Book Your Way Up!

Image by Gaylord Memorial Library

Just as we find it necessary to stretch our bodies for better blood flow, muscle relaxation and nervous system regulation, reading books is a step to access the limitless possibilities which your mind can take you. I’ve found refuge in reading books for most of my life; to feel excited about learning something new, to develop empathy by understanding humanity, to connect. And what better way to encourage this hobby than joining a book club. A little over a month now we’ve exchanged ideas over a WhatsApp group chat where we were introduced to the purpose of the Book’d And Beautiful Book Club: to motivate the activity of regular reading, to learn and grow, and most importantly build a community. Founded by Kemoneilwe Montsho, born and raised in Zeerust, she grew weary of the social ills that this small town has normalized. There is an uncertainty and willingness to uncover the truth of our beings as she describes why the title ‘Book’d And Beautiful’: “To this day, I cannot define the word “normal”. There are parts of myself that I think are ugly sometimes, or not enough. And I want all of us to understand that we are normal in our variety. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with you for you’re beautiful just as you are!” It is this innovation that requires a critical approach to conceptualize reading as meaningful to our daily lives.

Kemoneilwe Montsho, founder of  Book’d And Beautiful

On the 16th of November 2025, we had our first book club meeting. With silence and greenery there was an openness in the air. New faces, new stories to share and hear… listening was a skill practiced through and through. We select a book to read for a month and link up to have a discussion, create space for debate, apply personal experiences for relativity and/or resonance. Our first book was ‘The Subtle Art of Not Giving A F*ck’ by Mark Manson. It has been deemed a controversial book where some people found it immature and repetitive, and others thought it was philosophical. There was no hesitation from the club members when it was suggested as our first read (except maybe from me because I had already read the book six or seven years ago, but was willing to re-read and contribute). The meeting commenced with an ice-breaker – ‘how are you feeling today?’, where members had to reflect on the previous month and track their inner compass. This exercise was not only important for self-introspection but served as a guide on how to interact with each other. Next on the agenda with a table filled with snacks and cooldrink was the chapter-to-chapter conversation where we explored the contents of the self-help book, personal lessons and decisions that have to be made moving forward. 

There’s a quote in Chapter 1 that summarises the collective takeaway from the book: “The key to a good life is not giving a fuck about more; it’s giving a fuck about less, giving a fuck about only what is true and immediate and important.” Choosing to care about the things that make you feel good about yourself without external influence, drawing inspiration from outlets that allow you to awaken your potential to be real, confronting issues that have dimmed your light for so long are the aims that we commit to apply in our day-to-day lives. This book club promises to develop a deeper analysis and conversation on multiple texts/books by welcoming different perspectives. It vows to lead with the intention of generating safety, mental and social balance, and the longing of community. Book’d And Beautiful removes the mask of perfection and invites you to come as you are, and leave as the version your higher self commands you to be. 

Image by Pixabay