Why Louder Than Words?

The inspiration stemmed from a flyer I had seen during my undergraduate studies at Spelman College. I had got so excited about the book club, saved the date and everything, just to find out that the book club had been discontinued. LTW is the book club I couldn't wait to be a part of! To read without fear, Learn with no limitations, and find the books that resonate with you and your lifestyle. That's what this is for. A safe space for book lovers, and soon-to-be book lovers, to find themselves in the narratives of the future.

January

To bring in 2026, we'll read a narrative on reclamation and self. January invites reflection and fresh starts, and The Vanishing Half opens the year by asking us to examine identity, choice, and the lives we imagine for ourselves versus the ones we inherit.

February

In a month often centered on romance, All About Love reframes February as a time to practice love as an ethic—rooted in care, honesty, accountability, and community.

March

For Women’s History Month, We’re reading Waiting to Exhale as a reflection on womanhood, friendship, and the quiet power of community. A story that invites conversation, connection, and collective exhale.

April

As April turns toward poetry, reflection, and global awareness, Blackacre confronts how race, belonging, and power shape our inner and public landscapes, urging us to reckon with the worlds we inhabit and create.

When and where do we meet?

We meet every last Thursday of the month at Sana’a Café in Oakland, CA, at 7 PM, where literature and community intersect. Surrounded by good coffee and meaningful conversation, Louder Than Words creates space for readers of all levels, and for anyone seeking connection, to engage deeply, listen generously, and share stories together, both in the Bay Area and virtually!

Our virtual sessions will be held on every last Tuesday of the month on zoom!

Join our GroupMe and be a part of our discussions <3

Quarter 1 Events (January - April 2026)

The Intention

This January gathering invites us to slow down and begin the year with intention. Through reflection and conversation, we’ll reconnect with reading, goal-setting, and community as shared practices.

Redefining Love

February’s gathering explores love beyond romance—focusing on care, boundaries, belonging, and emotional literacy. Through conversation, reflection, and journaling, this event invites participants to consider how love shows up in friendships, community, and self. The goal is connection, honesty, and collective care in a low-pressure space.

Rest, Reflection & Release

In honor of Women’s History Month, our March gathering creates space for rest, reflection, and shared experience. Centered around Waiting to Exhale, this event invites women to slow down, connect, and reflect on womanhood, friendship, and emotional release. The focus is presence and community—not performance.

No Event for April

April is National Poetry Month, and while Louder Than Words won’t be hosting an event this month, we encourage you to seek out and support local poetry gatherings across the Bay Area. Poetry lives in community, and we’ll be sharing and highlighting different poetry events as we come across them—stay tuned and stay curious.