Riyadh - January 21, 2025, book lovers and aspiring authors from all over the world convened at the Al Jalees Book Club in Riyadh for the “Writing Across Nations” discourse session. The goal of this event, which was organized in association with the US Embassy, was to build a thriving literary community by fostering relationships between writers and readers.
A Platform for Creative Exchange:
The Al Jalees Book Club, established in 2014 by Rana Hajjar, is a friendly environment for both domestic and foreign readers. "I started it because I wanted a space to fit in, a community that understands my interest," Hajjar said while describing her goals for the organization. The club's Arabic and English divisions help to foster conversations that cut beyond cultural boundaries.
Participants in the "Writing Across Nations" event interacted with well-known American academics, poets, and novelists who provided details about their writing processes. The renowned poet and dramatist Tom Sleigh stressed the value of finding one's own voice instead of evaluating oneself against well-known writers. "The uniqueness that one offers in one's work is what determines true talent and audience intrigue," he said.
Expanding Literary Horizons:
Since its founding, the Al Jalees Book Club has organized more than 700 events with more than 120 speakers. Its reach was further expanded during the COVID-19 epidemic by switching to internet versions, which enabled involvement from all over the world. According to Hajjar, a book club has a beneficial effect on people and their communities when it develops into a cultural center.
Future prospects:
Al Jalees intends to raise the frequency of its English events to biweekly sessions and extend its Arabic chapter from Jeddah to Riyadh. This expansion shows a dedication to fostering a varied literary culture that embraces authors and readers from all walks of life.
Conclusion:
Al Jalees Book Club is still essential in bringing together literary voices around the globe and encouraging imagination and cooperation among book lovers.
