The Book Club (DAYTIME) The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife

Love reading? Looking for a fun daytime event? Join us at The Book Club for a lunchtime edition- friendly faces & great conversation awaits!
About this Event

Are you a book-lover looking for a monthly, daytime, social event? YES!

Join your hosts Emma and Clare for a lively lunchtime edition of our successful “The Book Club” event. This NEW daytime series is the perfect chance to connect with your local community and is proudly supported by City of Joondalup.

Our event is perfect for a midday outing — open to everyone 18 to 108! If you enjoy reading and meeting new people, our daytime Book Club is a great opportunity for engaging conversation, laughter and new connections in central Joondalup. Come on your own or with friends and enjoy an afternoon themed around the Book of the Month.

📖 June's’s Book Choice: The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife by Anna Johnston.

The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife is a warm, life-affirming debut about a bizarre case of mistaken identity that allows a lonely old man one last chance to be part of a family.

‘Would you mind terribly, old boy, if I borrowed the rest of your life? I promise I’ll take excellent care of it.'

Frederick Fife was born with an extra helping of kindness in his heart. If he borrowed your car he’d return it washed and polished, with a full tank of petrol. The problem is, he has no one left to borrow from. At 82 he’s desperately lonely, broke and on the brink of homelessness.

But Fred's luck changes when, in a bizarre case of mistaken identity, he takes the place of cranky Bernard Greer at Wattle River Nursing Home. Suddenly he has a roof over his head, warm meals in his belly and, most importantly, the chance to be part of a family again.

Fingers crossed his poker face is in better nick than his prostate, or the jig is up.

As Fred walks in Bernard’s shoes (and underpants), he discovers more about the man’s past - and what it would take to return a broken life to mint condition.

Bittersweet and remarkably perceptive, The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife is a feel-good novel about forgiveness, redemption and finding family.

Here’s what to expect :

• Ice Breaker Activity – grab a drink & get to know each other from 12 midday.
• Book Discussion - engaging & thoughtful insights to this month's read!
• Door prize – will you take home a copy of next month's book choice?
• Blind Date With a Book – bring along a wrapped, pre-loved book to swap.
• Book inspired activities & a quiz - join in the fun and see who takes home a prize!

📅 Friday 26th June 2026

📍 RISQ Bar, Central Walk, Joondalup (easy bus & train access)

⏰ Venue doors open 12:00 pm - The Book Club Main event 12:15–2:15 pm

🍷 Full lunch & bar menu available to purchase

🎟️ 18+ event Limited tickets — book early!

Connecting our communities with books, chapters and stories!

With thanks to City of Joondalup for supporting 'The Book Club' events. www.joondalup.wa.gov.au

www.thebookclub.com.au