A book club building sisterhood and storytelling in Charlotte? Meet Sista Story Society
In this inaugural edition of Kaleidoscope’s new feature, we’re excited to shine a spotlight on the Sista Story Society, a dynamic book club created by women for women. The group fosters connection and conversation around shared interests and the power of storytelling.
Each month, we’ll be highlighting inspiring BIPOC small businesses and groups, showcasing their impact on our community and beyond.
Read on to learn more about this vibrant collective, started by 27-year-old Monica Josey, and how the group is creating spaces for women to bond, grow, and share their love of literature. (Some responses have been edited for clarity).
Q: First things first, who are you and where are you from?
A: My name is Monica Josey and I am a speech pathologist by day and an avid reader by night (and also during the day). I was born in Albany, Georgia but raised in North Carolina. I moved to Charlotte two years ago after graduate school at East Carolina University.
Q: What inspired you to start Sista Story Society? Where did the idea come from?
A: Reading has always been one of my favorite pastimes but one day after finishing ‘Verity’ by Colleen Hoover I felt like something was missing. That something was being able to discuss all the plot twists and turns in the book with someone else. That inspired me to create a space where women can come together and bond over a shared interest and I wanted the name to reflect that. A society of “sistas” who love stories (S3 for short).
Q: What makes this book club special or unique in the Charlotte community?
A: When planning the various aspects of the book club, I wanted the focus to be inclusivity. The society is not just a place for avid readers, but a place for everyone to connect. That’s what prompted me to include monthly socials for women who may be just beginning their reading journey or are simply looking for community.
Q: What role do you think this club can play in creating a sense of community for BIPOC women in the area?
A: I believe it is essential to have lighthearted, come-as-you-are types of spaces for BIPOC women without additional commitments or expectations. My hope is for the book club to be one of those spaces with the added component of discussing books relatable to various cultures and experiences.
Q: What types of books are typically chosen for the club? How are they decided?
A: With our focus on inclusivity, we delve into a variety of genres written by BIPOC authors. Club members provide suggestions for specific titles, authors, new releases, that they’d like to see featured. Those are narrowed down to a selection of three which the group then votes on via our BookClubs page to determine what our book of the month will be.
Q: What kind of impact do you hope to have on the members, individually and as a collective?
A: For me reading is an escape, a time where I can be lost in the magic of a story. I hope to provide that same feeling for my fellow Sistas, an opportunity to put their cares aside and become lost in sisterhood.
Q: Can you share any memorable experiences or stories that have come out of the book club?
A: One experience that I often think about is our first book discussion. I chose our first book since we’d just started as a group. After reading I discovered not many members enjoyed the book, including myself. At the time, I felt terrible that we were starting out on what felt like the wrong foot, but now it’s sort of a funny, humble beginnings story. We also realized that a great discussion doesn’t have to revolve around praise and things we like, but can include critiques.
Q: As founder of the club, how has being apart of this community shaped your personal growth?
A: As someone who has always considered myself to be a very straightforward thinker and not much of a creative type, I’ve learned a lot about myself and my capabilities. I feel so grateful that I’ve been able to see my ideas come to life and have expanded my own community as a result.
Q: What’s next for the book club? Any goals or plans for the following year?
A: For the next year, I’m looking forward to incorporating more of the local community in our events and exploring ways to give back. There has been some discussion of a separate men’s chapter to let the fellas in on the fun, so stay tuned!
Want to join?
Looking to connect with other women who share a love for storytelling, Sista Story Society welcomes you to join the conversation. To learn more about joining and upcoming events, visit their BookClubs page and become part of this community.
This story was originally published December 4, 2024 at 5:00 AM.
