PRESENT EVENTS

Please note: From July 1st, unless otherwise stated, you will require tickets to come to events at The Bookworm. Tickets cost 20RMB for Bookworm members and 30RMB for non-members and are available at The Bookworm seven days in advance of each event. The ticket price includes a free glass of wine, beer or soft drink.

For more details on our new ticket policy, please click HERE.

FUTURE EVENTS

The Bookworm seven days in advance of each event. The ticket price includes a free glass of wine, beer or soft drink. The ticket price includes a free glass of wine, beer or soft drink.

For more details on our new ticket policy, please click HERE.

PAST EVENTS

Plase see below for an alphabetical list of previous speakers to have appeared at The Bookworm.

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  TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE viewing party (Read More)

  Join us on the historic morning of the amazing TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE on The Bookworm Bus, as we head off to the Hakka village of Luo Dai, about 50 minutes out of Chengdu, to watch the spectacle from the top of a replica Great Wall in the Sichuan hills. On Wednesday The Bookworm will open at 6.30am. The Bus will leave at 7am, arrive at the foot of the Luodai Great Wall about 7.45am, then we'll take minivans to the top of the wall. Let's hope for a clear day! The partial eclipse starts just after 8am, with the full eclipse starting at 9.11am for more than a full three minutes. The partial eclipse will last until 10.26am. We'll make our way down the hill, on foot or by van, and head back on the bus to Chengdu. Ticket price: 80rmb per person Includes return bus to Luodai, minivan to top of Great Wall, breakfast roll and coffee on the Wall, and your very own funky set of solar eclipse glasses!!

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  An Australian Menagerie- Children's Workshops (Read More)

  In these sessions the children will be introduced to a range of picture book styles and encouraged to create their own characters and develop fun story lines. 9.30-11.30 (4-6 year olds) 12.00-2pm (7-9 year olds) 2.30-4.30pm (9 years and up) Admission fee is 30rmb per child and includes all art materials.

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  An Australian Menagerie - Writing, Illustrating, Publishing, and all about Children's Literature (Read More)

  An evening for educators, illustrators and all of you who feel you would like to write picture books. Ann James and Ann Haddon will discuss the illustrating, writing and publishing process, and explain how good ideas can become great picture books. Admission fee is 30rmb per person and includes a glass of wine or soft drink. To reserve a place on any of these workshops please send an email to bill@chengdubookworm.com . Private group sessions can also be arranged if scheduling permits.

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  An Australian Menagerie (Read More)

  An Australian Menagerie is an exhibition and series of lectures and workshops that showcases the work of over thirty children's book illustrators of diverse style and approach. The illustrations are from contemporary Australian picture books featuring animals. The exhibition is intended to promote and introduce picture books to the broadest possible audience. An Australian Menagerie is an initiative of the Australian Consulate General Shanghai and is made possible with the support of the Australian Government through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's Australian International Cultural Council, Austrade Chengdu, the Australian Embassy Beijing as well as partners The Bookworm and Books Illustrated.

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  Chess Tournament (Read More)

  Come on down and test your skills against expat and local talent! Prizes for 1st and 2nd place. For more details and/or registration, please contact Bill.

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  A Chinese Art Exhibition (Read More)

  Chinese painting stresses the harmony between man and nature, reality and perception yin and yang; all of which are integral concepts in traditional Chinese painting and calligraphy. Forms range from callous splatters of ink to subtle alterations of stroke and style. We invite you to join us in appreciation of classic Chinese painting and calligraphy.

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  A Photography Walk (Read More)

  It's not as easy as it looks... the fact that cameras are built into nearly every piece of electronic equipment might lead one to believe that taking a good photo should now be easier than ever. Yet as we snap away, what appears on our display screens can often be disappointing. With the help of photographer David Lambert, we'd like to offer you the opportunity to hone your skills and sharpen your eye this Sunday with a guided walk down a traditional Chinese street as a part of an on-going look into the art and practice of Photography.

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  Robbie Burns Night (Read More)

  Robert Burns, Scotland's favorite son, was a poet, a lyricist and a renowned lover of women. In honor of his eternal wit, his influence on the English language, and all the lovers he's helped along, this Valentine's Day, we celebrate the life The Bard of Ayrshire: Robbie Burns. So come and join us in the celebration with Traditional Scottish fare, kilts, haggis, whisky, poems, song, and a red, red, rose. 150 RMB for a traditional seven course meal and a glass of whisk

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  Quiz night with Brian Thompson (Read More)

  The first quiz of 2009 starts at 7:30 PM on Tuesday Feb. 3rd. Given the fact that a large number of quiz attendees are traveling, this quiz will be an exhibition, meaning there will be no addition to cumulative scores.

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  Go/ Weiqi: An Introduction to the classic Chinese strategy game

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  Thanksgiving Dinner (Read More)

  A Thanksgiving feast with turkey, stuffing, mushroom soup, pumpkin pie... all the favorites. 178/pax Please book in advance

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  Halloween Open Mike

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  Book Talk with Linda Jaivin

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  Writing Workshop with Linda Jaivin

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  Children's Day

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  Quiz Night (Read More)

  Something like Trvial Pursuit's older brother, The Bookworm's quiz night is designed to give your brain a major workout. The range of questions vary night to night with new Quiz Masters. Teams compete every quiz for nightly prizes awarded to first, second and third places. Team standings are also kept from quiz to quiz and, well, let's say its worth it to be in first place.

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  Book Talk and Signing with Marc Bekoff and Else Poulsen (Read More)

  Join world renowned authors and animal behaviorists Marc Bekoff and Else Poulsen as they discuss their books and views on the insights into the lives of animals. Marc Bekoff is Professor Emeritus of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Colorado, Boulder, and is a Fellow of the Animal Behavior Society and a former Guggenheim Fellow. Else Poulse took a temporary job as a zookeeper after the bottom dropped out on oil industry. What was supposed to be a temporary job grew into a life long passion for the care of bears both wild and captive. Else's passion and writing have carried her the world over bring bears into the hearts of everyone she meets.

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  Scrabble Club (Read More)

  Scrabble Club every Sunday at 4pm.

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  Live Music (Read More)

  Be it Jazz on Friday's or Traditional Chinese Music on Wednesday's or Blues on Saturdays from 9 PM to 11PM to jump start your evening.

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  The Bookworm Creative Writing Workshop is back! (Read More)

  The write stuff! The workshops are back, led this year by Professor William Ellis of Sichuan University. The aim of these relaxed, roundtable gatherings is simply to promote and facilitate 'good writing' in any form - poetry, prose, fiction, and nonfiction. Are you an absolute beginner? Have you missed past workshops? Don't worry, just join in and enjoy the pleasure of words. William Ellis is a teacher and traveler. He has a Ph.D in English literature from Boston College and was a professor of Humanities at Vanier College in Montreal, Canada, for many years.

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  The Bookworm Quiz Night! (Read More)

  THE BOOKWORM QUIZ NIGHT! A fun night of trivia and banter.

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  Sichuan Photo Projection (Read More)

  When the deadly earthquake struck Sichuan Province on May 12th 2008, many dedicated photographers and journalists traveled down to the region to report and document the aftermath of the tragic event. Tonight, a group of internationally acclaimed photographers will project a series of poignant images taken in the days that followed. Combined, these pictures tell the heartfelt stories of the multitudes of people whose lives were affected by China's worst natural disaster in recent years.

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  Rittenberg, Sidney - The Man Who Stayed Behind (Read More)

  In China from World War Two until the eve of the economic reforms at the end of the 1970's, Sidney Rittenberg saw the change and development of China throughout three and a half turbulent decades as no other foreigner could. Member of the Communist party, translator to Mao, and eventually a political prisoner, Rittenberg endured unbelievable hardship, whilst maintaining an unshakeable faith in China and the Chinese people. This talk represents a unique opportunity to hear from a truly remarkable 'old China hand.'

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  Pomfret, John - Chinese Lessons (Read More)

  A rare opportunity to hear from John Pomfret, an award winning journalist currently firmly positioned at the top of the hotlist of China commentators. John Pomfret came to China to study at Nanjing University in 1981. Immersing himself in Chinese society and culture, he gained a unique insight into China at a time when few foreigners had the opportunity. His brand new book, 'Chinese Lessons', published in August this year, tells the stories of his classmates at Nan Da, recounting how their lives have been shaped by the rise of 'new China'over the past thirty years.

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  Pilkington, Doris - Follow the Rabbit Proof Fence (Read More)

  Doris Pilkington (Nugi Garimara) was born on Balfour Downs Station in Western Australia. As a toddler she was removed by authorities from her home, along with her mother Molly Craig and baby sister, and committed to Moore River Native Settlement, the same institution Molly had escaped from ten years previously, the story of which is told in Pilkington's Follow the Rabbit-Proof Fence. Internationally acclaimed, and filmed as 'Rabbit Proof Fence' in 2002, Doris Pilkington's story is by turns touching and shocking.

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  Mike Meyer - The Last Days of Old Beijing (Read More)

  Long term Beijing resident and journalist Mike Meyer decamped to a hutong in Dazhalanr for two years to experience hutong life as an insider, just as he perceived that way of life to be in rapid decline. Receiving glorious reviews from fellow China watchers, journalists and the publishing world in general, his fascinating insights are a must-read. Don't miss his appearance, on the back of his sell-out US book tour, at The Bookworm on Aug 5th.

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  McGregor, James - One Billion Customers (Read More)

  As former The Wall Street Journal China bureau chief turned successful corporate executive James McGregor explains, nothing about doing business in China is easy. One Billion Customers shows how to navigate the often treacherous waters of Chinese deal making. Brilliantly written by an author who has lived in China for nearly two decades, the book reveals indispensable, street-smart strategies, tactics, and lessons for succeeding in the world's fastest growing consumer market.

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  McEwen, Andrew - The Long March (Read More)

  In 2003, Ed Jocelyn and Andy McEwen walked the entire trail followed by the 5th Red Army in 1934. Famously arduous, and spanning somewhere in the region of 5000km, the journey was certainly not for the faint hearted. Begun as a social history project to interview veterans of the original Communist Long March, Ed and Andy's journey became first a sensational story in the Chinese media, and then a successful book, published in the UK by Constable and Robinson. Andy describes their journey, and shows some of the amazing archive of photos and footage they collated over their year-long odyssey.

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  Ma Jian (Read More)

  Outspoken, challenging and charming, Ma Jian is one of the most strident voices in Chinese writing today. Now resident in London, his previous work (Red Dust, The Noodlemaker) has caused controversy in China since he began writing in the late 1980's. Tonight he reads from Stick Out Your Tongue, a collection of short stories set in contemporary Tibet. By turns shocking, hilarious and bitingly satirical, Stick Out Your Tongue is classic Ma Jian, and a highlight on our literary calendar.

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  Kynge, James - China Shakes the World (Read More)

  Winner of the Goldman Sachs Business Book of the Year 2006, China Shakes the World has quickly risen to the top of the list of 'China must reads' for anyone interested in the political and social future of China, and the impact its unstoppable rise is having on everyone else. Financial Times correspondent and seasoned China-watcher James Kynge is an essential voice in the debat - not to be missed!

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  Karen Smith - 'Nine Lives' a booktalk (Read More)

  Since Karen Smith first completed the manuscript for her critically acclaimed study of the lives of nine contemporary Chinese artists in 2005, a great deal has changed. With the explosion of interest in Chinese art following the equally explosive market that emerged in spring 2006, a new, updated edition of Nine Lives was evidently necessary. Tonight she launches the revised updated edition, charting the dizzying changes shaping the Chinese art market from within, and without, through the eyes of her nine original subjects.Karen Smith is one of the foremost Western commentators on Chinese contemporary art, writing for numerous worldwide publications and serving as a consultant, critic and curator for such prestigious institutions as the Tate International Council, the board of the New York Museum and the Museum of Modern Art, NY. Don't miss her fascinating insights on one of the most dynamic aspects of Chinese culture today.

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  Jocelyn, Ed - The Long March (Read More)

  In 2003, Ed Jocelyn and Andy McEwen walked the entire trail followed by the 5th Red Army in 1934. Famously arduous, and spanning somewhere in the region of 5000km, the journey was certainly not for the faint hearted. Begun as a social history project to interview veterans of the original Communist Long March, Ed and Andy's journey became first a sensational story in the Chinese media, and then a successful book, published in the UK by Constable and Robinson. But while Andy promoted the book, Ed was off completing 'The Long March 2' - exploring the routes taken by the less famous red armies during the 1930's. Tonight he describes his second long march, which this time brought him into contact with many of the ethnic minorities who live in China's remote Western regions.

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  Gray, Nathan Hotorua - First Pass Under Heaven (Read More)

  Nathan Gray was part of a five man team who attempted the dizzying feat of walking the length of the Great Wall in 2004. His book, First Pass Under Heaven, describes their fascinating adventure, which eventually included everything from being struck by lightning to being held in police custody. Tonight he reads excerpts from First Pass, as well as inviting some Maori friends along to bless the evening's proceedings...

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  Friedman, Thomas - The World is Flat (Read More)

  Foreign Affairs columnist for The New York Times, Thomas Friedman is a world renowned commentator on the forces political, cultural and economic that are changing and shaping the world as we know it. Thrice winner of the Pulitzer Prize, he discusses his prize winning book 'The World is Flat' (Goldman Sachs Business Book of the Year 2005) with Bookworm audiences.

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  Fan Wu - February Flowers (Read More)

  Fan Wu represents a new wave of Chinese writers living and working overseas but drawing on their formative years in China as inspiration for fresh, lively and necessary writing. Her first novel, February Flowers was chosen by Pan Macmillan as the novel to launch their brand new publishing imprint, Picador Asia, headed up by Toby Eadie, best known for bringing Chinese writers such as Jung Chang and Xinran to international audiences.

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  Chang, Gordon - North Korea: Nuclear Showdown (Read More)

  Asia expert Gordon Chang follows up his controversial success, The Coming Collapse of China, with the first book to discuss the full extent of the North Korean nuclear threat, its origins, international implications, and possible solutions.

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  Brown, Lester - Plan B (Read More)

  Author Lester Brown, founder of the Worldwatch Institute and head of the Earth Policy Institute, makes a special Bookworm appearance to discuss his new book, Plan B: Rescuing a Planet Under Stress and a Civilisation in Trouble. As well as highlighting the terrible things we're doing to our planet, Lester Brown also provides helpful, practical approaches and solutions to some of the biggest challenges facing the environment today.

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  Brooks, Geraldine - March (Read More)

  A matter of weeks after being awarded this year's Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, Bookworm are delighted to play host to writer Geraldine Brooks. Having served as a war correspondent in some of the world's most conflict-ravaged areas, and now a respected commentator for the New York Times, the standard of Brooks'fiction clearly matches that of her journalism. Tonight Bookworm audiences are treated to a reading from her prize winning novel March, which takes as it's inspiration the character of Mr March from Louisa May Alcott's much-loved Little Women.

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  Becker, Jasper - North Korea: Rogue Regime (Read More)

  Veteran correspondent Jasper Becker (The Chinese, Hungry Ghosts, Dragon Rising) brings his unique insight and vast experience as a journalist in Asia to bear in his latest book, this time exposing the fascinating world of the hermit kingdom, North Korea. North Korea: Rogue Regime explores life for the world's most isolated citizens, investigates the life of Kim Jong Il, and poses the ultimate question: should the nations of the world allow this regime to survive?

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  Abrahamsen, Eric - The Essays of George Orwell (Read More)

  As part of our series of Penguin Classics Literary Lunches, writer and translator Eric Abrahamsen explores the essays and polemic of the great George Orwell. Describing Orwell's zero tolerance for sloppy language and political doublespeak, Abrahamsen makes fresh observations on the relevance of Orwell's work for China.