The book is only the beginning
My love of reading began with a school library card and Julius Caesar, which a wonderful literature teacher taught me to see through the lens of ambition. Then came “Elvis and Me,” which made me cry, followed by “Memoirs of a Geisha” and “Hope for the Flowers.”
Reading can be solitary, but a book club makes it richer. It gives us a reason to pause, gather, exchange perspectives, and even disagree well. And it brings out the fun and creativity—in the table we set and the food we serve.
Some clubs, like the Karenin Book Club, take this further, letting the book inspire the menu, table setting, and even artifacts from the story. WWW (Wise & Winsome Women) Book Club, meanwhile, celebrates its 10th anniversary this year—a reminder that while the books may change, the friendships can last.
I asked four women what their book clubs have given them. Their answers remind us that sometimes, the best part of a book is the conversation it begins.
Junie Peña
Honorary Consul of the Republic of Lithuania in the Philippines
One thing I really love about book clubs is that I find myself reading books I would normally never have picked up! Take “The Nightingale,” our current book. It takes place during WWII, a period I tend to steer clear of because I worry it will be too dark for me. Yet I am completely drawn into the story, and I’m so grateful the ladies voted for this one.
We are a democracy. Anyone can suggest a book, and I bring hard copies to our meetings, so everyone can look through them and decide what we’ll read next. I love that those who attend get to choose—it gives us all a little incentive to keep coming!
But my favorite part is discovering more about my dear friends through our discussions. When we read “Rules of Civility” by Amor Towles, I was sure we would all like the same character. I was delighted to discover we had completely different opinions!
Our conversations often lead to personal stories and experiences that might never have been shared otherwise. It’s why book clubs are so much more than just reading books. It’s about deepening friendships, expanding our horizons, seeing things through different eyes—and, of course, sharing wonderful meals together.
Carol Foz-Asuncion
Managing partner/owner, Nomad Caviar Philippines
When I reflect on what my two book clubs have come to mean to me, I realize they have become so much more than gatherings around books. Over the years, my bookmates have become cherished friends and, in many ways, family. We share our joys and worries, our struggles and triumphs, and our hopes and dreams for our children. We have become one another’s confidants—people we can turn to for understanding, encouragement, laughter, and support.
One of my book clubs has been with me through the years, while the other was formed after the pandemic. In different ways, both have enriched my life and reminded me how meaningful it is to create connections around a shared love of reading.
What I treasure most is that our friendships extend far beyond the pages. We share meals, play sports, watch shows, discover new places, and simply enjoy being together. We make an effort to show up for one another, and that commitment has strengthened our bonds.
Our books have also expanded my horizons, introducing me to genres I might never have explored on my own. Now, whenever I come across a new book, I instinctively wonder, would my bookmates enjoy this? Could this be our next read?
I believe book clubs matter, especially today. For me, the conversations with my bookmates are just as meaningful as the books themselves. Through reading, listening, questioning, and sharing our perspectives, I feel we are not only becoming better readers, but more thoughtful, open-minded, and compassionate people.
Marielle Santos-Po
Long-distance runner, MovEd Board member, avid reader
Reading books was part of my childhood. I come from a generation when playing outdoors with my neighbors after school was a daily habit, when summers were spent roaming around and hanging out until the streetlights came on. My friends and I were book collectors and would sometimes go to each other’s home to just read, but as we got older and became distracted with life, I found myself spending less time leafing through pages.
I was invited to a book club around 2004 and I remember feeling excited but at the same time nervous—a kind of nervousness that you get when you are about to take an exam. I made sure I finished the book (which is always rule #1—finish the assigned book, no matter what—it’s just a sign of respect to the other members).
My nerves slowly dissipated, as it was such a warm and welcoming group of women who enjoyed sharing their perspectives on what was read as well as other social issues and everyday topics.
Fast forward to 2026, where I have joined other book clubs, and it always brings me joy to connect with others. I find that joining book clubs gives me my “me time,” where I can relax and discuss with my fellow book clubbers, usually around a meal. In a way, it has become a safe space where we can healthily agree and disagree without being worried about offending anyone.
Book clubs also broaden your taste in books and force you to read other genres that you would not normally pick up. I definitely recommend trying a book club; go with an open heart, an open mind, and just have fun.
Ronna Sieh
Entrepreneur
One need not be an avid reader to enjoy a book club, since a love for reading can be cultivated at any age. For me, reading happened at the busiest time in my life, providing solace and letting me hear my own thoughts amid life’s noise. Today, reading makes me whole.
Being part of a book club added a new dimension to my reading, pushing me out of my preferred genres into titles I never would have picked up myself. More importantly, it fosters deeper friendships. Through discussions, we peek into each other’s souls—a bond our group deepens further over shared potluck lunches, where each personal dish becomes a prelude to conversations that open our inner selves.
Book clubs matter even more today because they pull us out of digital isolation and build stronger communities. My advice to anyone starting one: keep the group diverse, have guide questions ready, stay open-minded, and let the books (and the meals) work their magic.
