Events
Take a look at some of the fun, bookish events coming up at Ampersand Cafe and Bookstore!
Join author and academic Jean-François Vernay as he discusses his book, A Brief Take on the Australian Novel, a playful and accessible work about Australian writing from the time of the first fleet to the present day. Available in three languages, the book is a valuable contribution to Australian literary research. This is a great opportunity to learn more about the Australian literary landscape and to partake in an engaging discussion with a respected French-Australian writer.
Your ticket includes a signed copy of the book. Food and drinks will be available to purchase from the café.
Reviews of A Brief Take on the Australian Novel
'Vernay’s book is a sound introduction to the Australian novel, quirky in parts but offering senior students a reliable overview of important historical periods, the most well-known authors, and the most canonical texts.' – Peter Minter, poet
'A Brief Take on the Australian Novel ... provides a useful introduction and overview of the history and heritage of the Australian Novel, including key moments, trends and authors. Delivered with enthusiasm and genuine passion the overview is an asset to anyone interested in or beginning studies on Australian fiction.' – Samantha Jones, writer and reviewer
About the author
Jean-François Vernay has been researching Australian fiction for 20 years and has published widely in the field, both in French and in English. Dr Vernay is an energetic critic, editor, creative writer and cultural commentator. His fiction and nonfiction books have appeared in France, Australia and in the United States.
Date: Saturday, 13th of June 2026
Time: 2-4pm
Location: Ampersand Café and Bookstore, 78 Oxford Street, Paddington NSW 2021
Price: $30
Bookings essential. You can purchase your ticket via the Eventbrite page, accessible through the link below.
Test your literary knowledge at our next book trivia night! This will be an evening all about books, surrounded by other readers 📚
Your ticket includes one drink (wine, beer, soft drink) 🍺🍷
Some light food (pies and wraps) and additional drinks will be available to purchase on the night 🥧🌯🍸
Date: Friday, 24th of April 2026
Time: 5.30pm arrival for a 6pm start
Location: Ampersand Café and Bookstore, 78 Oxford Street, Paddington NSW 2021
Price: $20
Bookings essential. You can purchase your ticket individually or as a group.
Past Events
After last year's success, Ampersand is once again hosting a book trivia night! Come and demonstrate your knowledge of books and literature, surrounded by other readers 📚
Your ticket includes one drink (wine, beer, soft drink) 🍺🍷
Some light food (pies and wraps) and additional drinks will be available to purchase on the night 🥧🌯🍸
Date: Friday, 24th of April 2026
Time: 5.30pm arrival for a 6pm start
Location: Ampersand Café and Bookstore, 78 Oxford Street, Paddington NSW 2021
Price: $20
Bookings essential. You can purchase your ticket individually or as a group.
Join us at Ampersand for a discussion and workshop with Natalia Rachel, the Sydney-based author of Why Am I Like This? and Other Lovers.
Using poetry from her upcoming collection as a point of departure, Natalia will guide participants into reflection and conversation about love beyond cliché and romance into its more nuanced, relational, and human forms.
Participants will then be led through creative prompts to craft their own “alternative love poem”. Attendees will leave with fresh insight, meaningful connection, and a completed piece of writing that reflects a deeper understanding of love.
About Natalia Rachel
Natalia Rachel is a Sydney-based author, innovator, and facilitator whose work weaves together the healing arts, creative arts, and education. With a global following and teaching experience across Asia, the USA, Europe, and Australia, Natalia is known for creating spaces that are intellectually rigorous, emotionally attuned, and deeply transformative.
Date: Sunday, 12th of April 2026
Time: 2pm
Location: Ampersand Café and Bookstore, 78 Oxford Street, Paddington NSW 2021
Price: Free!
We'll see you on Sunday afternoon!
Join Rosemary Gattuso, family mediator and author of It’s Not You, It’s Me! A Chronic
Overthinker’s Guide to Self-Reflection, for an author talk at Ampersand Bookstore + Café.
In this session, Rosemary reframes overthinking — not as a flaw to fix, but as a tool for self-
awareness, resilience, and personal growth. Drawing on over 15 years’ experience in family
mediation and restorative justice, she shares a strengths-based, trauma-informed approach
to navigating challenge and self-doubt.
You’ll explore practical ways to recognise unhelpful thinking patterns, build self-belief, and
turn mistakes into learning opportunities.
The session includes time for reflection and Q&A.
About Rosemary Gattuso
Rosemary Gattuso is a family mediator and self-confessed chronic over-thinker who has
harnessed this potential hinderance into a transformative tool. With over fifteen years in
family mediation and restorative justice, she merges neuroscience and trauma studies to
guide others towards a trauma-informed, strengths-based life.
Date: Saturday, 7th of March 2026
Time: 2pm
Location: Ampersand Café and Bookstore, 78 Oxford Street, Paddington NSW 2021
Price: Free!
We'll see you on Saturday afternoon!
Pop-up event! Gry Stene brings her debut book, Full Throttle & Torque: My Alien Roadtrip, to Sydney for a thoughtful afternoon exploring belonging, courage, neurospicy brilliance and the messy magic of being human. Perfect for readers who enjoy memoir, personal growth, creativity, leadership or simply a good story about finding your way.
The session includes:
• A short talk about the book journey
• An open Q&A with Gry
• Time for discussion and connection
• Book signing (limited copies available)
Date: Friday, 12th of December 2025
Time: 2pm
Location: Ampersand Café and Bookstore, 78 Oxford Street, Paddington NSW 2021
Price: Free!
We'll see you on Friday afternoon!
Ampersand Cafe & Bookstore invites you to an afternoon with an internationally published author. Caroline Hey, a truly global citizen, will share her story of how her book came alive. She will talk about the story of the book, as well as her publishing journey as a debut author.
Sip on some great coffee from the Little Marionette and enjoy a broad selection of foods and treats while you sit back and listen to Caroline's story. It will be a summer Saturday afternoon well spent.
Date: Saturday, 6th of December 2025
Time: 2pm
Location: Ampersand Café and Bookstore, 78 Oxford Street, Paddington NSW 2021
Price: Free!
If you'd like a signed copy, limited stock is available for purchase on the day. To not miss out on the opportunity to have a signed original, purchase your copy beforehand and bring it along for signing.
We'll see you there :)
What is the opening line of Pride and Prejudice? What is Professor Sprout's first name? When was 1984 published?
These are the kinds of questions you can expect at Ampersand first ever trivia night! What better way to spend your Saturday night than to demonstrate your knowledge of books and literature, surrounded by other readers?
Some light food (pies and wraps) and drinks will be available to purchase on the night 🥧🌯🍺
Originally we were offering pre-ordered finger food, but unfortunately we are no longer be able to provide this.
Date: Saturday, 16th of August 2025
Time: 6pm arrival for a 6.30pm start
Location: Ampersand Café and Bookstore, 78 Oxford Street, Paddington NSW 2021
Price: Free!
Bookings essential. Please nominate one person to reserve tickets for your group and make sure to specify the number of people you are booking for.