Looking for a digital detox and a welcome change from Netflix? Check out one of these recommendations from the members of The Very Extra Book Club
For the longest time, the name on our chat group simply was: “Book Club.” However, as each gathering became more and more elaborate, themed and heightened in intensity, we noticed that the common refrain was “this is so extra!” The Very Extra Book Club was born out of a thirst for intellectual exchange and discourse among a bunch of nerds and blossomed into this really beautiful friendship built on food, wine, literature and deep conversation. From comparatives of Nabokov’s Lolita and Tanizaki’s Naomi over bespoke omakase sushi to passionate divulging of summer romances inspired by Aciman’s Call Me By Your Name, while feasting on out-of-season peaches, each meeting was singular, special and soulful.
Comprised of a diverse cast of characters – Rajo Laurel, AA Patawaran, Marielle Po, Jae de Veyra Pickrell, Farah Sy, Rocio Olbes-Ressano, Pauline Juan, Isabelle Daza and myself – we push each other to read out of our comfort zones and expand our repertoire. So, if you’re looking for a bit of a digital detox or have run out of shows to binge-watch on Netflix, here are some of our recommendations for a good read.
Stephanie Zubiri
Stephanie is Tatler Philippines Homes Editor, a lifestyle journalist, host, and a published author.
The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery is set in an exclusive mansion in the 7th arrondissement in Paris is a tale of philosophy, friendship and the search for true human connection. Although it starts a bit slow, you fall quickly in love with the main characters: a homely autodidact concierge, a precocious 12-year bourgeois girl and an elegant, cultured Japanese retiree. The story is deeply touching and like all beautiful stories, bittersweet.