What Do Book Discussions Offer Us?
There are a lot of spaces on the internet I don’t like to exist in, a big one being Facebook. I am really particular about curating my internet presence to contain positivity and supportive communities. Now, imagine my surprise when I stumbled upon groups of book lovers on Facebook that made me feel incredibly safe, seen, and engaged. In these book groups, people share suggestions, reviews, bookshelves pictures, stories relating to books, and more. It has opened my mind to all the different joys people can find in books and the act of reading. It also made me start to think more deeply about the ways discussing books brings good into the world.
English Class Discussions Are Not All Book Discussion Can Be
When I used to think of book discussions, I thought of high school English discussions. This was not something I ever longed to participate in again. I didn’t care to hear people try to seem smart or make very weird and unconnected points or remark how syntax was used to emphasize an author’s point. It just seemed like I could get all of what I wanted out of a book on my own. But I have since seen the error of my ways.
In school, book discussions teach you how to think critically about a book and the tools it used. In real life, we can focus our discussions on what expanded our minds and hearts. We can also simply relate to each other through shared experiences without trying to make every piece of it seem wise and profound. How often did you get into debates over folding book pages or using bookmarks in school? Probably never. Yet, I have found myself in numerous heated and interesting debates about this when discussing books in my daily life.
Book Discussions Create Community
Reading is one of the more isolating forms of art in my opinion. This is why I think coming together afterward to discuss and dissect every facet of the reading process that captures our attention is invaluable. It develops our sense of community. Humans need community for both their survival and to thrive in their environment. Yet, it is a common thing people feel they lack in these modern times. This is why creating spheres both in-person and online to discuss books, as well as, other art forms is something that should be celebrated. These communities offer support, inspiration, and collaboration that lead to our betterment as a whole.
Diving Deeper Into Other’s Perspectives
One of the reasons I believe book discussions to be particularly meaningful is because books are written to show different people’s stories and perspectives. We are able to learn even more about each person’s story and perspective by then discussing a book after we have read it. It teaches us about different perspectives and how each person makes meaning of something. The more we learn how to understand and embrace the differences of our experiences, the more we can come together and see all that we share in common.
~~~
Nicole Asherah is an artist who connects people to intimate moments, feelings, and relationships experienced throughout life through her poetry, paintings, and photography. Her upcoming book, A Life Cycle: A Guide to Healing and Rediscovering Yourself, is available for preorder now here. It is out all places books are sold on March 14th! Please see more of her work at nicoleasherah.com
Check out my quiz Where are you in your life cycle? to better understand what you need right now to grow and become the best version of yourself.
If you enjoyed this blog, check out: