The first Ukrainian book club in the city appeared in New York

The Ukrainian Book Club in New York brings together Ukrainians, Americans of Ukrainian descent and everyone who loves to read. About how and where to get books, literary evenings and much more is said in the video of the publication "Voice of America".

Maria Genkin, co-owner of the Ukrainian book club in New York, spoke about the reasons for its creation. According to her, every time she flew home, she brought back a large number of books with her back to New York. But there was no one to discuss what was read, she recalls. Therefore, together with their friends, and now co-owners of business, they decided to create the first book club in the largest city in the United States of America.

Now the Ukrainian Book Club in New York unites not only Ukrainians, but also Americans of Ukrainian origin. Overall, its doors are open to anyone who likes to read. Maria calls club meetings “social therapy”.

Initially, not too many people came to the club. However, over time, the circle of visitors expanded. Now at least 10 people come to monthly meetings that take place every one and a half to two months.

The members of the club choose books to read by voting. They are often guided by what works have been awarded prizes and awards in Ukraine. The hardest part is finding printed copies in New York, Maria notes. The fact is that there are no Ukrainian books in America. Therefore, they have to be ordered in Ukraine. Relatives and friends of the club members who fly to the USA deliver books from Ukraine.

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Maria dreams of book clubs all over America. Moreover, there is a potential for this. This, she believes, will help Ukrainians read more books by contemporary Ukrainian authors. “Books are the foundation on which the community can come together. And then we will have a community of readers, ”she says. If such a community is formed, then more readers will be able to come to meetings with Ukrainian writers visiting New York, she is convinced.

Other club members support Maria's idea. Reportedly, a hundred such clubs across America is a very real figure. Starting a book club only takes a handful of active founders to post the meetings and how they went on social media.

Despite the fact that New York is covered by the coronavirus epidemic and residents of the city remain in quarantine at home, the next meeting of the club will be held on schedule. Only its format will change - the meeting will be held online.

Recall that we previously wrote about how one girl opened a pencil shop in New YorkI dreamed about since childhood.