner.
After your first conversation, you will spend 20 minutes quietly reading the book you selected. The final 40 minutes are open for conversation, browsing and meeting other guests.
Bring one book that says something about you.
It could be a favourite, a recent discovery, a book you often recommend, or simply something you would enjoy discussing with someone new.
Bring a book
Write your first name on a removable Post-it note and place it inside the front cover.
Place it on the table
When you arrive, leave your book on the communal reading table with the other guests’ books.
Choose another book
Guests will be invited forward one at a time. You must choose a book other than your own.
Meet the owner
Open the cover, discover who brought it and meet your first conversation partner.
How the pairing stays one-to-one
Guests will not choose books simultaneously. Each guest will be invited forward individually.
Once a pair has been formed, both guests and both of their books will be removed from the selection pool. The process continues until everyone has been paired.
Ninety minutes, lightly structured.
Arrival and book placement
Check in, collect your drink and place your book on the reading table. Take some time to browse the bookstore while the other guests arrive.
Choose a book
Guests will be invited forward one at a time to select a book. Open the cover, find the owner’s name and meet your first conversation partner.
Meet the book owner
Your first conversation begins with the book between you. Why did they bring it? What made you choose it? What does the book reveal about the person who selected it?
Silent reading
Find a comfortable corner and spend some time reading the book you selected.
You do not need to begin at the first page or complete a chapter. Browse through it, read a passage or follow whatever catches your attention.
The bookstore will remain quiet during this part of the event.
Open ending
Return the book to its owner, then mingle freely. Continue your original conversation, meet other guests, discuss what you read or browse the shelves together.
There are no formal rotations and no pressure to speak to everyone.
Bring a book. We will take care of the rest.
What to bring
- One physical book in reasonable condition
- A removable Post-it note with your first name
- A book you are comfortable allowing someone to read for 20 minutes
- A willingness to meet someone new
What your ticket includes
- Admission to the 90-minute social mixer
- One drink
- A $5 book voucher
Your book will be returned
Your book will be returned before the end of the event unless both guests mutually agree to exchange books.
Anyone who enjoys books and thoughtful conversation.
You do not need to be a serious reader or bring an impressive literary recommendation.
The book is simply where the conversation begins.
Please arrive before 8:00 PM.
Everyone needs to be present before the one-to-one book selection begins.
Each guest must bring one book. Guests who arrive after the book selection has started may not be able to participate in the initial pairing.
Register for A Novel Way to Meet.
Please submit one registration form per guest. Each participant must bring their own book and take part in the pairing process.
Come with a book that means something to you.
You may leave having discovered a new book, a new perspective or someone you would like to meet again.