Spearheaded by Refilwe Legoka, the #ReadingDate revolution is really a fresh concept and one I’m glad I experienced. I missed the first edition in January but this past weekend I attended the February edition held at Pablo House in Melville and what an experience!
The idea is for fellow reading enthusiasts to meet at unconventional spaces around Joburg and bring their own South African/African authored book, to read silently. Followed by a discussion and mingling around the books they’ve just read. This takes about 2 hours of uninterrupted reading, then a discussion on the books; book festivals and anything book-related continues while we enjoy a meal or a drink. I met lovely new people and some faces in the book club space I have come to know and admire.
Pablo House was the perfect venue for this setup in terms of ambiance from the views, music selection, the meals and drinks on offer. The Pablo Dos Manos menu has a great selection of cocktails and food for the mingling part of the date. The house is a great option for accommodation on a night out in Melville actually, where you can end off a fun evening on the town but I digress 🙂
The photographs you see on the Reading Date page are taken by Mboneni Ratshikombo – please follow his page here to check out some of the day’s pictures.
There’s already a Midrand chapter of #ReadingDate by iGoli Dreams author, Anelile Gibixego – also follow her if you’re that side of town to explore the different places that Midrand has to offer.
The #ReadingDate revolution is here – and I’m loving it! March’s edition is already fully booked but you are welcome to email Refilwe on hello@refilwe.co.za to find out more information or to reserve your spot for the next one.
