By STANLEY NKWAZEMA

It is no long fiction nor tales by moonlight that the digital technology has no doubt turned the world into a global vilage, therefore affected our rreading culture and many now see ready hard copies of books as boring.

One group Books and Dessserts Book Club has taklen it as a challenge to continue writing and reading books. Formed in Abuja the federal Capital territory by like minds who either grew up together or attended same schools. Others are friends who joined them thereafter.

For Dr Somachi Kachikwu and Nma Nzerue, the founding members, Books and Desserts Book Club is more than a literary group. It is a global movement rooted in intellectual growth, cultural exchange, and intentional community building.

For over 12 years, Books & Desserts has evolved from a simple idea into a thriving international network of over 150 women across multiple continents.

Imterestingly, what began as two women seeking meaningful conversations around books has grown into a structured, purpose-driven community that fosters both personal and collective development.

The club was co-founded by Dr. Somachi Kachikwu, widely known as Dr. K, and Nma, whose leadership has been instrumental in shaping its identity and growth.

According to Nma, ‘ I have a deep interest in education, youth development, and personal growth. My literary journey is rooted in a love for reading and a commitment to helping young people find direction and confidence in their potential. I am driven by a simple belief: giving back’’

As Nma puts it, “At the heart of Books and Desserts is a simple belief: when women come together to learn, reflect, and support one another, real growth happens. For me, it has always been about creating a space where people feel seen, challenged, and inspired to become better versions of themselves.”

The co-founder, Dr Somachi Kachikwu, who is deeply engrossed in educational development ‘’I am committed to transforming how people learn, grow, and lead, with a strong focus on education, leadership, and the practical use of AI. My literary journey centers on using books and technology as tools for reflection, critical thinking, and meaningful dialogue. I am driven by a clear purpose: to make learning practical, impactful, and accessible while building communities that grow with intention.’’

As Somachi whose mother and former Aviation Minister and Ambassador Dr Kemafor Chikwe who is an avid reader, writer and teacher of note, explains: “For me, Books & Desserts has always been about creating a space where greatness is nurtured. A space where women are not just reading, but evolving, challenging themselves, and becoming more confident in who they are and how they show up in the world.”

Together, Soma and Nma have built more than a book club. They have built a community of thinking women who support, challenge, and grow with one another.

At the center of this global structure are the chapter hosts: dedicated women who lead each chapter with intentionality, consistency, and care.

These hosts are not just organizers. They are facilitators of meaningful conversations, curators of safe and engaging spaces, and drivers of community at the local level. They ensure that every meeting goes beyond surface-level discussion, encouraging members to reflect, contribute, and grow.

Their leadership Is what sustains the culture of Books & Desserts across different regions. Despite geographic and cultural differences, chapter hosts uphold the standard of depth, excellence, and sisterhood that defines the organization.

In many ways, they are the heartbeat of the community, translating vision into lived experience.

A Truly Global Community, Books & Desserts operates through chapters across Nigeria, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ghana, and a vibrant virtual chapter that connects members around the world. Current chapters include Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, DMV, Houston, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Toronto, the United Kingdom, Ghana, and the virtual community.

Each chapter reflects its local culture while maintaining the core values of depth, consistency, and growth.

At the heart of the organization with a culture of intentional reading is a distinct reading philosophy. Members do not simply read to complete books. They read to expand global awareness, challenge personal perspectives, apply lessons to real life, and strengthen confidence in their voices. Reading is paired with rich discussions, shared meals, and honest conversations that make the experience both intellectually engaging and deeply personal.

The Books and Desserts is not only a reading community. It has evolved from readers to creators. It is also a space that nurtures writers and creators. The club proudly includes both published and emerging authors such as Dr. Grace Nma Nzerue, Dr. Somachi Kachikwu, Beatrice Ajibola, Adaora Onyechere Sydney-Jack, Sarah Ugamah, and Ufedo Love Illah.

This shift from reader to creator reflects the club’s broader mission: to empower women not only to consume knowledge, but also to contribute meaningfully to it.

The group recognizes the fact that reading is evolving in a constantly changing world. As digital tools and artificial intelligence become more present in everyday life, the club is adapting through hybrid reading formats, community-based learning, and more applied approaches to reflection and discussion. AI can support deeper engagement with texts, but the discipline of reading, thinking critically, and forming one’s own perspective remains essential.

A key concern for the group is the decline in reading habits among younger people and equally addressing the reading gap. In response, Books and Desserts organizes reading drives and community outreach initiatives designed to strengthen reading culture and help younger generations appreciate the long-term value of books.

This commitment reflects the group’s broader interest in education, mentorship, and social impact beyond its membership.

More so, across the different chapters, reading culture takes on different expressions. The West African chapters, particularly in Nigeria and Ghana, tend to be vibrant, discussion-driven, and socially engaging, often favoring in-person meetings and physical books. Chapters in the United States and United Kingdom tend to emphasize structure, scheduling, and consistency, while the virtual chapter provides inclusion and flexibility for global participation. What remains constant across all chapters is the depth of conversation and commitment to growth.

The club also points to a broader cultural and industry issue, therefore pushing forward the African storytelling opportunity. In many Western markets, books often become films and films often inspire books because publishing, media, and film industries are strongly connected. In Africa, that ecosystem is still evolving, and funding and distribution gaps continue to slow adaptation opportunities. Even so, the momentum is changing. As investment in African stories grows, the opportunity for more book-to-screen transitions is becoming increasingly real. Communities like Books and Desserts play an important role in amplifying African authors and helping those stories travel further.

In a fast-paced, digitally driven world, Books and Desserts offers something increasingly valuable: a space where women can engage deeply, think critically, and grow intentionally.

It is not simply about reading books. It is about shaping perspectives, building confidence, nurturing greatness, and creating a generation of women who are informed, reflective, and empowered.