FROM humble beginnings in 2012 in a Melbourne pub, the “Tough Guy Book Club” has expanded globally.
Founded by Shay Leighton, it is a network of men who are “about reading books, hitting the pub with the goons, and rowdy conversations.”
Port Macquarie has its own chapter, which meets at 7pm at Finnian’s Irish Tavern on the first Wednesday of each month – except January.
Every chapter reads the same book and meets at the same time on the same day, so the self-described “goons” can potentially join other meetings.
One local had been to the London chapter, another to one in Sydney.
Brent Lowrey runs the Port Macquarie chapter, which provides a safe space and is all about acceptance.
“When life’s tough – we’re tough,” said Brent.
“Starting the Port Macquarie chapter of TGBC five years ago is one of my better decisions.
“I was just out of a relationship and attempting to navigate my way through everything that goes with that, when I read an ABC news story on the growing club.
“I reached out to Shay and the Port Macquarie chapter was underway.
“We slowly grew and now have a solid group of regular members who are, consequently, reading more, talking more, and making more friends.”
“Zorba the Greek” by Nikos Kazantzakis was the book set for March.
The local chapter found it well-written, but a tedious exploration of what it means to live in the moment.
A monthly challenge also gets members to do something new.
The final challenge for 2025 was to go to a charity shop and take a photo in front of the books and post it to the Facebook Group called The Pool Hall.
If you’re interested in joining the Port Macquarie Tough Guy Bookclub, or starting one in another town, go to the website for more information:.toughguybookclub.com/
By Pauline CAIN
You can help your local paper.
Make a small once-off, or (if you can) a regular donation.
We are an independent family owned business and our newspapers are free to collect and our news stories are free online.
Help support us into the future.
