Casa Árabe is announcing the creation of a Reading Club at its Madrid headquarters, with the promise of exploring the literary wealth of the Arab world in all its diversity, variety and dynamic energy.

With a varied and captivating literary offering, Casa Árabe’s Reading Club aims to immerse its participants in a cultural journey through the pages of internationally acclaimed authors. From the most profound works of Arab writing to classics from world literature, the club’s program reflects the complexity and diversity of Arab societies and history.

The Book Club has been divided into different time periods, and discounts will be given to anyone who signs up for more than one period. Participants will get the chance to explore a selection of significant literary works in close detail, thus encouraging dialogue and the sharing of ideas in an enriching environment.

The first period, which will last from May 7 to July 2, will introduce a captivating selection of works that include “Madre de leche y miel” (Mother of Milk and Honey) by Najat El Hachmi, “The Stranger” by Albert Camus, and “Ice” by Anna Kavan, along with other fascinating titles.

The second period, to begin on September 10 and end on December 17, will offer an exciting variety of books which range from “Too Loud a Solitude” by Bohumil Hrabal to “Frankenstein in Baghdad” by Ahmed Saadawi.

In order to participate in the Reading Club, you must attend the first session after having read the first book. In addition, Casa Árabe will be explaining how the club works once participants have signed up. The sessions will be facilitated by Javier Fonseca, from the Escuela de Escritores.

Javier Fonseca
A writer of children’s and youths’ literature who has authored more than twenty publication in his own name or with a pen name (Isaura Lee), including Pastel de moras (Blackberry Pie, published by Algar eds. 2013), El visitante del otro lado (The Visitor from the Other Side, Diquesí eds. 2016) and Zampalabras (Word Eater, Nórdica eds. 2018), 17+85 españoles geniales que lograron su sueño (17+85 Amazing Spaniards Who Lived Their Dream, 1785 eds. 2019), Amigos imaginarios (Imaginary Friends, San Pablo eds. 2020) and La familia Muchasleguas(The Manyleagues Family, La Esfera de los Libros 2020).

At the Escuela de Escritores, he teaches children’s and youth writing and creative writing and storytelling for young people and adults, projects and children’s and youth writing in the Specialization Course in Teaching Creative Writing and Children’s Poetry in the Master’s Degree in Poetry. Since 2014, he has also been responsible for the children’s and youth book recommendations given by the cultural magazine Adiós. He occasionally contributes to other cultural publications (Cuatrogatos, LIJ digital magazine) and radio shows (La estación azul de los niños, RNE). Along with this, he coordinates youth and adult reading clubs at public libraries, in bookstores and on digital platforms. He is also an oral storyteller, telling stories in squares, cafés, universities... or any other space where people might be willing to listen.

He combines his literary work with a dedication to creative thinking and social awareness. He has been a university professor (USP-CEU) and has worked at Cáritas Española for more than ten years as national head of development education, training and volunteering.