Name:
Kent Kingston
Chapter:
Lake Macquarie, NSW
What is your story?
It probably started with my dad reading various books to us in the evening: 'White Fang,' 'Sun on the Stubble' and the Narnia series are three I remember. I developed a hunger for reading and began to devour books for myself. I was reading at an adult level before the end of primary school . . . and wearing glasses from long hours spent huddled in the corner with my nose in a book, oblivious to the world outside my imagination. Every week or so I'd go the library and bring home a stack of new titles - animal stories, adventures, sci-fi, classic series and obscure one-hit wonders. Tom Sawyer, Biggles, 'The Hobbit' and James Bond are some of the many highlights. As I grew, more interests and responsibilities came along, but I returned to reading often as an escape from everyday life and a doorway into other worlds and experiences. Reading is mind-expanding. I discovered biographies and travel accounts, including jaw-droppers like 'Unbroken' by Laura Hillenbrand and classics such as Wilfrid Thesiger's 'Arabian Sands.' I began to realise that the science fiction I still enjoyed was often a commentary on the issues the writer was facing in their day, as much as it was an act of futuristic imagination. Then in middle age my internal world collapsed into a heap of rubble. For my whole life, my weekly round of activities had centred around church activities, church friends, church responsibilities, church employment. My parents, siblings and grown-up kids were all members. And I suddenly realised I didn't believe anymore. What followed was a painful extrication and a search for a lifestyle compatible with my simpler, humbler, emerging values. And, yes, a replacement for what I'd lost: community, belonging, music, purpose, textual study and discussion. I spent time in silent openness with Quakers, following the graceful movements of tai chi, cradling the spark of life in my hands as I re-potted bonsai. It was a time of healing for me. I also began searching for a book club - somewhere I could indulge and share my love of reading; consider language and ideas in greater depth with fellow travellers, as well as entering into a community. I had some great visits with a group on the Central Coast before they moved their location further away from my home, and even started a local book club myself, which continued for a few months before it fizzled. Then I discovered the Tough Guy Book Club. I loved the straightforward tone of the website, the blokey aesthetic, as well as the wry sense that these goons were not taking themselves completely seriously. I invited a friend to come with me and check it out. He loved it, I enjoyed it. We became regulars at the Dudley (NSW) chapter and eventually spawned a new chapter closer to home at Toronto, Lake Macquarie, NSW, where we've gradually grown - an attendance of ten has been our record so far. A great bunch of fellas who are fast becoming great mates.
How long have you been with TGBC? First Book?
First meeting was May 2023 - 'Interpreter of Maladies,' a collection of short stories by Jhumpa Lahiri.
What is your favourite TGBC book?
Geez, that's a hard one - there have been so many I've loved. I'll nominate 'World War Z,' the long read by Max Brooks that I got lost in over the 2023/24 year-end break.
What do you think a "Tough Guy" is?
Tough enough to face reality. Tough enough to face up to responsibility. Tough enough to admit difficult feelings and vulnerability. Tough enough to ask for help.
What is your favourite library?
The State Library in Adelaide, South Australia. Beautiful heritage architecture and a soaring ceiling. I should also put in a word for Toronto Library, NSW. A friendly suburban library in an elevated position with an incredible view of Lake Macquarie.
What book have we not read that you'd like to do at TGBC?
Plum, by Brendan Cowell
What's the best thing about TGBC?
The opportunity to talk books (and talk rubbish) with a diverse bunch of fellas in a relaxed atmosphere.
What's your favourite drink?
A tall glass of a good batch of my home-brewed kombucha, flavoured with pear, cloves and honey and clinking with ice-cubes.
What is something people wouldn't know about you if they judged you by your cover?
I'm a grandfather!
