As the year draws to a close, I’ve been reflecting on the incredible journey our book club has had. It’s been a year full of change, new adventures, and some unforgettable moments. I wanted to take a moment to share some of the highlights, the challenges, and the wonderful people who made this year special.
A Great Start to the Year
We kicked off the year with a memorable meet-up at Steps Cafe in Bandra on February 10th. It was such a fantastic start—getting to meet new faces was truly a highlight. We discussed the books we were excited about, shared some great recommendations, and everyone’s enthusiasm set the tone for what was to come. The vibe was relaxed, and we had some great discussions over cups of coffee. Although Third Wave Coffee is our all-time favourite spot for meetings, we made it a point to explore new cafes this year, like Blue Tokai and Coffee By Di Bella. It was fun to mix things up and see how the change of setting affected our conversations.
Some Changes Along the Way
Of course, like any year, we also faced some challenges. In June, I changed jobs, which made it harder for me to attend our regular meetings as often as I would have liked. I missed several sessions, and I truly felt the absence during those times. A special thanks to Ankur and Rajeshwari for their leadership and for ensuring the conversations stayed lively.
Saying Goodbye to Some Members
This year also brought some bittersweet goodbyes. Bhavik, one of our most regular and passionate members, moved to Boston for further studies, and Dhwani relocated to Germany. Both have been an integral part of our group, and it’s been hard not seeing them at our sessions. We’ve also had a few members, step away. Although we miss them, we’re all so proud of their personal journeys and hope that, in time, they’ll return to join us whenever they can. Our book club will always feel like home for them.
What’s Been Special
What I’ve loved most about this year is how our community has grown stronger. Despite the changes, we’ve shared some truly enriching discussions. Each session, whether big or small, brought out different perspectives, and it was beautiful to see everyone’s thoughts evolve over time. Big shoutout to Meher and Pritam, whose book recommendations often sparked the most interesting discussions, and Vikram, who would bring up different books. The diversity in our thoughts and the respect for each other’s opinions made our sessions feel like more than just a book club—they became a space for learning, growth, and friendship. We also have our new member Meenakshi.
Another highlight was how we embraced a variety of genres this year. Whether it was fiction, non-fiction, or even poetry, we made sure to try different types of books to keep things exciting. And of course, we can’t forget how Third Wave Coffee became synonymous with our meetings. There’s just something about their coffee that makes every discussion more meaningful. Still, trying Blue Tokai & Coffee By Di Bella for a change was a welcome shift and, and we got to discover new flavours and settings, which added a fun twist to our meet-ups!
Our Secret Santa was fun too!
Looking Ahead
As we wrap up this year, I’m excited about what’s to come. I’m eager to dive into more thought-provoking reads with my group. I’m hoping to attend more sessions next year, and I’m looking forward to exploring new cafes and spots that can be our next “book club headquarters.”
For those who’ve stepped away, know that you’ll always have a place in our group. And for anyone new who’s reading this and thinking about joining, we would love to have you! Our book club is all about sharing ideas, discovering new books, and building connections—there’s always room for more.
Thanks to everyone who made this year memorable. Here’s to more books, more coffee, and more incredible discussions in the year ahead!
