A Journey Between the Pages: From 0 to 40+ Books in A Year & Hosting A Book Party

At the start of 2024, I was in the midst of a personal transition. Having recently resigned from a job that no longer fulfilled me, I was eager to find new ways to grow and thrive. One of my New Year's resolutions was to develop a habit that could bring me joy, and I decided to give reading a try. Back then, I had no real reading habit and the idea of finishing even one book seemed intimidating. But as the weeks went by, I found myself falling in love with the process. Books became a refuge, offering me stories and perspectives that helped me rediscover my passion for life.

As I write this now, I'm amazed to realize that I've gone from reading 0 books a year to completing 40++ books in 2024. Each book has left an indelible mark on me, deepening my love for reading and broadening my perspective on life.

This newfound love for reading didn't stay a private pursuit for long. A friend of mine, Salman, noticed my growing interest in books and suggested me to join a book club he was part of. Initially hesitant, I decided to give it a try. Joining the club felt like everything was falling into place; it was as though I had found a community of people who not only shared my enthusiasm but also inspired me to broaden my literary horizons.

Not long after becoming a member, I found myself being offered an exciting opportunity: to host one of the club's monthly gatherings, partnered with Salman. The theme? A Matchmaking Book Party—an event designed to bring members closer together through books and thoughtful gestures.

The preparation process was an adventure in itself. The core idea was to match each member with a book and theme they liked the most while also incorporating an element of surprise and connection. Each member was asked to bring a book they loved, which I wrapped beforehand to add mystery. Then, using a "book matchmaking quiz," I paired members with books that aligned with their interests or challenged them to try something new.

To make the event even more engaging, we introduced a fun twist: postcards. Each participant received a postcard to write a message—either anonymously or signed—that they could send to someone in the group. These messages could be anything from a thank-you note to a fun or encouraging comment. On the day of the event, these postcards were delivered to their recipients by our very own "cupid." Watching everyone exchange smiles, laughter, and heartfelt words as they received their postcards made the event truly special.

When the day finally arrived, I was both anxious and thrilled. Seeing the members' smiles and hearing their laughter as they unwrapped their mystery books and read their postcards made all the effort worthwhile. The discussions that followed were lively, with members sharing how the "matched" books resonated with them—or surprised them. What struck me the most was how this simple event brought everyone closer, sparking conversations that extended well beyond books.

Another unexpected and wonderful outcome of joining the book club was making so many new friends. These aren't just acquaintances; they're people who share the same passion for reading and stories. Over time, we've become close, and our bond has extended beyond the club. We've started having activities together outside of book discussions, from movie nights and cafe hopping to casual hangouts. It's incredible to have found a group of people who enrich my life in so many ways.

Reflecting on this journey, I realize how much the book club—and books themselves—have transformed me. They've made me more open-minded, empathetic, and curious. The Matchmaking Book Party, in particular, showed me that I'm capable of creating experiences that bring people together. More than just a hobby, reading has become a bridge to new relationships, self-discovery, and growth.

This year has been full of firsts for me: my first serious foray into books, my first time joining a community centered on them, and my first experience hosting an event. If there's one thing I've learned, it's that the magic of books isn't just in the stories they tell, but in the connections they help create—both with ourselves and with others.

I may have started the year as someone unsure if I could finish a single book, but now, 40ish books later, I've discovered an entirely new side of myself—one that's ready for many more chapters to come.