It’s no longer a secret that digital technology has transformed the world, creating a global village and, inevitably, impacting our reading habits.
Many now find the feel of a physical book a little…dated. But one group is determined to champion the joys – and importance – of reading and writing.
Books & Desserts Book Club, formed in Abuja, Nigeria, by a group of friends who either grew up together or attended the same schools, has blossomed into something truly special.
Over the past 12 years, it’s evolved from a simple idea into a thriving international network of over 150 women spanning multiple continents.
For founders Dr Somachi Kachikwu (known affectionately as Dr. K) and Nma Nzerue, the club is far more than just a literary gathering; it’s a global movement built on intellectual growth, cultural exchange, and intentional community.
“I have a deep interest in education, youth development, and personal growth,” explains Nma. “My love for reading is rooted in a commitment to helping young people find direction and confidence.
At the heart of Books & Desserts is a simple belief: when women come together to learn, reflect, and support one another, real growth happens. It’s about creating a space where people feel seen, challenged, and inspired.”
Dr. Somachi Kachikwu, who focuses on educational development and the practical application of AI, echoes this sentiment. “I’m committed to transforming how people learn, grow, and lead.
For me, Books & Desserts has always been about creating a space where greatness is nurtured – where women aren’t just reading, but evolving and becoming more confident.”
She credits her mother, Dr Kemafor Chikwe – a noted reader, writer and teacher – with instilling a lifelong love of learning.
Together, Soma and Nma have fostered a community of thoughtful women who support, challenge, and grow alongside each other. Crucially, the club’s success rests on the dedication of its chapter hosts.
These women aren’t simply organisers; they’re facilitators of meaningful conversations, curators of safe spaces, and drivers of community at a local level. They ensure meetings go beyond superficial chat, encouraging reflection and personal development.
Despite geographical and cultural differences, these hosts maintain the club’s high standards of depth, excellence, and sisterhood. They are, in many ways, the very heartbeat of the organisation.
Books & Desserts boasts chapters across Nigeria, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ghana, and a thriving virtual community connecting members worldwide. Current chapters include Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, DMV, Houston, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Toronto, the UK, Ghana, and the virtual space. Each chapter reflects its local culture while upholding the core values of depth, consistency, and growth.
The club’s reading philosophy is distinct. Members don’t simply read to finish a book; they read to broaden their global awareness, challenge their perspectives, and apply lessons to their own lives. Reading is paired with rich discussions, shared meals, and honest conversations, making the experience both intellectually stimulating and deeply personal.
And Books & Desserts has evolved beyond simply being a reading community. It now actively nurtures writers and authors, proudly showcasing talents like Dr. Grace Nma Nzerue, Dr. Somachi Kachikwu, Beatrice Ajibola, Adaora Onyechere Sydney-Jack, Sarah Ugamah, and Ufedo Love Illah.
Recognising that reading is evolving, the club is embracing hybrid formats, community-based learning, and utilising AI to support deeper engagement with texts. However, the discipline of critical thinking and forming one’s own perspective remains paramount.
A key concern is the decline in reading habits amongst younger people. In response, Books & Desserts organises reading drives and community outreach initiatives to strengthen reading culture and highlight the long-term value of books.
The club also highlights a crucial issue within the publishing industry: the opportunity for African storytelling. While Western markets often see a strong connection between books and film adaptations, that ecosystem is still developing in Africa, hampered by funding and distribution challenges.
However, momentum is building. As investment in African stories grows, the potential for book-to-screen transitions is becoming increasingly real, and communities like Books & Desserts play a vital role in amplifying African authors and reaching wider audiences.
In a fast-paced, digitally driven world, Books & Desserts offers something truly valuable: a space for women to engage deeply, think critically, and grow intentionally. It’s not just about reading books; it’s about shaping perspectives, building confidence, nurturing greatness, and empowering a generation of informed, reflective women.
