Kenal diri: know yourself.
Mental health and self-development, through books
We read a mix of fiction, memoir and non-fiction. Some books follow people through grief, pressure or change. Others are about habits, confidence, money, relationships or how the mind works. Either way, we use them to understand ourselves a little better and to feel more able to shape our own lives.
How we talk about it
These themes come up inside the book discussion and the writing minutes, wherever the book takes us.
- With fiction and memoir, we start with the characters or the writer's own experience. Talking about someone else's story can be easier than talking about our own.
- With non-fiction, we start with the author's main idea, test it against our own experience, and argue about whether it holds up here in Kuantan, in our own lives.
- Najah sometimes adds background from psychology and education, and names the source so you can read more.
- You share as much or as little of yourself as you like. Listening is a full way to take part.
- Nobody at the club gives personal advice. The "one thing I'll try" round at the end is where an idea becomes a small action, and you choose your own step.
- Every session ends with a list of free support lines.
Who hosts
Najah Tarmizi holds a BSc in Psychology and a Master of Education in Educational Psychology. She started Kalamrasa so more people in Kuantan could grow into thoughtful, lifelong learners through books and honest conversation, and build a kinder community along the way.
Her training in psychology and education shapes the books we choose and how we talk about them. Kalamrasa is a book club, and Najah hosts it as a fellow reader. The club doesn't offer counselling, therapy, coaching, diagnosis or advice about anyone's own situation.
Themes we plan to read around
Mental health
- Grief and loss
- Anxiety and worry
- Burnout and rest
- Loneliness
- Body image
- Family expectations
Self-development
- Habits and discipline
- Confidence and speaking up
- Learning how you learn
- Study and career choices
- Money and independence
- Friendship and boundaries
- Purpose and meaning
- Change and starting over
Have a book or a theme in mind? Tell us at a session, or send us a message.
When you'd like professional help
For help with your own situation, speak to someone qualified to give it:
- a counsellor registered with Lembaga Kaunselor Malaysia
- a clinical psychologist registered with the Malaysian Allied Health Professions Council
- a doctor at a GP clinic or your nearest klinik kesihatan, who can refer you on
Background information at our sessions draws on public health sources such as the World Health Organization and the Ministry of Health Malaysia's MyHEALTH portal, and on published research. Read our health information note for more.
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.
Come to Session 1
Session 1 is on Saturday 7 November 2026 at The Bloom Society by Hajar, Kuantan. Bring your favourite book, fiction or non-fiction.