Newy Queer Book Club

02/09/2026

This month Newy Q***r Book Club are reading 'Red Belly Crossing’ by Candice Fox

A fractured family of police detectives must solve the murder of a young woman in a small Australian town, unearthing dark secrets thought long buried.

After a violent confrontation tore apart a family five years ago, brothers and fellow cops Russell and Evan haven’t spoken a word to each other. When they’re both assigned to the murder of a young journalist in the tiny town of Redbelly Crossing, their paths are forced to cross again.

This was supposed to be the week Russell could repair things with his teenage daughter, and instead he has to drag her on a murderous ride along to the middle of snake-infested nowhere.

For Evan, this case is exactly what he needed: a high-profile investigation that will give him the chance to rebuild his career after a terrible mistake that nearly ended it.

Then a dark discovery leaves Evan with only one way out: to bury the truth Russell is so determined to uncover.

Content warnings
Child abuse, Cursing, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Su***de, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Murder, Gaslighting, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail

Join us Sat 26th September at 3pm at Goldberg’s to discuss this months book.

For more details head to the event or DM us your questions

If you’re needing support reach out to the below support lines

Call Q-Life 1800 184 527 for peer support from members of the LGBTQIA+ community (3pm-9pm 7 days a week) https://qlife.org.au/

or online webchat https://qlife.org.au/get-help

Lifeline 13 11 14

13 Yarn for mob in need of support and a yarn ph. 13 92 76

28/08/2026

Happy Wear It Purple® Day! Today is a day dedicated to showing support for LGBTQIA+SB young people.
The theme "Colours of Courage" celebrates the many different forms of courage shown by LGBTQIA+SB young people, allies and communities every day.

Courage can look like speaking up, standing out and creating change. It can also take quieter forms of bravery, like living authentically, coming out, asking for support, standing beside someone, or choosing pride and hope in spaces where being yourself does not always feel easy.

Why is this day needed?
💜 Well, according to thousands of q***r youth, over 55% of them will have experienced discrimination, just for being themselves.
💜 But, despite challenges, q***r youth still find moments of pride. 73% of them told Wear it Purple they've felt pride and euphoria in being LGBTQIA+SB.

Find out how you can support Q***r and trans youth to be themselves authentically and safely at https://www.wearitpurple.org/how-to-celebrate

HAPPY WEAR IT PURPLE DAY!!! 💜💜💜

25/08/2026

This Saturday is the most special Saturday of the month, book club day!
See you at Goldie's 3pm bring your strong opinions and sense of humour, even if you haven't read the book everyone's welcome!

Join us Sat 29th August 3pm at Goldberg’s to discuss 'They Both Die at the End’ by Adam Silvera.

On September 5, a little after midnight, Death-Cast calls Mateo Torrez and Rufus Emeterio to give them some bad news: They’re going to die today.

Mateo and Rufus are total strangers, but, for different reasons, they’re both looking to make a new friend on their End Day. The good news: There’s an app for that. It’s called the Last Friend, and through it, Rufus and Mateo are about to meet up for one last great adventure—to live a lifetime in a single day.

Adam Silvera reminds us that there’s no life without death and no love without loss in this devastating yet uplifting story about two people whose lives change over the course of one unforgettable day.

Content warning
animal death, blood, child death, death, drowning, gang violence, grief, gun violence, homophobia (minor), mental illness (minor), panic attacks (minor), su***de (past, parental), su***de ideation

PS You can definitely still attend the meet up if you haven’t read or finished the book; we're a social group, however, be prepared for spoilers. Also no pressure to purchase any food or drink.

You'll find us under the umbrella out the back in courtyard and a book will be on the table

If you’re needing support reach out to the below support lines

Call Q-Life 1800 184 527 for peer support from members of the LGBTQIA+ community (3pm-9pm 7 days a week) https://qlife.org.au/

or online webchat https://qlife.org.au/get-help

Lifeline 13 11 14

13 Yarn for mob in need of support and a yarn ph. 13 92 76

04/08/2026

Join us Sat 29th August 3pm at Goldberg’s to discuss 'They Both Die at the End’ by Adam Silvera.

On September 5, a little after midnight, Death-Cast calls Mateo Torrez and Rufus Emeterio to give them some bad news: They’re going to die today.

Mateo and Rufus are total strangers, but, for different reasons, they’re both looking to make a new friend on their End Day. The good news: There’s an app for that. It’s called the Last Friend, and through it, Rufus and Mateo are about to meet up for one last great adventure—to live a lifetime in a single day.

Adam Silvera reminds us that there’s no life without death and no love without loss in this devastating yet uplifting story about two people whose lives change over the course of one unforgettable day.

Content warning
animal death, blood, child death, death, drowning, gang violence, grief, gun violence, homophobia (minor), mental illness (minor), panic attacks (minor), su***de (past, parental), su***de ideation

PS You can definitely still attend the meet up if you haven’t read or finished the book; we're a social group, however, be prepared for spoilers. Also no pressure to purchase any food or drink.

You'll find us under the umbrella out the back in courtyard and a book will be on the table

If you’re needing support reach out to the below support lines

Call Q-Life 1800 184 527 for peer support from members of the LGBTQIA+ community (3pm-9pm 7 days a week) https://qlife.org.au/

or online webchat https://qlife.org.au/get-help

Lifeline 13 11 14

13 Yarn for mob in need of support and a yarn ph. 13 92 76

24/07/2026

Today 25th July 3pm Goldberg’s we meet! The sun is out so should be able to find a cosy spot out back under the brollies, look for a book on the table if you’re new. Bring a jacket if you’re a cold frog as it may turn a little chilly as the sun goes down; we love to have a loooong chat/general banter. Everyone is welcome even if you’re only part way through or just curious about the book 👀 see you soon!!!

08/07/2026

Join us Sat 25th 3pm at Goldberg’s to discuss ‘The Left Hand of Darkness’ by Ursula K. Le Guin

A lone human ambassador is sent to the icebound planet of Winter, a world without sexual prejudice, where the inhabitants’ gender is fluid. His goal is to facilitate Winter’s inclusion in a growing intergalactic civilization. But to do so he must bridge the gulf between his own views and those of the strange, intriguing culture he encounters.

Embracing the aspects of psychology, society, and human emotion on an alien world, The Left Hand of Darkness stands as a landmark achievement in the annals of intellectual science fiction.

See our fb event for content warnings and more details

PS You can definitely still attend the meet up if you haven’t read or finished the book; we’re a social group, however, be prepared for spoilers

You’ll find us under the umbrella out the back in courtyard and a book will be on the table

If you’re needing support reach out to the below support lines

Call Q-Life 1800 184 527 for peer support from members of the LGBTQIA+ community (3pm-9pm 7 days a week) https://qlife.org.au/

or online webchat https://qlife.org.au/get-help

Lifeline 13 11 14

13 Yarn for mob in need of support and a yarn ph. 13 92 76

30/05/2026

Join us this June at Goldberg’s to discuss the Gambler by J.P. Pomare

A highly charged crime-thriller - launching an electrifying new series featuring PI Vince Reid - by multi-award-winning prince of the twist, J.P. Pomare.

PI Vince Reid is visiting an old friend when he's offered a case he can't refuse. Why did a respected local woman open fire at a political rally, killing a promising young university graduate? It's easy money, he's told. A sure thing.

But as Reid delves further into the case, the stakes are higher than he imagined. There are invisible players pulling the strings. Will he walk away a winner or pay for the ultimate gamble with his life?

***rprotagonists ***rbooks

02/05/2026

We're super excited to host award-winning author Holden Sheppard to discuss his latest book, Yeah The Boys, the highly anticipated sequel to his bestselling debut Invisible Boys.

Yeah The Boys is a bold, propulsive new novel about male friendship, masculinity, modern gay life and the first gay male AFL player. Raw, brash and fiercely tender, Yeah the Boys is the story of three young men finding their way back to each other – and discovering their own complicated ways of becoming men.

Holden will be in discussion with our very own library staff superstar Danni Hilliard to unpack the many talking points this novel has to offer!

Copies will be available to purchase from MacLean's Booksellers and Holden will be sticking around to chat and sign copies of his books.

📅 Wednesday 13 May, 6-7pm
📍 Newcastle City Library
🧑 For 18+ years, 16-17 year olds can attend with a parent/guardian
🎟 $10, book now at: https://www.trybooking.com/DLAFE

02/05/2026

Join us this 30 May at Goldberg’s to discuss a classic ‘Carmilla’ by J Sheridan Le Fanu

In an isolated castle deep in the Austrian forest, Laura leads a solitary life with only her ailing father for company. Until one moonlit night, a horse-drawn carriage crashes into view, carrying an unexpected guest—the beautiful Carmilla. So begins a feverish friendship between Laura and her mysterious, entrancing companion.

But as Carmilla becomes increasingly strange and volatile, prone to eerie nocturnal wanderings, Laura finds herself tormented by nightmares and growing weaker by the day… Pre-dating Dracula by twenty-six years, Carmilla is the original vampire story, steeped in sexual tension and gothic romance ❤️‍🔥 🫦 ***rbooks🏳️‍🌈

03/04/2026

This month’s Newy Q***r Book Club read is the Sapphic space romance “Atmosphere” by Taylor Jenkins Reid.

Fast-paced, thrilling, and emotional, Atmosphere is Taylor Jenkins Reid at her best: transporting readers to iconic times and places, creating complex protagonists, and telling a passionate and soaring story about the transformative power of love—this time among the stars.

Meet up date to be announced! Happy reading everyone!! 🚀

Joan Goodwin has been obsessed with the stars for as lo…