Chain-Gang All-Stars | Mood Reader Sydney book club

Join us for a cosy and intimate book club where we’ll chat about Chain-Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah. Hosts Kireth and Leeza will facilitate a fun, thoughtful discussion with some pre-prepared questions to keep the conversation flowing.

Keep an eye out on the Mood Reader Instagram – we’ll post some of the questions a few days ahead of our meet up to get you thinking.

Tickets are $20 which includes one beer, wine, soft drink, lemon lime bitters or other drink from the bar (anything excluding cocktails to keep things within budget!)

What to expect

1. Arrive from 12pm to grab a drink and catch up or introduce yourself to the other book clubbers. We'll be upstairs, in the booths section.

2. We’ll run the book club discussion from 12.30pm–1.30pm. We're a small book club, with two tables of up to 8 people, so that everyone has a chance to share their thoughts. This is everyone’s time to rave about what they loved about the book and what they disliked. This is a safe space and all opinions on the book are respected and welcome.

3. Our event will end at 1.30pm, but you’re welcome to stick around and grab more drinks or food.

Who is this for?

Anyone who loves reading and wants to meet others in a calm, casual environment. Readers of all genders, cultures, different identities and backgrounds are welcome. We’re a book club that brings curious readers in Sydney together. Book clubbers discover compelling books, share meaningful conversations and build lasting friendships.

Book synopsis

Welcome to Chain-Gang All-Stars, the popular and highly controversial programme inside America's prison system. In packed arenas, watched by millions of live-stream viewers, prisoners compete as gladiators for the ultimate prize: their freedom.

Fan favourites Loretta Thurwar and Hamara 'Hurricane Staxxx' Stacker are teammates and lovers. Thurwar is nearing the end of her time on the circuit, free in just a few matches, a fact she carries as heavily as her lethal hammer. As she prepares for her final encounters, as protestors gather at the gates, and as the programme's corporate owners stack the odds against her - will the price be simply too high?

Getting there

Newtown Hotel is an 8-minute walk from Newtown Train Station. There is a bus stop just 60 metres away on King Street.

Please be aware that we will be taking photos/videos for marketing activity during the event. Further permission will be sought for any imagery where you would be identifiable.