LiterarySwag: Inside Brooklyns Best Dressed Book Club

Once a month in a Brooklyn boutique, the swaggiest book club in New York meets.

Yahdon Israel started the LiterarySwag Book Club in September 2015. Inspired by seeing well-dressed readers on the subway, he started the Instagram hashtag LiterarySwag to highlight the connection between fashion and literature. Israel grew up in Brooklyn and wants to elevate literature to the level of cool enjoyed by film and music, where he says it deserves to be.

Yahdon Israel is the founder of the Literary Swag Book Club.

Each month, the group meets to discuss the chosen book and discover the next title. When selecting a book, Israel notes he always wants to “make it worth the time for people who don’t read.” This is part of the ethos of the club: You don’t have to read the book to attend, but it is going to be worth your time.

Cory Douglas sets up The Brooklyn Circus for the book club.

Latonya Bell references her copy of ‘The Turner House.’

Participants are free to find their copies of the book wherever they like, but the book club uses a subscription model. For $20 a month, Israel provides a copy of the book and has even added a special book club sticker.

The book of the month: ‘The Turner House’

The July 2018 meeting focused on National Book Award-nominated The Turner House by Angela Flournoy. The book tells the story of a large black family in Detroit over several generations as they struggle to hold on to each other and the place they call home. The conversation centered on family and the responsibilities one owes to their blood relatives.

Angela Flournoy adds her wisdom to the discussion.

The guest of honor at this month’s meeting was Angela Flournoy, author of The Turner House. It is not uncommon to see authors show up to discuss their works. Israel’s connection and love for the literary community encourages authors to want to actively engage with excited readers.

Danny Simeon worked as the cameraman for Facebook Live.

July also marked the first time the LiterarySwag book club discussion was live streamed on Facebook, allowing even more people to take part in the conversation.

Randy Winston takes in the conversation.

“For me, LiterarySwag Book Club is about community. It’s the one place where I can go and talk to everyday people about issues happening in today’s society, and where I can hear how others feel about such issues. The books are important. Yes. But hearing how the issues/topics in the book spotlight things happening in the lives of those in attendance is as important, if not more important,” says Randy Winston, a regular of the book club since the beginning.

The table is covered with books and Martinelli’s.

As the book club aims to be as accessible to everyone, Martinelli’s, a non-alcoholic sparkling apple cider, is provided every month. The goal is to create a comfortable environment and community, or, as Israel describes “a barber shop mentality.”

Naana Ohene (center) laughs with her fellow attendees.

While the aim of the meeting is to relate to the book and inspire larger conversations about life, there is a prize for the person who references the book the most: the Lit-est Member of the month. Naana Ohene, a LiterarySwag regular, was given the recognition this month.

Adrian Daniel was awarded Swaggiest Member of the Month.

Also keeping on brand, Israel awards a Swaggiest Member of the Month award for the best-dressed attendee. Adrian Daniel was recognized this month for his decision to wear leather pants in over 80°F (27°C) summer heat. It is dedication to a look.

Nuratu Otulana wears a shirt that reads “Fo’ Da Culture By Da Culture.”

The LiterarySwag Book Club touts about 70 percent regulars with new faces coming every month. Through the book club, Israel is creating excited and habitual readers, an effect he hopes will continue to spread.

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