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.

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 WHAT BOOK TO BRING? (see below) or from JFT Library’s collection.
2. On the day of the event, we will meet via Zoom and in person at the Japan Foundation Toronto Library (2 Bloor St E #300, Toronto, ON M4W 1A8 Canada). *Click here to check how to get to our Library.
3. We will start with a quick introduction & ice-breaking activity (*Light refreshments will be served for in-person participants)
4. Participants will share their books and why they pick them up (2-3 minutes each)
5. Silent Reading Time: Participants will read the book they select anywhere in the library (or wherever they want if participating virtually). If you join the book club in-person, you can check the JFT Gallery exhibition to compare the showcased architectural photography with what is described in the book you read.
6. Optional Discussion Time: We will share what we have learned, what we think about the depictions of Japan’s built heritage, favourite works/quotes from your chosen book, suggestions for next reads, etc.

*There is no right or wrong answer. Different perspectives make the discussion more fun and vibrant!

WHAT BOOK TO READ?

A book to bring can be either a physical book, ebook, or audiobook (excluding DVDs & Blu-rays) that meets the following criteria:

• Theme: Japanese Architecture, Civil Engineering, and/or Landscapes (i.e., fiction, nonfiction, or manga about Japanese architecture, civil engineering, and/or landscapes); fiction, or manga featuring Japanese architecture, civil engineering, and/or landscapes written by Japanese author
• Language: Books can be written in any language (i.e. English, Japanese, French) but the book club meeting will be in English.

Check out JFT Library’s Book Lists to get ideas! 

• • • • • • JFT Library Item List on Japanese architecture, civil engineering, and/or landscapes *NOW AVAILABLE*
          • For those who cannot visit our library in person, check out ebooks/audiobooks on Japanese architecture, civil engineering, and/or landscapes at JF Digital Library!

*You can either select a book from the JFT Library’s collection, or bring your own copy from home (can be a book not in JFT library collection if it meets the criteria above).

• If you would like to bring a book that is not in JFT library collection, please consult us in advance with the book information. (We may consider the book for future library acquisitions.)  

*You can check whether the book is part of our collection by searching on our online catalogue (*to search physical & digital items) or JF Canada/USA Digital Library (*to search and read ebooks & audiobooks). Please contact us if you wish to confirm the availability with us.

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