{"title":"December meetings (25)","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"filterworld-at-apartment-5-on-12-14","title":"Filterworld (at Apartment 5 on 12\/14)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDate + Time: \u003c\/strong\u003eSunday, December 14th at 5 pm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLocation: \u003c\/strong\u003eApartment 5, 157 Ludlow St, New York, NY 10002\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Event:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eJoin Open Book Club! \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eWe're reading Filterworld by Kyle Chayka and I booked out Apartment 5 for us to spend the night discussing it.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eIf it’s your first time, here’s how the meetings work:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eYou’ll come in, grab a glass of wine or a cocktail and a discussion guide. If the guides sound lame, I promise they’re not. This little bit of structure goes a long way to prompt thoughtful conversations.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eYou’ll sit down at a table with 4-5 other members and discuss. After around 30-45 minutes, we’ll rotate seats, so that you can meet all the other people at the meeting.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eTo keep the meetings small and intimate, I host multiple meetings a month. The discussion guides and format are the same both nights.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003ePeople really do read the book.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eThere is a one drink minimum at the bar!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRefunds + Exchanges:\u003c\/strong\u003e I'm not able to offer refunds or exchanges for future meetings. This is a small (1 person!) business and I have to cover costs in advance of the event. Please consider this (and double check your calendar!) before buying a ticket.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePhotography: \u003c\/strong\u003eThe event may be photographed + filmed. We reserve the right to use photos + videos from the event for marketing purposes. By attending the event you consent to your image being used for these purposes 📸\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"open book club","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45771544133831,"sku":null,"price":33.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0645\/3467\/5655\/files\/71wwxj2PdGL._AC_UF1000_1000_QL80.jpg?v=1762966832"},{"product_id":"filterworld-at-apartment-5-on-12-17","title":"Filterworld (at Apartment 5 on 12\/17)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDate + Time: \u003c\/strong\u003eWednesday, December 17th at 7 pm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLocation: \u003c\/strong\u003eApartment 5, 157 Ludlow St, New York, NY 10002\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Event:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eJoin Open Book Club! \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eWe're reading Filterworld by Kyle Chayka and I booked out Apartment 5 for us to spend the night discussing it.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eIf it’s your first time, here’s how the meetings work:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eYou’ll come in, grab a glass of wine or a cocktail and a discussion guide. If the guides sound lame, I promise they’re not. This little bit of structure goes a long way to prompt thoughtful conversations.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eYou’ll sit down at a table with 4-5 other members and discuss. After around 30-45 minutes, we’ll rotate seats, so that you can meet all the other people at the meeting.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eTo keep the meetings small and intimate, I host multiple meetings a month. The discussion guides and format are the same both nights.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eMost people come alone and leave with a new friend!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eThere is a one drink minimum at the bar!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRefunds + Exchanges:\u003c\/strong\u003e I'm not able to offer refunds or exchanges for future meetings. This is a small (1 person!) business and I have to cover costs in advance of the event. Please consider this (and double check your calendar!) before buying a ticket.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePhotography: \u003c\/strong\u003eThe event may be photographed + filmed. We reserve the right to use photos + videos from the event for marketing purposes. By attending the event you consent to your image being used for these purposes 📸\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"open book club","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45771551113415,"sku":null,"price":33.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0645\/3467\/5655\/files\/71wwxj2PdGL._AC_UF1000_1000_QL80.jpg?v=1762966832"},{"product_id":"you-dont-need-a-smartphone-at-von-bar-on-12-3","title":"You Don't Need a Smartphone (at Von Bar on 12\/3)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDate + Time: \u003c\/strong\u003eWednesday, December 3rd at 7 pm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLocation: \u003c\/strong\u003eVon Bar, 3 Bleecker St, New York, NY 10012\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Event:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/augustlamm\/\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eAugust Lamm\u003c\/a\u003e is joining Open Book Club to talk about her viral anti-tech pamphlet, \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/augustlamm.com\/shop\/you-dont-need-a-smartphone-digital\" rel=\"noopener\" style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eYou Don't Need a Smartphone\u003c\/a\u003e, at Von Bar.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eAugust will read a short section from the pamphlet, then I'll ask her a few questions and then open it up for an audience Q\u0026amp;A.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eAfter, you can chat with August and mix with other Open Book Club members.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout August:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eHi, my name is August. I’m an artist, writer, and \u003ca style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\" href=\"https:\/\/augustlamm.com\/shop\/you-dont-need-a-smartphone-digital\"\u003eactivist\u003c\/a\u003e from New Haven, Connecticut. I wrote \u003ca style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ilexinstant.com\/titles\/august-lamm\/crosshatching-in-pen-ink\/9781781578599\/\"\u003ea drawing book\u003c\/a\u003e, and I’ve also written for \u003ca style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\" href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2025\/02\/01\/opinion\/how-quit-smartphone-addiction.html\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eThe New York Times\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\" href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/lifeandstyle\/2025\/jan\/14\/switching-smartphone-for-dumbphone-guide\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eThe Guardian\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thefp.com\/p\/my-smartphone-was-ruining-my-life\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eThe Free Press\u003c\/a\u003e, and \u003ca style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\" href=\"https:\/\/augustlamm.com\/writing\"\u003emore\u003c\/a\u003e. I was the recipient of a 2024 \u003ca style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\" href=\"https:\/\/www.macdowell.org\/artists\/august-lamm\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eMacDowell fellowship\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eI write a regular newsletter on \u003ca style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\" href=\"https:\/\/augustlamm.substack.com\/\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eSubstack\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp id=\"yui_3_17_2_1_1763409998925_237\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eMy \u003ca style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\" href=\"https:\/\/www.thebookseller.com\/rights\/dialogue-books-wins-august-lamms-fiction-debut-lambing-season\" id=\"yui_3_17_2_1_1763409998925_246\" target=\"_blank\"\u003edebut novel\u003c\/a\u003e is forthcoming from \u003ca style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dialoguebooks.co.uk\/landing-page\/dialogue-books-books\/\" id=\"yui_3_17_2_1_1763409998925_236\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eDialogue Books\u003c\/a\u003e, and my technocritical essays will be published by Vintage in fall 2026.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the P\u003cspan\u003eamphlet\u003c\/span\u003e: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eI first conceived of this pamphlet two years ago, when I myself was in the process of downgrading. Like many longterm smartphone users, I had reached the point where I felt overwhelmingly bad about my phone: I felt bad right before I used it, I felt bad when I used it, and I felt bad after I set it down, regretting the time I’d wasted. I was caught in a cycle of resistance leading to surrender leading to shame. The shame, like all difficult emotions I experienced at the time, always led back to the phone. I could suppress anything with digital stimulation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDo I need to explain how it feels to be addicted a smartphone? I doubt it. The experience is nearly universal. It is also intentional: the hardware and software was designed to make you feel largely bad but intermittently good, a balance calibrated such that you will always come back. This means that every time you pick up your phone, you are doing exactly what tech companies want you to do. Good job.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe cannot effect radical institutional change overnight—these corporations are too powerful, too enmeshed for that. But we can effect personal change today. We can radically reclaim our lives in a matter of hours. This 32-page pamphlet covers a variety of topics involved in downgrading to a dumbphone, including communication, navigation, banking, travel, dating, two-factor authentication, and more.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRefunds + Exchanges:\u003c\/strong\u003e I'm not able to offer refunds or exchanges for future meetings. This is a small (1 person!) business and I have to cover costs in advance of the event. Please consider this (and double check your calendar!) before buying a ticket.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePhotography: \u003c\/strong\u003eThe event may be photographed + filmed. We reserve the right to use photos + videos from the event for marketing purposes. By attending the event you consent to your image being used for these purposes 📸\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"open book club","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45788522152135,"sku":null,"price":33.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0645\/3467\/5655\/files\/dumbphone_pamphlet_-_cover.webp?v=1763409960"}],"url":"https:\/\/openbookclub.myshopify.com\/collections\/december-meetings-25.oembed","provider":"open book club","version":"1.0","type":"link"}