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Every city has a few people who do more than participate in its cultural life, they connect it. I aspire to be one of those people, but in Miami\u2019s literary community, Aileen Sabanal really sets the bar.<\/p>\nEvery city has a few people who do more than participate in its cultural life, they connect it. I aspire to be one of those people, but in Miami\u2019s literary community, Aileen Sabanal really sets the bar.<\/p>\n
On Episode 21 of The Miami Book Hub podcast, I finally sat down with Aileen, who describes herself as a \u201cliterary experience designer.\u201d Even<\/p>\n
she called the title \u201ca mouthful,\u201d but her explanation was beautifully simple: \u201cIt\u2019s making books part of life in a bigger way.\u201d<\/p>\n
That is precisely what she does. Through book clubs, author events, community partnerships and literary gatherings, Aileen takes reading beyond the solitary act of turning pages and turns it into an invitation to belong.<\/p>\n
Her relationship with books began early. By first grade, she was already reading chapter books and gathering classmates in circles to tell them about what she had read. Today, she still engages in what she calls \u201cspontaneous book clubbing\u201d \u2014 striking up conversations with readers in bookstores, airports, buses and even on the beach.<\/p>\n
\u201cBook clubbing is not just something that I do,\u201d she told me. \u201cIt is part of who I am.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Miami Book Club, which she founded after moving here, now includes nearly 200 participants across several chapters, including a Spanish-language group and an intergenerational one. Its growth reflects something larger than enthusiasm for books.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere is a thirst for connection with people. Real-life connection,\u201d Aileen said.<\/p>\n
I couldn\u2019t agree more. We live in an age of digital convenience but also profound disconnection. Book clubs create a place where people sit across from one another, share ideas and, perhaps most importantly, disagree without becoming enemies.<\/p>\n
Aileen noted that some of the deepest bonds form when members do not like the same book. A good group allows people to be vulnerable, express a different opinion, and still \u201cfeel like you\u2019re seen, feel like you\u2019re heard, feel like you\u2019re accepted.\u201d<\/p>\n
As I told her, \u201cIn these very divisive times,\u201d when so many of us retreat into ideological silos, there is real value in having a safe space to encounter a different perspective, especially around a book.<\/p>\n
Aileen\u2019s work now extends across much of Miami\u2019s literary ecosystem. Through Friends of the Miami-Dade Public Library, she helped create a book club fair that is evolving into Bookmarked, a larger event combining book clubs, local authors and library resources, which will be taking place at the Main Library on Jan. 23, 2027. Don\u2019t miss it!<\/p>\n
She also has launched a recent collaboration \u2014 Books & Books & Clubs \u2014 with celebrated independent bookstore Books & Books, which offers readers and book groups special access to visiting authors.<\/p>\n
And through Bookclubs.com\u2019s Book Club Leaders Circle, she helps leaders build inclusive groups in which every member has a voice.<\/p>\n
Then there is Books & Blooms, inspired by Catalonia\u2019s centuries-old tradition of exchanging books and roses on World Book Day. Aileen is developing a full Miami celebration for Apr. 23, 2027 (location pending). Because apparently connecting every reader in Miami was not enough, she also intends to fill the city with roses.<\/p>\n
What impressed me most was not the sheer number of initiatives she has created, although I confess I lost track of them during the interview. It was the common purpose behind them: helping people find one another through stories.<\/p>\n
At the end of our conversation, Aileen offered a simple invitation: \u201cKeep reading and join a book club.\u201d<\/p>\n
I added my own: \u201cGet out of your house, get off your screens, meet and interact with people.\u201d<\/p>\n
In other words, read, but don\u2019t always read alone.<\/p>\n
To follow Aileen Sabanal\u2019s work and upcoming events, follow her on Instagram: @ReadsbyAileen.<\/p>\n
To watch the full conversation\u2014and explore the broader Miami Book Hub Platform (Podcast + Newsletter + Column)\u2014visit ThreeTreasuresPress.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n Until next time\u2026 keep reading, keep writing, and stay curious, Miami!<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n ABOUT US:<\/p>\n For more Miami community news, look no further than Miami Community Newspapers. This Miami online group of newspapers covers a variety of topics about the local community and beyond. Miami\u2019s Community Newspapers offers daily news, online resources, podcasts and other multimedia content to keep readers informed. With topics ranging from local news to community events, Miami\u2019s Community Newspapers is the ideal source for staying up to date with the latest news and happenings in the area.<\/p>\n This family-owned media company publishes more than a dozen neighborhood publications, magazines, special sections on their websites, newsletters, as well as distributing them in print throughout Miami Dade County from Aventura, Sunny Isles Beach, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Brickell, Coconut Grove, Pinecrest, South Miami, Kendall, Palmetto Bay, Cutler Bay and Homestead. Each online publication and print editions provide comprehensive coverage of local news, events, business updates, lifestyle features, and local initiatives within its respective community.<\/p>\n Additionally, the newspaper has exclusive Miami community podcasts, providing listeners with an in-depth look into Miami\u2019s culture. Whether you\u2019re looking for local Miami news, or podcasts, Miami\u2019s Community Newspapers has you covered. For more information, be sure to check out: https:\/\/communitynewspapers.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n If you have any questions, feel free to email Michael@communitynewspapers.com<\/a> or Grant@communitynewspapers.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n
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