Humankind Zine Reads
Humankind Zine Reads is our rendition of a digital book club. Hosted on Discord, we'll have different hosts and books to read each month with space for discussion both related to the current read and off-topic bookish things.
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We aim to make reading accessible and engaging for everyone through our digital book club. Our club is entirely online and asynchronous, allowing members to participate at their own pace and from any location. Each month, a different host creates a dedicated forum for the book of the month and organizes discussions around a suggested reading schedule. Members are encouraged to join in on the conversation at any time, and the host will also provide discussion questions to facilitate thoughtful exchanges. Depending on the host, there may even be a video call at the end of the read to celebrate, meet other members, and discuss the book as a whole. We're committed to fostering a vibrant community of readers, and we invite you to join us for lively and enriching discussions.
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We welcome everyone to join Humankind Zine Reads. If you're under 18 years old, we kindly ask that you have your parent's permission before signing up. We strive to create an inclusive community of readers from all backgrounds and experiences.
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BYOB — bring your own book!
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If you have any book suggestions or feedback, message any of our team members on the Discord server or email us at humankindzine@gmail.com.
Book of the Month
Sparks Like Stars follows the journey of Aryana Shepherd, a renowned surgeon and Afghan American woman who returns to Kabul after forty years to uncover the truth about her family's tragedy. In 1978, the communists staged a coup and assassinated the president and her entire family, leaving Aryana as the only survivor. She was smuggled out of the palace by a guard named Shair and eventually adopted by an American diplomat.
Forty years later, an elderly patient appears in Aryana's examination room who may have been involved in her family's murder - Shair, the soldier who saved her. But Aryana suspects that he may have also killed her entire family. Seeking answers and perhaps revenge, Aryana embarks on a quest that takes her back to Kabul, now a battleground between a corrupt government and the fundamentalist Taliban, to confront her shadowy memories and uncover the truth about her family's tragedy.
Sparks Like Stars portrays the struggle of an Afghan American woman to come to terms with her trauma and loss while highlighting the political turmoil and cultural conflicts that have plagued Afghanistan for decades, making it a compelling and thought-provoking read.
June’s read will be for 18+ readers only as the content contains the following: war, violence, death, sexual assault, and child abuse. This discussion will be led by one of our blog writers, Ayesha H.
Last Month’s Read
Jade City by Fonda Lee is a novel set on the island of Kekon, where powerful clans of Green Bone warriors have been using jade to enhance their abilities for centuries. The Kaul family, leaders of the No Peak clan, are the main characters. The story follows Lan, the Pillar of No Peak, who struggles with the weight of his responsibilities and the legacy of his family. His younger siblings, Hilo and Shae, have their own ambitions and desires, which often clash with their family's expectations.
As tensions rise and outside forces threaten to disrupt the fragile peace, the Kauls must fight to maintain their power and protect their way of life. But as secrets are revealed and loyalties are tested, they soon realize that the greatest threat may come from within their own ranks.
Jade City is a thrilling read that combines elements of fantasy, crime, and family drama. Fonda Lee has created a rich and complex world filled with flawed and compelling characters that readers will root for and against in equal measure.
This novel will be our first 18+ read as it contains the following: violence, death, drug use, drug overdose, mentions of sexual assault, mention of suicide, and self-harm.
May's read was led by one of our blog writers, Phoebe Nerem.