Name:
Mitch Robinson
Chapter:
Geelong
What is your story?
I have been travelling around the sun for just over 30 years, and I am grateful to have enjoyed more of those years than not. I was born and raised in Western Sydney until I moved to Victoria in my early 20s. I love living in Geelong, but I will always have a very strong connection to my home no matter what, you can't keep me away from home for too long. Things I care about a lot include: Music of all types (anything from slam metal to radio pop), being really bad at guitar and singing, The Penrith Panthers, cricket, cooking, swimming, conservation and climate justice. I have lots of opinions on many things, however most of them could be changed with new evidence or arguments.
How long have you been with TGBC? First Book?
I started coming along in Mid-2024. First book was The Son of Man.
How did you end up coming to TGBC?
Fairly new to Geelong at the time, I was bored after work on a Wednesday afternoon and really felt like going to the pub for a beer or two that evening, but had no one to go with. I stumbled upon a Facebook event for Tough Guy Book Club and decided to go along that night without having read the book or knowing much about it at all. Everyone was super cool and welcoming, and I had a great time. I haven't missed one since.
What is your favourite TGBC book?
The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet by Becky Chambers. I have never been a big sci-fi kind of guy, but this one changed that for me. The worldbuilding and wholesome feel throughout the whole thing really got me. I liked it so much that I have gone on to read a couple of other books by the same author.
Why are you a member of TGBC?
First and foremost, Tough Guy Book Club is a very important social outlet for me. It can be hard to make new friends as an adult, especially in a regional city in which you didn't grow up. Since coming along to Tough Guy Book Club however, there is a group of fantastic goons who I get to hang out with (at least) once every month to share a drink, talk stuff out with, and learn new things from. It has also helped me read WAY more than I did before. I hadn't read a novel in more than 10 years before I started coming along, now I read a couple every month! Having the books selected for me helps a lot too. I'd have no idea what to read if I had started on my own.
What do you think a "Tough Guy" is?
A tough guy is someone who does the right thing and shows kindness, compassion, empathy, and conviction even when it is really difficult.
What is your favourite library?
The one that is within walking distance of my house - I need excuses to keep my steps up!
What book have we not read that you'd like to do at TGBC?
The Potato Factory by Bryce Courtenay
What's the best thing about TGBC?
The very best thing about Tough Guy Book Club is how many awesome guys I have met and become friends with, many of whom I would never ever have crossed paths with otherwise.
What's your favourite drink?
A cold pale ale!
What is something people wouldn't know about you if they judged you by your cover?
That self-doubt and fear of rejection are daily battles for me. I question my own competence in many areas of my life, and frequently have to remind myself that I am doing okay for the most part. I might seem like a stubborn or opinionated person sometimes, but I am always up for having my mind changed.
