Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
Once a vibrant hub of literary talent, Bulawayo has produced some of Zimbabwe’s finest authors, including Philani Amadeus Nyoni and NoViolet Bulawayo (born Elizabeth Zandile Tshele). Yet, over time, a pressing question has emerged: who still reads?
The reading culture in the city has been dwindling, but a dedicated group, the Bulawayo Book Club, is stepping in like knights in shining armour to resuscitate this vital aspect of community life. The book club is playing a key role in promoting a love for reading, especially among young people.
The club discourages pirated digital copies and supports local authors, showing its commitment to uplifting the community. Moreover, the club provides a nurturing environment for aspiring writers. Members are encouraged to share their work at meetings, receiving constructive feedback that fosters growth and creativity.
Each month, the club selects a book for its members to read and discuss. This month, the club is diving into What Happened to Rick Astley? by Bulawayo-based, award-winning local author, Bryony Rheam.
Author and book club member, Raisedon Baya, described the upcoming author-reader conversation as a game changer. He emphasised the importance of these face-to-face moments, stating that they help bridge the gap between writers and readers, making literature more engaging and accessible.
“You get to interrogate the author, get to hear what inspired the writing, and share thoughts that you can’t get from the book. Most importantly, it is important to just interact with the writer; some readers may be writers or want to write in the future. Tips could be shared. Authors also get to hear what readers think about their writing and what they want to read in the future.”
In today’s digital age, striking a balance between promoting traditional reading habits and embracing digital content is crucial. Baya suggested that introducing book clubs in schools could be a powerful way to promote reading.
“We need to get young people to read stuff they enjoy and want to read, not prescribed texts. Create competitions and activities around reading,” he advised.
“There’s so much digital content around, and children or young people need to consume as much as they can. However, there’s also a need to teach them how to select content that grows them, not harms them.”
Another club member, Maggie Soul Bird, who is also a singer, shared her passion for reading and its impact on her creative outlets.
“Reading is my inlet, it feeds my outlets. As a writer, reading others’ work teaches me what I need to know about the craft. It’s important to me not just for entertainment, but also for its educational and informative value. Reading time is a moment of freedom, the story captures me and takes me to places unknown without a dime in my purse,” she said.
She highlighted how book clubs help encourage people to buy books.
“Some people like reading but don’t like buying books. When such a person mingles with other readers who buy books, they too may become encouraged to do the same, thereby supporting writers,” Maggie’s Soul Bird noted.
“Book clubs help build a network, and this network can even go beyond reading and books as members probably have other interests, businesses, etc.,” she added.
As a book club member, Maggie hopes for more engagement and networking opportunities, aiming for a consistent and lasting initiative.
She believes that nurturing a reading culture in children from an early age is crucial for their education and overall growth.
“It’s sad when I see books dumped carelessly in some homes without care, as it shows the lack of a reading culture.”
The Bulawayo Book Club’s dedication shows the need to revive the city’s reading culture. Their efforts can help Bulawayo regain its place as a lively centre for literature and keep the love of reading alive. – @MbuleloMpofu
