In June, we hosted our first in-person Book Clubs — one in Stockholm and one in Copenhagen
— starting with Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach. It’s a short and simple story, yet it
quietly invites reflection. These gatherings were part of our effort to create space where we, as
young people, could pause, connect, and explore ideas through literature outside of academic
or formal settings.
During the sessions, we shared a set of open-ended discussion questions. They touched on
themes like individuality, potential, and the meaning of freedom.
Themes We Touched On
A recurring idea in the book is the tension between what we must do and what we’re meant to
do.
“All gulls fly,”
someone said,
“but for Jonathan, it wasn’t just about finding food. It became
something else, a way to understand himself.”
That reflection opened up a conversation about how we relate to routine and expectation, and how meaning can sometimes grow from the smallest actions. We also talked about what it costs to choose a different path. Jonathan is cast out by his community, but eventually returns — not with pride, but perhaps with quiet care. We shared thoughts on stepping outside of what’s expected, and what it might mean to return. The discussion led to the idea of potential, whether it’s something fixed, or something that grows
when we act on it.
The book ends with a line that stayed with us:
“The race to learn had begun.”
It doesn’t offer a clear conclusion, but rather a beginning. For us, it was a reminder that being in motion -mentally or emotionally- can be its own kind of learning.
A Few Reflections
Sessions took place during a busy period, but preparing for and being part of the Book Clubs brought a different kind of focus. Even in the middle of a packed week, it reminded us that not everything we do is just about getting things done. Some actions add something else; a feeling of purpose, a bit of colour, a quiet shift in how the week feels.
In both Stockholm and Copenhagen, we gathered not just to talk about a book, but to listen, to reflect, and to share thoughts in a way that felt open and unforced. The book was just the starting point, what made the conversations meaningful was the way we brought our own questions and experiences into the room.
This was the beginning of something we hope will continue to grow. We’re looking forward to what the next Book Clubs bring — and to finding more small moments of meaning, together, in the middle of everything else.
