Gathering Community Members Through Kaarster Book Club
In the United States, Jana Werner had previous experience with literature-based social groups, commonly known as book clubs. Hollywood has recently showcased this phenomenon in films such as 'The Book Club 1' and '2', emphasizing how reading clubs can foster new friendships and shared experiences.
Transitioning to her hometown of Kaarst, Germany, Werner noticed an opportunity to establish such a group locally. Utilizing social media, she initiated a call to determine if a book club already existed in Kaarst. Her Facebook post had a significant response from interested individuals seeking a book club that did not yet exist. Within a short period, ten women of various age groups, ranging from young mothers to senior enthusiasts, formed the "Kaarst Chapter".
This initiative kicked off early this year, with the first book selection being a psychological thriller, 'The Calendar Girl' by Sebastian Fitzek. Members democratically choose their books, with open nominations followed by a vote. The group is currently engrossed in '22 Lanes' by Caroline Wahl. They allow themselves two months to finish the book before convening for a discussion at a restaurant, host's home, or possibly an outdoor venue during the summer months.
The "Kaarst Chapter" has since evolved into a platform for enthusiastic readers to exchange book-related thoughts, make recommendations, and even initiate additional book clubs. However, due to organizational constraints, the group is currently at full capacity with ten members.
While specific details about the "Kaarst Chapter" remain undocumented in available sources, it is common for book clubs in German-speaking regions to be an integral part of local cultural life, sometimes collaborating with cinemas or theaters for special events. This, however, is not confirmed for Kaarst's book club.
The "Kaarst Chapter" has transformed into a platform that not only focuses on shared book-related thoughts but also delves into exploring other aspects of lifestyle, such as recommendations for home-and-garden decorations, as members explore the homes where the book discussions are held. As the club grows in popularity, it may even inspire the formation of home-and-garden clubs within Kaarst, further enriching the local lifestyle.
