I didn’t expect this to be the part I think about most after our reading nights.

I realized how much I genuinely love talking to people about the books they’re reading. It’s always the first thing I’m curious about. Why this book, why now, what made you pick it up. I could probably sit with each of you for more than five minutes and just talk about that alone.

And I think that’s where I always get a little stuck.

Because on one hand, I want to talk to everyone. I want to hear about what you’re reading, what you’re thinking about, what brought you here.

And on the other hand, I know not everyone comes in feeling social. Some of you just want to sit, read, and be in your own space. And I really want to respect that.

So I’m still figuring out that balance.

If you ever come in and you’re not feeling social, I completely understand. You can tell me. You can literally say, “Hey, not today,” and I will respect that.

And if you are feeling social, if you want to talk about what you’re reading, please come find me. I mean it. I’m always walking around, but I don’t always get to everyone the way I want to.

So find me and tell me about your book. I’m always curious.

I promise I won’t interrogate you… unless the book looks really good ◡̈

Also, quick note from our last reading night. Caffrey made an appearance. If you saw a cat casually moving around, that was him.

I think we can count him as an official Margins Club member at this point. I hope that was okay for everyone. I tried to check in, especially around allergies, but if I missed you, I’m really sorry.

Next week, we’re trying something new.

Our first article club will be on Thursday, March 26. It’ll follow a similar flow to a reading night, just with a shared article that we read and then talk about together after. A small space to nerd out a little.

Would you want the article ahead of time, or would you rather read it together there? And are you okay reading it on your phone if I share it as a QR code? I don’t have a printer right now, so this felt like the easiest way to keep things moving.

We’ll try it and adjust as we go, but I’d love your input in the poll.

We’re also doing another quiet reading night on March 31. Same idea, same pace.

What I’ve been reading (and looking forward to)

Lately, I’ve been trying to get out of a bit of a reading slump by pairing the audiobook with the physical book at the same time. I’ve been doing that with Project Hail Mary, and I’ve been enjoying it a lot more than I expected.

I’m also really looking forward to the movie adaptation, and Socratica’s Symposium event this weekend. Not sponsored, I promise!

If you ever want to talk about what you’re reading, or what’s been working for you, come find me for that too.

And one more thing.

I really want this to feel like something we’re building together.

Scribble with us in the margins

The margins were never meant to be just mine. They’re all of ours. The lines you underline, the thoughts you keep, the things you don’t say out loud but write down anyway.

If you ever feel like sharing something, even if it’s messy or unfinished, send it my way. A line, a paragraph, a rant, a reflection. I’ll share it with all of us here.

You can reply to this, email [email protected], or message me on Instagram at @themarginsclub.

Grateful for all of you ♡

Wholeheartedly,

Nour