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Goon Profile – Sam Stops

Name:
Sam Stops

**Chapter:
I feel most at home at Hobart chapter.

Who are you:
I’m your average man in his late 30s. I have a beautiful wife who’s way out of my league and we own a home in South Hobart. We have a good sized back yard which is nice and flat for our Labrador cross with bad hips. My favourite days are ones I spend at home in my boardshorts faffing about with a beer in my hand, with or without guests. I probably drink too much and eat too much meat.

How long have you been with TGBC:
My first book for TGBC was “Wake in Fright” by Kenneth Cook in March 2016. It was my favourite read until East of Eden took the top spot.

What’s your favourite TGBC book?
It’s hard to nail down why East of Eden has been my favourite book so far. It was our long summer read (with no meeting in January we had 2 months) but I left it to the last minute as usual. With a week to go I still had 600 pages and couldn’t put it down. I think I loved it because the characters are relatable in their flaws but want to be good. There is also a very obvious evil presence who never ceases to shock.

Why are you a member of TGBC:
My reasons for being in TGBC have changed and developed in the 2 years I’ve been a member. I started because I love reading and wasn’t doing enough of it. Meet me for a few beers one day and I’ll tell you what it means to me now.

What book have we not read yet that you’d like to do at TGBC:
I would love to read “Trainspotting” by Irvine Welsh and talk about it with the goons. I have read a lot of his stuff but never got around to this famous work. I find his writing challenging and grotesque but fascinating and rewarding too.

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