Thank you to all those who participated in JFT Book Club (Hybrid) – With Silent Reading Time – LGBTQIA+ Books!

Sharing some comments from our participants!

“Wonderful experience, loved discover new manga recommendations and also hearing others opinions on their chosen books.”
—Prerna 

“Had a lovely time tonight! Thank you! :)”
—Anonymous

Please continue to check the JFT’s website and newsletters for future book club information.

Check out the list of books that were selected by the book club participants below or download the full list PDF file with the books synopsis.

*Check out more books from JFT Library’s LGBTQIA+ Book Lists!

• • Physical books on LGBTQIA+ or with LGBTQIA+ character(s)
  • Ebooks & audiobooks on LGBTQIA+ or with LGBTQIA+ character(s)

JFT Library is starting a new type of hybrid book club meeting where book lovers are invited to read a book in silence in the library (or wherever they want if participating virtually) and engage in optional discussion!

The theme for the upcoming book club is “LGBTQIA+” in honor of Pride Season in June. This hybrid gathering aims to be an inclusive space where individuals of all backgrounds can connect and learn. Whether you identify as LGBTQIA+ or simply wish to support and understand this vibrant community, we encourage you to join us to celebrate the diverse narratives and important themes related to LGBTQIA+ experiences through Japan-related literature!

WHY JOIN JFT BOOK CLUB “WITH SILENT READING TIME”?

Many of us simply want more time to read but cannot squeeze the time in, as we have too many distractions and interruptions in our daily lives to concentrate on reading. JFT Book Club with Silent Reading Time offers a sanctuary to indulge in the simple pleasure of reading, surrounded by fellow book enthusiasts who share your love for literature.

In addition, we provide an optional space for those who wish to connect and discuss their reading experiences with others. Engage in conversations at your comfort level and learn new perspectives from other book lovers from different cultural backgrounds that you wouldn’t gain from reading alone! It’s a safe space where your thoughts and impressions are valued, regardless of whether you choose to actively participate or quietly absorb the conversations around you.

We welcome both seasoned book club members and first-time participants to discover the joy of silent reading without the pressures of finishing an assigned book on time and/or participating in mandatory discussions.

Register Here    

If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to email us at library_jftoronto@jpf.go.jp.

HOW DOES THE UPCOMING JFT BOOK CLUB WORK?

1. Once you register for the event, find a book to read based on the criteria listed in WHERE YOU CAN FIND A BOOK TO READ? (see below) or from JFT Library’s LGBTQIA+ Book Lists (physical books & ebooks/audiobooks)
2. You can choose to start reading the book of your choice before or on the day of the book club. 
3. On the day of the event, we will meet via Zoom and in person at Japan Foundation Toronto Library (2 Bloor St E #300, Toronto, ON M4W 1A8 Canada). *Click here to check how to get to our Library.
4. We will start with a quick introduction & ice-breaking activity (*Light refreshments will be served for in-person participants)
5. 1-hour Silent Reading Time: Participants will read the book they select anywhere in the library or wherever they want if participating virtually.
6. Optional Discussion Time: We will share what we have learned, what we think about the depiction of the LGBTQIA+ community(ies)/character(s), favorite moments from your chosen book, etc.
   *There is no right or wrong answer. Different perspectives make the discussion more fun and vibrant!

WHERE YOU CAN FIND A BOOK TO READ?

• A book to read can be either a physical book, ebook, or audiobook that meets the following criteria:
  • • Theme: LGBTQIA+ (i.e., fiction, nonfiction, or manga about Japanese LGBTQIA+ community(ies); fiction, nonfiction, or manga portraying LGBTQIA+ community(ies)/character(s) written by Japanese author)
    • Language: The book can be written in any language (i.e. English, Japanese, French) but the book club will be in English
• Participants can either select a book from the JFT Library’s collection, or bring their own copy from home (can be a book not in JFT library collection if it meets the criteria above).
  • • You can search the JFT Library’s collection on our online catalogue (*to search physical & digital items) or JF Canada/USA Digital Library (*to search and read ebooks & audiobooks).
• Check out JFT Library’s LGBTQIA+ Book Lists to get ideas!
  
  • Physical books on LGBTQIA+ or with LGBTQIA+ character(s)
  • Ebooks & audiobooks on LGBTQIA+ or with LGBTQIA+ character(s)

To get a new JFT library card or to renew your existing card, please follow the instructions found here.

Related Programming:

Hush! (Pride film screening)

Thursday, June 29, 6:00PM (ET) at JFT Event Hall

In celebration of Pride Month, join us for a community film screening of the award-winning Hush!, a landmark piece of Japanese LGBTQ cinema directed by pioneering filmmaker HASHIGUCHI Ryosuke. Winner of several festival awards, Hush! was also an official selection at the 2002 Cannes Film Festival.

Naoya and Katsuhiro are boyfriends, new in their relationship. Things are uneven at first—Naoya is open and free while Katsuhiro is cautious and closeted—but nothing compares to the chaos that arrives when Asako, a troubled woman with a history of psychiatric problems, abortions, and casual sex, asks Katsuhiro to conceive a child with her.

Register here

Previous Book Clubs

JFT Book Club Online – Manga: After the Rain by MAYUZUKI Jun -April 24, 2023

 

JFT Book Club Online – Three Short Works by NISHI Kanako: On beauty, the Female Experience and Othering – February 8, 2023

 

JFT Book Club Online: Temple Alley Summer by KASHIWABA Sachiko – September 15, 2022

JFT Book Club Online: Manga – June 15, 2022

JFT Book Club Online: Bring Your Own Book – April 13, 2022

 

JFT Book Club Online: The Woman in the Purple Skirt by Natsuko Imamura
– February 9, 2022

JFT Book Club Online:
Colorful by Eto Mori
– November 10, 2021

JFT Book Club Online: Heaven by Mieko Kawakami – August 12, 2021

JFT Book Club Online: Manga – June 10, 2021

JFT Book Club Online: Bring Your Own Book – April 8, 2021

JFT Book Club Online: The Memory Police – February 11, 2021

JFT Book Club Online: Breasts and Egg – November 5, 2020

JFT Book Club Online: Travel Japan – August 20, 2020

JFT Book Club Online – June 11, 2020

Memoirs of a Polar Bear – February 20, 2020

The Little House – December 12, 2019

Mystery Book Club – October 10, 2019

Movies and Books – August 8, 2019

 

Books and Tea – June 6, 2019