Book Club in Taipei, Taiwan
In Barbara Demick's Daughters of the Bamboo Grove, twin sisters Fangfang and Shuangjie become the thread that reveals child trafficking under the one-child era, bureaucratic corruption, and the gray industry of international adoption. Through investigative storytelling, Demick shows how policy can tear apart families and identities. She not only reconstructs the fate of trafficked children, but also follows two families through emotionally complex reunions shaped by civilizational and language barriers. The book also confronts the moral dilemmas of international adoption and global inequality, helping readers see the systemic historical forces and consequences beyond any single personal story.
English Book Club
Good Material is Dolly Alderton's witty yet tender new novel. It begins with protagonist Andy's sudden breakup at thirty-five and follows his stumbles through friendship, dating, and identity repair. Critics praise Alderton's sharp humor and her keen observations of thirty-something life; the book delivers both laughs and emotionally resonant turns, and the audiobook production has also been well received. Overall, it's a breezy yet thought-provoking breakup novel, perfect for readers who want something comforting, funny, and emotionally smart. Recommended level: Intermediate to advanced (B2-C1)
Book Club in the Netherlands
The Netherlands is only about 1.15 times the size of Taiwan. In some ways we feel alike, yet in many ways we are strikingly different. Through three lenses, transition, society, and environmental sustainability, this book explores both the bright and shadowed sides of Dutch life. It questions workplace norms, gender diversity in practice, and the realities faced by working women. It also dives into a topic rarely covered by mainstream media: the deeply rooted sports culture in Dutch society. After finishing this book, you will also learn why cannabis has long remained in a legal gray zone, whether the so-called Dutch disease can be cured, whether the Netherlands has its own north-south divide, and what histories lie behind the Red Light District.
Unplug Project
Put your phone down for a while and return to your own rhythm. This is a digital detox moment made for introverts. Bring your own tools and spend the afternoon crocheting, drawing, and reading together. And if you feel like taking a break, you can always have a little chat with the people around you 🥳 Come and experience the joy of a life that is not boring without a phone, and give your brain a chance to reboot.
