Tough Guy Book Club brings deep discussion back to the pub

Since the 76-year-old joined the Tough Guy Book Club about seven years ago he has made plenty of new friends, broadened his reading horizons and been inspired to try some new things.

The club is a network of book clubs, with each chapter meeting once a month on Wednesdays in a local pub.

On its website, the club says it was formed to challenge the notion that "picking up a book and learning something new is the opposite of toughness", aiming to "put heavy duty conversation back on the table at the pub".

There are many chapters throughout most Australian states and territories, as well as international chapters in the US, Canada, the UK and New Zealand.

Vince, a member of the Altona chapter, in Melbourne, Victoria, said prior to joining the club he was looking for new things to do with his life post retirement.

One day he was walking his dog at a park in Yarraville, when he saw a flyer attached to a tree.

He had tried a number of other organisations and clubs, but being a keen reader, the idea of joining a book club appealed to him.

"While I was in a working environment, I had a lot of connections through my job, now I have to look at new things to do," he said.

"You can't be hanging around home all day bothering your wife, or whatever you do. You have to look for other interests."

While a large percentage of members are seniors, the Altona chapter mostly comprises middle aged men. Vince said despite the age gap, he had made some great new friendships through the club. He said the difference in ages also made for some interesting discussions.

"(being younger) A lot of them don't think like I do, and I don't think like they do, so it's good to get their perspectives as well."

In addition to making some great new friendships and having a lot of interesting discussions, the group has also broadened Vince's reading horizons.

Prior to joining, he tended to read mostly classics, and both non-fiction and fiction crime books.

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Since joining, Vince has delved into science fiction and fantasy, history books and even the more surrealist writings of Haruki Murakami, among other styles and genres.

Being a Vietnam veteran, he said Tim O'Brien's The Things They Carried Home was a particularly poignant read for him.

"I found it very compelling and interesting. It basically talks about things you (veterans) took home after the war.

"It's about feelings and things that happened in the past and how they affected you, even if you didn't realise. It sort of struck home."

The club is much more than just a book club - Vince went on a group camping trip with members early this year and plans to attend another in November.

During the trips, members enjoy a range of manly pursuits including outdoor sports, tug of war, slip and slide, beer drinking, enjoying music and more. There is no pressure to partake in activities, campers can choose what they do based on their interests and physical capabilities.

"I had a great time. To go away with the guys, sit in front of the campfire and discuss things, it's good."

Club members are also given the chance to participate in monthly activities which don't relate to books on the reading list.

Vince said one activity was to keep a journal for a month. He enjoyed it so much, he continues to keep his journal to this day.

"I would encourage more seniors to join things like this. I think it would be good for them too," he said.

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