A good book can shut the real world out and transport the reader to another world -- and if you're homeless that escape is priceless.
Auckland's population of rough sleeps is on the rise and it is a cold, lonely and tough existence.
But there is one place where the homeless feel a bit more welcome.
For Ray Constable, the streets have been his home for 16 years but every Wednesday he goes to the Auckland library -- which he calls his living room – to meet his fellow book club members.
But this book club has a twist -- it is for the homeless or once homeless.
"You get a bit isolated and a bit lonely. It's just broadening the horizons and expanding the view and trying to become a bit more like a normal person," says Mr Constable.
Up to 15 people show up each week and share what they have been reading.
You quickly learn not to judge a book by its cover at this book club. They traverse politics, black Oscar winners, compulsory Te Reo -- and actually like Paul Henry.
Story went along to the club in the corner of the city, where members are not judged.
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