Concerned about the dwindling interest in fiction reading, Karuna Ezara Parikh, an esteemed author-poet, embarked on a journey to cultivate a thriving community of readers by establishing her exclusive book club, 'Karuna’s Kitaab Club'.
Beginning as a repository of her personal book recommendations shared online, Parikh's venture evolved into a formally structured book club on Instagram, aimed at bringing together numerous readers in a collective literary exploration.
Each month, on the first day, a carefully chosen book is announced, meticulously selected by a small team of avid readers, which includes Parikh herself. The club's unique feature lies in its culmination—a culminating online session held on the last weekend of the month, featuring an engaging conversation with the book's author. Additionally, the club facilitates ongoing discussions through a vibrant Discord server, fostering lively book chats among members throughout the month.
Beyond virtual engagements, Karuna’s Kitaab Club expands its horizon with innovative in-person events. Parikh enthusiastically shares plans for a Writing Retreat slated for September in Goa, an initiative that has already garnered considerable interest, reflecting the club's burgeoning popularity. The club's multifaceted approach aligns with Parikh's vision of creating a dynamic, immersive reading experience, fostering an environment conducive to both exploration and insightful dialogues.
The club's reputation for recommending stimulating books and hosting engaging discussions is well-deserved. Parikh’s October pick, 'The Memoirs of Valmiki Rao' by Lindsay Pereira, published by Penguin India, promises to captivate readers with its narrative set against the backdrop of 1990s Bombay, amidst the aftermath of the Babri Masjid demolition and the city's tense ambience.
Karuna’s Kitaab Club isn't confined to Instagram; it extends its literary endeavours through the 'Books Need People' initiative—a podcast encapsulating conversations with featured authors and insightful discussions with publishing industry professionals. The podcast endeavours to broaden its audience's literary horizons while fostering interactive engagements.
The club's ethos is clear—encouraging book lovers to engage with diverse narratives, facilitate meaningful discussions, and build a community grounded in the shared love for literature. It's an oasis for book enthusiasts seeking not just reading recommendations but an immersive experience—a space where literature comes alive through dialogue and exploration.
For prospective members, joining Karuna’s Kitaab Club is a seamless experience. With book announcements, interactive online sessions, and a bustling Discord community, the club invites participants to engage actively in a world of literature, offering an enriching experience without any membership fees and often hosting free on-ground events, urging readers to register promptly due to limited seating.
Karuna’s Kitaab Club stands as a space that encourages the transformative power of literature, cultivating an inclusive space that fosters stimulating reading, celebrates the magic of storytelling, and reinvigorating the art of vibrant conversation.
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