Today we’d like to introduce you to Raven Boxie.
Hi Raven, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I fell back in love with reading towards the end of 2022 and by the end of 2023 I had read over 65 books. After devouring a new book I immediately wanted to share my thoughts with someone, so I would talk to my sister and best friend about the books (which they didn’t even read/plan to). Of course they would play along, but I kept thinking I wish I had a group of people that I could share those thoughts with that had read the book. I eventually started the book club in November of 2023 with our first book being Never Lie by Freida McFadden and only three other people showed up including my sister at a wine bar. After posting more on social media and gaining more attention, we now have over 170 subscribed members. Each month we have a social event and a book club meeting to discuss that current month’s book pick.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There has been many ups and downs where on multiple occasions I would reach out to my peers and ask if I should just end the book club. One of the main struggles I faced was attendance, where a lot of people would say they would attend but then sometimes not even a fraction would show up. Often times it became discouraging and I kept pondering on what am I doing wrong or can do better to retain attendance each month. Even now, I am always welcoming feedback on how we can continue to build a community where people feel seen and accepted. I am so grateful to my team and members who have stuck with me during this entire journey and given me great advice along the way.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Let’s Wine About Books book club was started in hopes of building an inclusive community where we could w(h)ine about the books we love, hated, or couldn’t even finish over a glass of wine or two.
Each month we rotate book genres including, but not limited to, books turned into movies, sci-fi thrillers, and romance. We then vote on what we read for that given month and meet to discuss.
I am most proud of creating a safe space where members can meet new people, talk about books and wine, and try out different book genres they never tried before.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Be patient and always remember why you are doing what you are doing. Whether it’s only one other person showing up or 100, appreciate those that want to be part of the book club and don’t let it stop you. Also, be okay to ask for help. I always try to do everything on my own and it can be taxing. After getting a board with four other members (De’Avione Mellieon, Howard Mokolo, Gabriella Metoyer, and Alexandria Green) things have moved more smoothly and eased the load off my back.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lwabbookclub?igsh=MWFpYzlrOHM3MjZhaA==
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@lwabbookclub?_t=ZT-8vEMtzKLbel&_r=1
Image Credits
De’Avione Mellieon, LWAB Content Creator | Board Member
