Kalam: pen. Rasa: feeling.

A monthly book club in Kuantan for all readers and book lovers

Once a month we meet at The Bloom Society by Hajar with a short book and a matcha. Everyone gets heard, we disagree with respect, and the book is the starting point for talking about ourselves and the world. You don't need to be a big reader to join.

RSVP for Session 1 What happens at Session 1
[PHOTO: the corner of The Bloom Society by Hajar where we meet, with the lending shelf, in natural light. After Session 1, swap in a photo of members at the table, with their written consent.]
Our corner at The Bloom Society by Hajar

Session 1: bring your favourite book

There's no reading to do for the first session. Bring a book you love, or one that changed your mind about something, and tell the table about it in two minutes. It shows us what the group likes, so we can choose books people will want to read.

  1. Arrive, browse the lending shelf and pick up your Kalamrasa passport.
  2. A welcome, and a quick warm-up question to break the ice.
  3. Show and tell: two minutes each on the book you brought.
  4. Think, pair, share: write a few lines on one question, talk it over with the person next to you, then bring it to the table.
  5. Vote on our first book, and each say one thing you'll try before next month.

How a regular session runs

From Session 2, every meet-up follows the same order and lasts about 90 minutes.

  1. Sampai arrive

    Matcha, the shelf and your passport

    Your RM10 covers an OG matcha from The Bloom Society by Hajar. Browse the lending shelf, return what you borrowed, and collect a sticker for your passport.

    How the lending shelf works

  2. Tulis write

    Think on paper first

    Everyone gets a few quiet minutes with a question and a notebook before anyone speaks, so the quickest talkers don't decide where the conversation goes.

    Try our journaling prompts

  3. Bicara talk

    Pair up, then the whole table

    Talk it over with one person, then bring it to the group. Questions start with what the book says and climb to what you think of it and what you'd do with it. With a novel we begin with the characters; with non-fiction, with the author's main idea.

    Mental health and self-development

  4. Langkah step

    One thing you'll try

    We close by voting on the next book. Then each person names one small thing they'll try before we meet again: a question to ask someone, a habit to test, or another book to pick up.

    Session dates and the venue

How we talk to each other

  • Everyone gets a turn before anyone takes a second one.
  • Argue with the idea, and stay kind to the person.
  • Before you argue against a view, say it back in its strongest form. We call it the steelman challenge.
  • What people share at the table stays at the table.
  • Start with the book, its characters or its ideas. Share your own story only if you want to.
  • Listen without trying to fix anyone. The club doesn't give personal advice.
  • Spoilers wait until the end.

After the first few months, members take turns choosing a book and leading the session. Najah Tarmizi, who started Kalamrasa, hosts until then.

Pucuk teh dipetik di bukit,
Dibawa turun ke kota Kuantan;
Buku dibaca walau sedikit,
Akal terbuka, hati berteman.

Tea leaves picked on the hill, carried down to Kuantan town. Read a book, even a little, and the mind opens and the heart finds company.

Before your first session

I haven't read a book since school. Is this for me?
Yes. We choose short books, under 250 pages where we can, and you're welcome even if you didn't finish.
Who is it for?
All readers and book lovers (pencinta buku), whether you're studying, working, raising a family or retired. You don't need to be a big reader.
How much does it cost?
Session 1 is free. From Session 2 it's RM10, which covers an OG matcha from The Bloom Society by Hajar. Kalamrasa isn't run for profit.
What language do we speak?
Bahasa Melayu, English, or both in one sentence. Whatever comes easiest.
Do I have to talk?
Listening counts. You'll always get a turn, and you can pass.
Can I come on my own?
Yes. Session 1 starts with everyone talking about a book they brought, so you'll have something to say from the start.
Is this counselling or therapy?
No. Kalamrasa is a book club. We talk about books and the themes in them, and for help with your own situation we'll point you to qualified professionals.

More answers on the sessions page

If you need support today

Kalamrasa is a book club and doesn't provide counselling or therapy. For help with your own situation, these services are free and confidential.

Befrienders Kuala Lumpur24 hours, every day, calls from anywhere in Malaysia
03-7627 2929
Talian HEALMinistry of Health mental health line
15555
EmergencyPolice, ambulance and fire
999

Opening hours can change. Check the latest on each service's website, such as befrienders.org.my.

Save a seat for Session 1

There are 12 seats. Fill in the short RSVP form and we'll confirm your seat by email. The Bloom Society by Hajar kindly hosts us, but Kalamrasa keeps its own list, so please RSVP with us directly.

RSVP for Session 1

Questions before you RSVP? Message us on Instagram at @kalamrasa.kuantan.