FALS Book Club

The Foundation of Australian Literary Studies launched our book club in November 2019 with an overwhelming show of support from the Townsville community. Our aim is to celebrate Australian writers across a vast genre of works.

The club reads a range of Australian literature including titles from the Margaret and Colin Roderick Literary Award long and shortlists, recent Roderick award submissions, and old favourites.

This is a no-shame book club - we aim to engage with Australian literature, however expertly or inexpertly. We encourage you to grab a drink and prepare for some friendly banter. Whether you read the book or the blurb, liked it or loathed it, we would love to see you there.

The FALS book club will be held on the last Friday of the month (except on Public Holidays) at the Townsville Yacht Club.  The book club is facilitated by Tenille McDermott, PhD candidate, College of Arts, Society and Education, James Cook University.  Reading list for 2026 is:

Date & Time & Location

Book

Friday 27th February, 7pm at Townsville Yacht Club

Fragile Creatures by Khin Myint

Friday 27th March, 7pm at Townsville Yacht Club

The Washup by Nicole Crowe

Friday 24thApril, 7pm at Townsville Yacht Club

The Harp in the South by Ruth Park

Friday 29th May, 7pm at Townsville Yacht Club

Looking from the North by Henry Reynolds

Friday 26th June, 7pm at Townsville Yacht Club

I Am Nannertgarrook by Tasma Walton

Friday 27th June, 7pm at Townsville Yacht Club

The Conversion by Amanda Lohrey

Friday 31st July, 7pm at Townsville Yacht Club

Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy

Friday 28th August, 7pm at Townsville Yacht Club

Embedded by Elliot Hannay

Friday 25th September, 7pm at Townsville Yacht ClubElizabeth & Elizabeth by Sue Williams
Friday 30th October, 7pm at Townsville Yacht ClubBlue Poles by Tom McIlroy
Friday 27th November, 7pm at Townsville Yacht ClubSeven Little Australians by Ethel Turner

Can't make a meeting? You can share your reading experiences with us on Facebook  @FoundationAustralianLiteraryStudies.

Joining the FALS Book Club is easy. A FALS Book Club Membership costs just $22 per year.

As a member you'll get to participate in all our book club events as well as other FALS events like the annual lecture. You'll get to hear from authors, meet new friends, and go to bed at night knowing that you are the cultural lifeblood this country needs!

Join now.

If you would like more information about the FALS Book Club please email fals@jcu.edu.au