
Durags, bandana's, faded jeans, and snapbacks dominated the tranquil surroundings of the Botanic Gardens in Lilongwe as the Soar to Infinity (S2i) Book Club held its 6th monthly meeting this year. No surprise as the theme of this
book club meeting, held on 4th August, was "The 90's". The air was infused with intellectual energy and artistic expression as the event attracted book lovers, personal development enthusiasts, and art aficionados eager to engage in stimulating discussions and experience captivating performances.
The event's highlight was the in-depth discussion of Paulo Coelho's renowned novel, The Alchemist. Participants delved into the novel's themes of pursuing one's dreams, the importance of resilience, and the transformative power of following one's personal legend. The dialogue was both passionate and reflective, with members sharing how the book's timeless lessons resonated with their personal journeys.
Adding a unique dimension to the event, a series of performances captivated the audience. Refilwe delivered three moving spoken word pieces that echoed the themes of self-discovery, disappointment, and perseverance found in The Alchemist. Lu and Drey enchanted the crowd with their soulful singing, accompanied by melodic guitar, creating a harmonious atmosphere that perfectly complemented the reflective nature of the book discussion. Kond1 energized the gathering with his powerful rap about the need to live a strong legacy, inspiring listeners to think deeply about the impact they want to leave behind. Thima brought the event to a culturally rich close with a mesmerizing performance using only a Karimba, an instrument deeply rooted in traditional African music.
The serene environment of the Botanic Gardens provided the perfect backdrop for the event, allowing participants to connect with nature as they engaged in meaningful conversations and enjoyed the artistic performances. The meeting concluded with members choosing Ikigai as the next book to read and discuss.

There was no shortage of fun and laughter at the meeting as icebreaker activities and games were part of it.
Soar to Infinity (S2i) Book Club is a platform for individuals seeking to elevate their lives through reading, dialogue, and artistic expression. The August event at Botanic Gardens was a testament to the club's commitment to fostering a community of lifelong learners dedicated to self-improvement and personal mastery. The rest of the book discussion was captured on video and can found on this link.

