The Localist

The Book Club with Kriticos

Meet Kriticos Mwansa, Brussels resident and our very own book club curator. Born in Zambia to a Zambian-Greek father and a Tanzanian mother, he spent time living in Amsterdam working for the Dutch brand Daily Paper, before returning to Brussels. A Hox friend and literary enthusiast, he hosts The Hox Book Club in Amsterdam, Brussels and Berlin. Here, he talks about what makes a book club so magical, and shares some of his all-time favourite reads.

My love for books began before I could even read. I decided to start a book club in 2019, with the goal of welcoming my friends that didn’t read the books I wanted to discuss, because most of my friends didn’t read much.

In 2021, I pitched my idea to the renowned Dutch bookstore MENDO, back when it was still operating. Since then, the Book Club has skyrocketed into an internationally renowned concept, taking place in different countries across Europe and recently establishing roots at a university in Maryland, USA.

The Book Club has recently become a monthly activity at The Hoxton in Amsterdam, Brussels, and Berlin, inviting both locals and tourists to engage in intimate conversations, fostering connections and a strong sense of community. At 27, I am really dedicated to expanding the Book Club and creating more communities in the countries where it operates. My greatest passion is highlighting the humanity in everyone who participates and promoting education through dialogue.

The Book Club concept is quite simple: when philosophers join the table, we get in conversation with each other on said topic, allowing space for the conversation to steer off course and making space for free-form conversation.

It’s been really enriching to be able to figure out different ways that we can engage The Hox community as well as locals of each respective city through book clubs, book exchanges, brunches, dinners and listening sessions. The sessions so far have been really buzzing and vibrant. The people that come really reflect each city and from time to time, we have a group of tourists join as well.

My favourite sessions in The Hoxtons in Amsterdam are:

Listening Session with @WhatsCulture, which welcomed different people to have a warm listening session, where we dived into music from different albums like ‘A Seat at The Table’ by Solange and ‘Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers’ by Kendrick Lamar, and discussed the lyrics. It was a super cosy intimate conversation. The Hoxton Lloyd Amsterdam was the perfect place for this!
Conversations about Dating, where we discussed ‘Open Water’ by Caleb Azumah Nelson, and ‘Attached’ by Amir Levine. It was super confronting to discuss dating, especially what the dating scene looks like in Amsterdam. We all learnt a lot that evening; for example, a lot of guys were unaware of “attachment styles,” so it was fun to see them be confronted with this new concept.

All this is to say that the collaboration with The Hoxton has been one of the best relationships The Book Club has ever had. There is no limit to how we can engage with books and community. It always ends up leaving everyone with a lasting impression, including The Hoxton staff.

It’s only been one year since we started on this journey, and I’m very excited to see how we can continue to make books cool.

Here are my top 5 books to read this summer:

1. Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe

This novel really moved me. It tells the powerful story of Okonkwo, a respected leader in an Igbo village in Nigeria, whose life falls apart as his community faces the disruptive forces of colonialism and change. Achebe does an amazing job showing the rich culture of the Igbo people and the harsh impact of European colonisation.

What I love most about Achebe’s work in this book is how he creates real, relatable characters and brings the Igbo culture to life. I have honestly never seen or read a work that covers pre-colonial sub-Saharan cultures as richly and authentically as this one. His writing is simple but very powerful, making the struggles and successes of Okonkwo and his village feel incredibly real. Every time I read it, I understand more about identity, tradition, and resilience.

2. Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro

This is a hauntingly beautiful novel that really stuck with me. The story follows Kathy, Tommy, and Ruth, who grow up at a boarding school that seems perfect but hides a dark secret. As they discover the truth about their lives, Ishiguro explores big themes like identity, humanity, and the ethics of science, making you think for a long time after you finish reading.

Ishiguro’s writing in this book is simply incredible. His ability to create such deep, relatable characters who are grappling with profound existential questions is what I love most. He paints their emotions and experiences with such subtlety and sensitivity, you can’t help but feel connected to them. The way he gradually reveals the dark reality of their world keeps you hooked and makes the emotional impact even stronger.

This book is a great recommendation for summer holidays because it mixes a gripping story with deep, thought-provoking ideas which perfect for relaxed, reflective reading. Its heartfelt look at friendship and love in a dystopian world gives it both emotional weight and a unique twist.

“As they discover the truth about their lives, Ishiguro explores big themes like identity, humanity, and the ethics of science, making you think long after you finish reading.”

3. Friendaholic by Elizabeth Day

As a person that has multiple friend groups across different countries, this book was very necessary for clarity. As mentioned in the book, we have so much focus on how to navigate romantic relationships, but very little research and discernment has been given to friendships. The ins and outs of friendships, the red flags, the rules of a successful friendship, the toxic dynamics that can occur in unhealthy friendships etc.

I learnt a lot through this book and I really think a lot of other people can learn a thing or two from it, as well. Especially during the holidays or when you’re travelling, spending time away from your social reality. I think it’s important to examine and reevaluate how we experience friendships.

4. The Untethered Soul by Michael A. Singer

This is my favourite book of all time. It truly changed me. The Untethered Soul takes us through an identity journey telling us that we are not the voice in our head, making us question who we truly are, and also having a deep contemplation on death. Reading this book was a pivotal moment in my life as I read it while grieving my father and going through a break up. It helped me grasp what really mattered.

I’d recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a new outlook on their life. It’s a book that will most definitely make you distance yourself from your problems, your insecurities and also change the way you see the world, life and death. For the majority of my friends that read this book, this book changes them – there is a before and after version of every person that reads it.

5. The Alchemist by Paolo Coehlo

This book really touched my heart. It tells the beautiful story of Santiago, a young shepherd who decides to follow his dream. His journey takes him across the Sahara Desert to the pyramids of Giza in Africa. Along the way, he discovers so much more than just treasure; he learns about following his dreams, listening to his heart, and seeing how everything in life is connected.

What I love most about Coelho’s writing is how he blends simple, yet deep insights into a story that’s both engaging and easy to read. His poetic and accessible style makes big ideas about life and destiny feel relatable and inspiring. Every time I read it, I find new layers of meaning that resonate with my own experiences.

This book is a perfect pick for summer holidays because it’s great for relaxing and reflecting. The themes of adventure, self-discovery, and chasing your dreams are uplifting and motivating, making it a wonderful companion for anyone looking to reconnect with their passions.

I, personally, read this book every year the day before my birthday. It gives me some energy for my next year of life!

Want to join The Book Club yourself in Brussels or Amsterdam soon? Check dates below and book via Instagram.

Amsterdam:

August 10thSeptember 21stBrussels:

21st of July
18th of August