Themed Book Club By IMAN & Maktaba Books - 23 Aug 2026

Join us for Themed Book Club at The Balcony by Mahmud's Tandoor, level 3, for an evening of reading together & appearance of a local author
About this Event

Join Theme Book Club By IMAN & Maktaba Books for a cozy reading session at The Balcony By Mahmud's Tandoor, Level 3. Bring your Cosy Romance Book and immerse yourself in a world of words with fellow book lovers & local author. This event is perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy the quiet pleasure of reading. No need to worry about discussions - just come, grab a cup of cafe drink, and read in peace. Come feel comfortable reading long lines of text!

The Main Thing

⏰ 2.45 pm - 4.30 pm

📍 The Balcony by Mahmud's Tandoor, 20 Kandahar Street, Level 3

📚 1hour of silent reading of your own Cosy Romance books

The Optional Parts

☕️ Self-bought shop drink. There might be free drinks, bring your own cup if you want some.

🗣️ 30 min of making friends and yapping after silent reading

Recommended list of Cosy Romance Books

1. Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen

A classic romance novel that features the enemies-to-lovers trope in a slow-burn romance set in the British countryside.

2. Love from A to Z by S K Ali

A sweet, tender story about two Muslim teens who met in Doha, Qatar and bond over their shared faith and personal journals.

3. Just Listen by Sarah Dessen

A heartwarming story about a former stressed-out model who forms a healing bond with a music-obsessed boy who helps her to be more honest with herself.

4. The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

An emotional young adult novel about two teenagers who meet in a cancer support group and face terminal illness.

5. She Wore Red Trainers by Na'ima B. Robert

A young adult novel that follows two Muslim teenagers who navigate faith and unexpected love while trying to stay true to their values.

6. Ayesha at Last by Uzma Jalaluddin

A charming and funny romance story with a modern retelling of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice set in an Indian-Muslim community in Canada.

7. Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell

Set in an American suburban town in the 1980s, the story follows two teenage misfits who connect over comic books and mixtapes on a school bus.

8. Meet Me at the Bookstore by Khairun Atika Kamsan

The book follows Samirah, a young woman who works at a bookstore run by her uncle, whose peaceful world shifts when she meets Fahad, the first person to make her heart race.

9. Sofia Khan is Not Obliged by Ayisha Malik

A romance story that explores the trials and tribulations of dating as a young Muslim woman living in London.

10. The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George

A love letter to literature that follows a Parisian "literary apothecary" who lives on a barge and prescribes books to heal broken hearts, while secretly nursing his own heartbreak.

11. I Hope This Finds You Well by Natalie Sue

Featuring a sweet, slow-burn romantic subplot, the story follows a snarky admin worker who vents her petty workplace grievances by typing hidden insults in white font at the bottom of her professional emails.

12. Love & Gelato by Jenna Evans Welch

A romance coming-of-age story featuring a girl who moves to Tuscany for the summer to honour her late mother's final wish. As she reads her mother's old journal, uncovers hidden family secrets and falls for a charming local boy.

13. The Last Chance Library by Freya Sampson

The story follows an introverted bookworm, still dealing with the loss of her mother, who has to save the library and community that mean a lot to her. Along the way, she makes unexpected and heartwarming friendships.

Agenda

🕑: 03:00 PM - 03:05 AM
Intro to the event, IMAN Publishing & Maktaba Book, and intention-setting
Host: Maktaba Books Rep
🕑: 03:15 PM - 04:00 PM
45min Silent reading

Info: There will be a centralised clock to track the time

🕑: 04:00 PM - 04:15 PM
Author Reading Session
Host: Khairun Atikah

Info: Author, Khairun Atikah reads an excerpt from her book

🕑: 04:15 PM - 05:00 PM
Free & Easy: Continue reading, mingle with others, and book browsing