SocialSip November Book Club: Taipei Story by R.F. Kuang

A new book, good conversation, and a room full of people you might not have met otherwise.

Join SocialSip for our first-ever Book Club meeting on Monday, November 30 as we come together to discuss R.F. Kuang’s latest novel, Taipei Story.

Whether you’re an avid reader, someone trying to get back into reading, or simply looking for a fun way to meet new people in Toronto, you’re welcome here.

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Yellowface and The Poppy War comes a witty and deeply moving coming-of-age story about language, identity, family, grief and the complicated idea of home.

The novel follows Lily Chen, a Chinese American college student who spends her summer in Taipei attending an intensive Mandarin language program. Hoping to reconnect with a culture she inherited but never fully understood, Lily quickly discovers that finding a sense of belonging isn't as simple as learning the right words.

Between challenging language classes, roommate drama, awkward social encounters and a growing sense that she is still an outsider, Lily's summer takes an unexpected turn when she learns that her grandfather has passed away.

As she grieves, Lily begins confronting questions about her family history, her relationship with her heritage and what it actually means to feel connected to a place and a culture. The result is a story that is both funny and poignant, exploring what happens when language, family and identity don't quite translate the way we expect them to.

We'll be talking about:
✨ Cultural identity & belonging
✨ Language & communication
✨ Family & generational relationships
✨ Grief & loss
✨ The idea of "home"
✨ The awkwardness of growing into yourself
✨ And, of course, all of our hot takes on Lily

Please note: We'll be discussing the full book, so spoilers are expected during the discussion.

This isn't your typical silent-sit-in-a-circle book club.

We'll start with some time to meet and mingle, followed by a guided discussion about Taipei Story. Expect thoughtful conversations, different perspectives, and plenty of opportunities to connect with other readers.

6:00 PM — Arrival + casual networking
6:30 PM — Book discussion
7:15 PM — Membership overview
7:30PM — Networking
8:00 PM — Wrap-up

You don't need to be a book expert or have a literary analysis prepared. Come with your thoughts, your favourite (or least favourite!) moments, and an open mind.

400 Walmer Road, 2nd Floor
Toronto, ON
St. Clair West & Spadina Rd

To keep our first Book Club meeting free and accessible, we're hosting this gathering in our building's party room. Think cozy, casual and community-focused — a more intimate setting for our first meeting together.

SocialSip Book Club is for anyone who wants to:

• Discover new books
• Have meaningful conversations
• Meet interesting people in Toronto
• Get out of their usual social circles
• Make new friends and connections
• Find a community around shared interests

You don't have to be a SocialSip member to attend. This first meeting is open to anyone who wants to join us!

FREE for our first meeting!

Space is limited due to the size of our private gathering, so please reserve your spot in advance.

Come for the book. Stay for the conversations. Leave with a few new connections. ☕️📚

We'll see you November 30!

— SocialSip

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