I’ve attended book clubs in both Turkey and Lisbon, and they felt like completely different experiences.

In Lisbon, participants suggest books for the following month and vote on them together on Whatsapp. During the event, everyone breaks into small groups of four or five. The moderator provides questions to discuss, and groups reshuffle after each round of discussion. You get to hear different perspectives, meet new people, and spend most of the evening actively participating.

In Turkey, the book is chosen by the moderator. You have no influence over which book is read and discussed. The moderator does most of the talking during the book club. It’s their show. Participants can raise their hands and express their thoughts, and there is some participation, but it’s in front of a larger audience and tends to be more performative.

Many events I’ve attended in Turkey were designed for consumption rather than participation. There’s a speaker, and you’re there to listen. There’s an exhibition, and you’re there to view it. You’re present, but mostly as a “NPC” in someone else’s experience.

After doing it for so long, I can say that this isn’t the kind of life I find fulfilling. Creating is more satisfying than consuming. Being an active participant is more engaging than being a passive observer.

So my challenge is to take more responsibility: organize events, build communities, and create the kinds of experiences I want to be part of. It takes more effort, but hopefully will lead to a more fulfilling life.