An Immersive Literary & Sensory Experience The Reading Table is a month-long, small-group experience designed for readers who want to slow down and truly live inside a book. Rather than racing to the last page, we spend time with a single story — reading intentionally, reflecting deeply, and exploring how literature connects to memory, food, culture, senses, and belonging. Each Reading Table centres on a carefully chosen novel with summer ties to food as memory and inheritance. Through guided reading, journaling prompts, sensory elements, and shared meals, the story moves beyond the page and into lived experience. Our First Reading Table: Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson For our inaugural gathering, we'll be reading Black Cake, a novel rich with themes of family, identity, secrets, and the powerful role food plays in preserving memory and culture. Over the course of the month, you'll be invited to reflect on your own food memories, traditions, and stories and to share them in a thoughtful, private space with fellow participants. What's Included A curated Reading Table welcome box, including: Your copy of Black Cake A guided reading notebook and materials Sensory elements designed to accompany your reading Two in-person gatherings: An opening evening to receive your kit and begin the journey together A closing celebration featuring a curated sensory exploration inspired by the book A mid-month guided check-in Access to a private discussion space for reflection and conversation Thoughtful details and surprises throughout the experience Dates & Location May 1 — Opening Gathering Mid-May — Guided Check-In May 30 — Closing Gathering (This experience is designed for local participants and includes in-person events.) Investment $150 per personThis introductory price includes the book, all materials, both gatherings, and the full Reading Table experience. Spaces are intentionally limited to keep the experience intimate.
