Name:
Ben Mitchell
Chapter:
Mayfield
Who are you?
My name is Ben. I am a 26-year-old who is really passionate about reading and travelling the world. Still trying to figure all the rest though.
How long have you been with TGBC? First Book?
I’ve been with the TGBC since about September 2022. My first book was The Great Gatsby.
How did you end up coming to TGBC?
A friend of mine I met while travelling introduced me to the club after I had told him I started getting into reading more.
What is your favourite TGBC book?
It’s hard to pick a book out of so many interesting ones, but at least my favourite one from this year has been Interpreter of Maladies. I loved the different stories and perspectives of a culture that is not my own. I have always been fascinated by the history of India, and love to hear about different ways of life. I’ve been recommending this book to everyone I know outside the club.
Why are you a member of TGBC?
I joined because I am always interested in trying something new and meeting new people that I normally would never have gotten the chance to meet. I stayed a member because of the people. So many amazing goons who have become good mates. I also love the idea of being assigned a book that I would never have come across otherwise, it’s broadened my horizons to so many exciting new concepts and authors.
What do you think a "Tough Guy" is?
A “Tough Guy” is someone who is not afraid to be who he is, the good things and the bad. They are someone who knows when to ask for help, or when to know they have had enough. They are someone who will always be open and accepting to other people’s differences and opinions because they know that what makes us different is what makes us special.
What is your favourite library?
I am one of those guys who gets really into collecting stuff and I love spending money I don’t have on books. I do need to start getting to some more libraries though, if anyone has recommendations for a good library in the Newcastle area, I would love to hear about it.
What book have we not read that you'd like to do at TGBC?
Funnily enough before this month I probably would have said World War Z (December 2023), because that’s a huge favourite of mine. I would love to see some more Haruki Murakami, I am a massive fan of his work, like I know a lot of goons are, but he can be controversial at times. Norwegian Wood would be awesome to read again, or maybe some of his lesser-known stuff like After Dark.
What is something people wouldn't know about you if they judged you by your cover?
I guess one thing would be that for someone who claims to be down to try anything and everything at least once, I’m actually quite scared of a lot of things. Heights, spiders, snakes, crocodiles, society, you name it hahaha. For me it’s always been more about not letting my fears dictate my actions and not letting external factors affect any opportunities that get in my way.
