Key person: Jessica M, professor at New York Institute of Technology in Abu Dhabi, School of Architecture and Interior Design.
Accomplices: Mohammed El-shishtawy, pharmacist working at Al Rahba Hospital, Mohamamed Abu Esmail, banker in Corporate banking, Amr Amr,pharmacy sales person in Bristol Myers Squibb and Wella Maria.
The group was founded August 25, 2009. It consists of a 150 plus members. The members are from every facet of society: architects, professors, teachers, engineers, pharmacists. doctors, dentists, authors, salesmen….
Jessica M: I joined in September 2009 and took over running the group in January 2010 because our founding member left the UAE.
The Pitch:
Jessica M: We meet at the end of each month. The members that attend the Meetup regularly decide on the book topic to be reviewed, and this is decided via a poll in our Meetup group shell. We read the book that has the most votes. We read mostly contemporary books and sometimes it’s the classics.
Amr Amr: Normally the poll is up, and we forget about it, and Jessica finally decides.. Democracy takes place. Hahah!
Mohammed El-shishtawy: We are given a month to read a book. And novels are our favourites… it makes us think and get convinced by the “idea” that “idea” can change lives.
Wella Maria: At best, we are near virtual strangers to each other yet we come together with our passion for unearthing subplots, assassinating characters and connecting stories. In our meager hours each month we take a breather from the conundrum of corporate life here in the
UAE to expand ourselves through discussing overarching themes in life. We come and go, but we leave no page unturned as we delve into discussions branched out to exhaustive measures.
Mohammed Abu Esmail: We relate the book to the current society and it’s cultural issues and we pick out the values and principles from it.
Mohammed El-shishtawy: The members are from all the corners of the world; they have different backgrounds and are from all walks of life, and that is something that enriches our meetings and gives our discussions a unique taste.
Jessica M: I see the group as a public forum to discuss our personal thoughts on the book subjects. These thoughts lead to other ideas and specific experiences. This is why I am so interested in the group. My past time is learning about others especially in a place and time of such rich cultural diversity.
The Message:
We are a friendly English-language book club that meets in Abu Dhabi one evening each month to discuss a particular book and other subjects of interest. So, if you’re around the area, do come, there’s almost always something to talk about. Both male and female of all ages are encouraged to attend our book meetups. Go to http://www.meetup.com/abudhabibookclub/ and become a member.
