Journey from Cargo to Pages: Rediscovering Magic of Books in Doha

  •   Wed, Mar 05 2025
  •   By Yahya Abbas

March 5, 2025

There’s a rhythm to life that shifts unexpectedly, pulling us from one chapter to another. For years, my story was written in the logistics of port operations, surrounded by containers and cargo, deadlines and strategy. In this world, there was little room for the stories that once filled my heart with wonder. Yet, life has a way of leading us back to the things we love, even when we think we’ve left them behind.

As a young boy, books were my refuge. I lost myself in their pages, savoring every word, every twist of the narrative. But as years passed, the tides of my career swept me into a sea of responsibilities and commitments. My last literary escape before the corporate world consumed me was Heart Lamp, a short story collection by Banu Mushtaq, a writer, activist, and lawyer from Karnataka. Translated from Kannada to English by my senior, Deepa Bhasthi, the book left an indelible mark on my soul. This year, it was longlisted for the International Booker Prize—a well-deserved recognition for a beautiful piece of literature. Yet, even as that achievement brightened the literary world, I found myself adrift, away from the written word.

 

Then, I arrived in Doha, just a couple of months ago, and as fate often has it, I found my way back to books. It was here, among the high rises and bustling streets of West Bay, that I stumbled upon The #2 Qatar Book Club, a community that sought to reconnect the city’s readers in a social and meaningful way. Since its founding in 2016, it has been Doha’s most welcoming reader community, drawing book lovers from diverse backgrounds. The club’s founder, Omar, has been the leading force in arranging this noble initiative, bringing together people who share a passion for literature. And so, one evening, I found myself stepping into the warm ambiance of Twisted Olive, Doha Tower, surrounded by a diverse group of individuals united by their love for books.

A Global Conversation Around a Single Table

The evening’s discussion was centered around The Vegetarian, a novel by Han Kang that digs deep into the human psyche, challenging societal norms and personal identity. As I listened to people from all walks of life—students, professionals, writers—sharing their thoughts, I was struck by the power of literature to unite, to transcend borders and cultures. 

There, in that cozy corner of Doha, we spoke of Yeong-hye, the protagonist whose choice to stop eating meat becomes both an act of rebellion and a cry for autonomy. We debated whether her decision was driven by psychological distress, a spiritual transformation, or a rejection of patriarchal control. The beauty of the discussion lay in the richness of perspective—each person bringing their own lens, shaped by their unique background and experiences.

As a Mass Communication research scholar, this was a profound experience. In a world where social media often fragments our conversations into fleeting moments of likes and shares, I found myself immersed in a dialogue that demanded reflection and critical thinking. The book club was a sanctuary for those who yearn for deeper connection, who believe that true dialogue is more than just words—it’s the exchange of ideas, the opening of hearts.

The Heart of Reading: Connecting Beyond Screens

In today’s age, where screens often dictate our attention, the book club serves as a powerful reminder of the impact literature can have when shared. Our discussions weren’t about fleeting trends or viral moments; they were about ideas that have endured for centuries, from the timeless question of personal freedom to the deep exploration of human identity. As I listened to voices from different parts of the world, I realized just how much we—whether in Doha, Mumbai, or New York—are connected by the stories we share.

Books shape us. They challenge us, provoke us, and ultimately, transform us. The members of The #2 Qatar Book Club represent the future—the young students and curious minds who will go on to shape the world. Today’s readers, I believe, are tomorrow’s leaders. The discussions I witnessed that evening weren’t just about interpreting a novel; they were about cultivating critical thinking, empathy, and open-mindedness. 

A New Beginning in Every Page

As the evening drew to a close, the group gathered for a photo, but it wasn’t just a snapshot—it was a moment of shared understanding, a memory forged in the heat of intellectual debate and the warmth of newfound friendships. The evening was more than a book discussion; it was a celebration of the very essence of human connection, wrapped in the pages of a book.

For me, it wasn’t just about revisiting a passion—it was about rediscovering how books can open doors, how they can unite people in the most unexpected ways. In The #2 Qatar Book Club, I found a community that values the power of reading, not just for entertainment, but for growth.

To the young students and curious minds of Doha, I say this: put down your phones, pick up a book, and join the conversation. For when we open the pages of a book, we open ourselves to a world of possibilities, a world where we are all connected through the stories we share.

 

 
By Yahya Abbas
Yahya Abbas Ujire holds a master’s degree in mass communication & journalism from Mangalore University and a master’s degree in Logistics & Supply Chain Management from Westford University. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Mass Communication & Journalism at Kuvempu University Shimoga (Jnana Sahyadri). A passionate writer, he has presented research papers at several national and international conferences. With 15 years of experience in Abu Dhabi Ports Operations, he now works at Qatar Hamad Port Operations.
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Title: Journey from Cargo to Pages: Rediscovering Magic of Books in Doha



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