Books & Desserts Book Club is more than a literary group. It is a global movement rooted in intellectual growth, cultural exchange, and intentional community building.
● A Decade-Long Journey of Growth and Impact
For over 12 years, Books & Desserts has evolved from a simple idea into a thriving international network of over 150 women across multiple continents. What began as two women seeking meaningful conversations around books has grown into a structured, purpose-driven community that fosters both personal and collective development.
The Founders: Culture, Vision, and Leadership
The club was co-founded by Dr. Somachi Kachikwu, widely known as Dr. K, and Dr Nma Nzerue, whose leadership has been instrumental in shaping its identity and growth.
Nma
I have a deep interest in education, youth development, and personal growth. My literary journey is rooted in a love for reading and a commitment to helping young people find direction and confidence in their potential. I am driven by a simple belief: giving back.
As Nzerue puts it, “At the heart of Books & Desserts is a simple belief: when women come together to learn, reflect, and support one another, real growth happens. For me, it has always been about creating a space where people feel seen, challenged, and inspired to become better versions of themselves.”
● Dr. Somachi Kachikwu (Dr. K)
I am committed to transforming how people learn, grow, and lead, with a strong focus on education, leadership, and the practical use of AI. My literary journey centers on using books and technology as tools for reflection, critical thinking, and meaningful dialogue. I am driven by a clear purpose: to make learning practical, impactful, and accessible while building communities that grow with intention.
As Dr. K explains, “For me, Books & Desserts has always been about creating a space where greatness is nurtured. A space where women are not just reading, but evolving, challenging themselves, and becoming more confident in who they are and how they show up in the world.”
Together, they have built more than a book club. They have built a community of thinking women who support, challenge, and grow with one another.
● The Role of Chapter Hosts
At the center of this global structure are the chapter hosts: dedicated women who lead each chapter with intentionality, consistency, and care.
These hosts are not just organizers. They are facilitators of meaningful conversations, curators of safe and engaging spaces, and drivers of community at the local level. They ensure that every meeting goes beyond surface-level discussion, encouraging members to reflect, contribute, and grow.
Their leadership is what sustains the culture of Books & Desserts across different regions. Despite geographic and cultural differences, chapter hosts uphold the standard of depth, excellence, and sisterhood that defines the organization.
In many ways, they are the heartbeat of the community, translating vision into lived experience.
● A Truly Global Community
Books & Desserts operates through chapters across Nigeria, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ghana, and a vibrant virtual chapter that connects members around the world. Current chapters include Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, DMV, Houston, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Toronto, the United Kingdom, Ghana, and the virtual community.
Each chapter reflects its local culture while maintaining the core values of depth, consistency, and growth.
● A Culture of Intentional Reading
At the heart of the organization is a distinct reading philosophy. Members do not simply read to complete books. They read to expand global awareness, challenge personal perspectives, apply lessons to real life, and strengthen confidence in their voices. Reading is paired with rich discussions, shared meals, and honest conversations that make the experience both intellectually engaging and deeply personal.
● From Readers to Creators
Books & Desserts is not only a reading community. It is also a space that nurtures writers and creators. The club proudly includes both published and emerging authors such as Dr. Grace Nzerue, Dr. Somachi Kachikwu, Beatrice Ajibola, Adaora Onyechere Sydney-Jack, Sarah Ugamah, and Ufedo Love Illah.
This shift from reader to creator reflects the club’s broader mission: to empower women not only to consume knowledge, but also to contribute meaningfully to it.
● Reading in a Changing World
Books & Desserts recognizes that reading is evolving. As digital tools and artificial intelligence become more present in everyday life, the club is adapting through hybrid reading formats, community-based learning, and more applied approaches to reflection and discussion. AI can support deeper engagement with texts, but the discipline of reading, thinking critically, and forming one’s own perspective remains essential.
● Addressing the Reading Gap
A key concern for the group is the decline in reading habits among younger people. In response, Books & Desserts organizes reading drives and community outreach initiatives designed to strengthen reading culture and help younger generations appreciate the long-term value of books.
This commitment reflects the group’s broader interest in education, mentorship, and social impact beyond its membership.
● Regional Dynamics, Shared Purpose
Across the different chapters, reading culture takes on different expressions. The West African chapters, particularly in Nigeria and Ghana, tend to be vibrant, discussion-driven, and socially engaging, often favoring in-person meetings and physical books. Chapters in the United States and United Kingdom tend to emphasize structure, scheduling, and consistency, while the virtual chapter provides inclusion and flexibility for global participation. What remains constant across all chapters is the depth of conversation and commitment to growth.
● The African Storytelling Opportunity
The club also points to a broader cultural and industry issue. In many Western markets, books often become films and films often inspire books because publishing, media, and film industries are strongly connected. In Africa, that ecosystem is still developing, and funding and distribution gaps continue to slow adaptation opportunities. Even so, the momentum is changing. As investment in African stories grows, the opportunity for more book-to-screen transitions is becoming increasingly real. Communities like Books & Desserts play an important role in amplifying African authors and helping those stories travel further.
● Why This Matters
In a fast-paced, digitally driven world, Books & Desserts offers something increasingly valuable: a space where women can engage deeply, think critically, and grow intentionally.
It is not simply about reading books. It is about shaping perspectives, building confidence, nurturing greatness, and creating a generation of women who are informed, reflective, and empowered.
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