About Asia Book Club of NYC

We read and discuss works of fiction by Asian authors (with Asian settings), as well as non-fiction books about Asian history and current events. My thought is that in order to begin to know and understand a country or a region, to get a deeper, more nuanced understanding of the people, their culture, their country - it makes sense to read both the “hard stuff” (history, etc.), and “soft stuff” (novels, etc.). Of course it is a hopelessly broad ‘category’, but our book club’s previous incarnation – all history books – was even wider! I think for a general interest, layperson audience, this approach, albeit dauntingly broad, will be fun and perhaps lead us to places we might not otherwise have gone.

An important reason for starting the Asia Book Club is simply because of – selfishly – my own personal interest. I lived in Asia for 6 years and have traveled there regularly for business and pleasure for about 15 years. In my work as an investment manager, I believe there are few more important things to focus on in the years ahead then Asia. Finally, as a Buddhist I practice a religion (for lack of a better word) begun in Asia 2500 years ago. As a result of all these interactions, I’ve become more and more engaged and intrigued with “Asia”. As I’ve read more and more over the years – initially mostly history but more recently novels by Indian and Chinese authors (as well as watching more and more Asian films) - I’ve decided with this new club to focus my leisure activity on what has become a lifelong passion.

RULES OF THE ROAD
First, I hate rules. Never did like the darn things. We all live in a world where between our jobs and just getting through the day we are constantly faced with heaps of often ridiculous rules. We’re here for fun – the last thing we need is a drill sergeant or a membership manual. So… rule #1 is have as few rules as possible and ignore the ones we have for the slightest excuse.

All that being said, I learned as organizer of the History Book Club of NYC for a year and a half, that a couple simple procedures (nicer word than rules?) makes the club better, more fun.

Book Selection:
For the first 6 months, I will choose the books in order to sort of set the path, establish a sense of what I want the club to be about. After 6 months we'll go back to the way we made selections before when it was the History BC: at the end of each meeting, those in attendance will nominate books to be read for the next meeting and then we’ll vote and choose. So that by the end of the meeting we know what the selection is for the next meeting. Whoever's book is chosen will be the moderator for that meeting.

What types, genres of books will we read?

- Non-fiction: history, current events, social, political, financial, travel – and any other book that, when nominated by a member at a meeting, the rest of the members at that meeting think is okay. Not only do I like fewer rules, I like flexible parameters.

- Fiction: novels and short stories (we may choose to watch some films on DVD or maybe go as a group to see one at a theater)

Meeting Dates:
We will meet on Wednesdays at 7pm. Usually meetings will be six weeks apart.