bread's one person book club
Back in 2023, I was able to join (our country's) Korean Cultural Center book club. It was the first and last physical book club that I've been a part of. The process was that we'd pick up the Book of the Month from the center and have a discussion by the end of the month, wherein each member would select a random question to answer and others would also be able to share their opinion. They also served Korean biscuits and coffee.
I remember going home from discussions with an added perspective on the book I've read. Many times I would adjust my rating after hearing other people's points - some I agreed with, some I didn't. But the most important part is the exchange of ideas and takes about the book.
I think that very part is what I missed the most, and what I am seeking to recreate.
This year, I promised to read more books than last year. But as of this month, I've only ever finished two books (way back in January!) and one audiobook (a reread). I also don't think I have the social energy at the moment to commit to meeting up with a group of people every month, whether physically or virtually. So to hold myself accountable, I'm making a one-person book club.
At the start of the month, I'll be selecting one (or more in the future) book to finish, maybe do a readalong1, and share my thoughts on it afterwards. But not only that - I'll also be answering my own set of 'book club questions' made to really dive deep into the book, and not just ask 'did I like it or not?'
So it's really just a one-person book club, but everyone's free to read with me, discuss reads with me via email, and even answer the deep dive questions at the end of the month!
For April 2026, my first book club read would be:
DallerGut Dream Department Store - Miye Lee (author), Sandy Joosun Lee (translator)
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