BOOKISH AFFAIRS REVIEW

Our country, while beautiful, tends to have a very narrow scope of recreational activities and events. Outside of sports, academics, and dance clubs, there are very few places for teens and young adults to meet and discuss their hobbies. These spaces mostly exist online where it can seem like speaking into a void sometimes. This is why I was so excited when I first heard about the Bookish Affairs event.

An event specifically for people who love to immerse themselves in the world of books and stories! Just the thought of it filled me with joy. Of course, I had heard of similar events for people with different niche interests and fandoms, but nothing for readers, organised by readers. The excitement I felt in the days leading up to the event was overwhelming. Just knowing that it would be filled with activities I’d love, doubled my anticipation! I wanted to make sure everything was perfect on my end, which meant promoting it on my own platforms to spread the word, picking out which books I was going to take to trade and discuss, and most importantly, choosing an outfit.

The first thing that caught my attention was the ‘Trope Ranking Board’, which is essentially exactly what it sounds like; a section where a bunch of the attendees were gathered around a ranking board discussing and arguing which romance book trope is superior, and which is “absolute trash that should never be made into print” (not my words I swear).

On Saturday, 19th October, I finally had the pleasure of attending the Bookish Affairs convention. The event was a vibrant celebration of literature, offering a diverse range of activities that catered to all aspects of book appreciation. All I can say is that upon arrival, I felt a sense of familiarity and belonging, not only because of the few people I knew there, but also because of the knowledge of being surrounded by all those kind, creative, and imaginative people who were all there to share the same interests as me.

The first thing that caught my attention was the ‘Trope Ranking Board’, which is essentially exactly what it sounds like; a section where a bunch of the attendees gathered around a ranking board discussing and arguing which romance book trope is superior, and which is “absolute trash that should never be made into print” (not my words I swear). It was so fascinating to see that there were generally some unanimously loved tropes like “enemies-to-lovers” and unanimously hated ones like “incest” which I have to say is very valid. There were also lots of constructive discussions and disagreements between people about various other tropes and book titles. For instance, although not everyone agreed, the Twilight series and the works of author Colleen Hoover were overwhelmingly condemned, much to the disappointment of the readers who enjoy those titles.

Next, I made a stop at the Book Swap table, where attendees brought gently used books to exchange with others. There was lots of excitement as people rummaged through the stacks, discovering new titles and authors. I had many discussions with people about the books they had brought to swap and even had to negotiate my way into getting someone to swap their book for mine instead of someone else. It worked because I traded in my copy of The Fault in Our Stars by John Green for The Cruel Prince by Holly Black, which is a book I’ve heard great reviews about and have been wanting to get my hands on for a while.

After walking around for a bit and spending way too much money on bookmarks, posters and stickers, I made my way to the friendship bracelet making station (of course I had to, it’s the Swiftie in me). There I met even more book enthusiasts who shared my passion for literature and pop culture. As we threaded beads and exchanged stories, our conversations flowed effortlessly. At first it shocked me that when I brought up an opinion on a book or an author, I’d be met with agreement from everyone at the table. It soon dawned on me that we were just somehow all in sync! However, even on the topics where we had differences, everyone was just so genuinely kind and willing to listen to one another leading to more open-minded discussions.

You know those TikToks that have “What Was I Made For?” by Billie Eilish in the background while words on the screen describe what girlhood is? This was that moment for me. And even though my already long “To Be Read” list is suffering, I’m so grateful for those conversations I had and the connections I forged in that moment, no matter how temporary. The colourful bracelets on my wrist now serve as tangible reminders of them.

The poetry open mic session was such a wonderful part of the day’s events. Hearing all those brave voices who took to the stage to share their original work, and seeing it resonate deeply with the audience was such a heart-warming experience. I couldn’t help but feel proud of these people – who were really only strangers to me – because I of course, have neither the talent to write my own poetry, nor the courage to get on a stage and recite it. I hope these poets know that they helped create a safe space for self-expression, and echoing the convention’s core spirit; celebration of the written word.

I left the book convention with my heart filled with gratitude, my bookshelf expanded with new titles, and my pockets a little lighter. The event reminded me that while reading is a wonderful solitary activity, there’s so much added joy that comes with sharing the experience, and forging lasting connections with fellow book enthusiasts. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for a convention next year, eager to reunite with the lovely people I met, and create more unforgettable memories.