Last week, I had the unique pleasure of co-hosting an intimate afternoon gathering to celebrate Suleika Jaouad’s newest book, The Book of Alchemy: A Creative Practice for an Inspired Life. What started as a simple book event turned into a magical experience filled with heartfelt conversations, surprising laughter, and budding friendships. It also left me wondering: could a journaling club be the brilliant, unexpected way to form genuine connections in our busy, often disconnected lives?
You may know Suleika from her powerful 2021 memoir Between Two Kingdoms, where she shared the harrowing journey of being diagnosed with leukemia at just 22 years old. With only a 35% chance of long-term survival, she spent four years tethered to hospital beds and medical machines. But when doctors finally declared her cancer-free, Suleika faced a new challenge—learning how to live fully again. It was journaling that helped her navigate this uncertain, fragile space between survival and thriving.
Her new book is an invitation to all of us to embrace journaling not just as a private act, but as a communal, creative practice. Filled with thoughtful prompts and essays by luminaries such as Jon Batiste, Ann Patchett, Jia Tolentino, and George Saunders, The Book of Alchemy offers a gentle roadmap toward inspiration, healing, and self-discovery.
In my living room, Suleika led us through a simple yet profound exercise. She asked everyone to write about their hands. It sounds straightforward, but as soon as pens hit paper, the room filled with quiet scribbling and deep reflection. When a few brave souls shared their writings, it became clear how even the smallest prompt can unlock stories far beyond the physical. Hands became symbols of identity, culture, connection, and resilience—threads weaving together the fabric of our lives.
Before starting to journal, Suleika often writes a question to herself at the top of the page—a ritual inspired by Elizabeth Gilbert’s essay, where she opens her journal with, “Dear Love, what will you have me know today?” Suleika adapts this, writing, “What will you have me know today?” as a way to tap into intuition amid life’s uncertainties. This approach invites us not just to write, but to listen deeply—to our inner voice, our truths, our hopes.
We also shared some lighthearted moments. One prompt asked us to close our eyes and draw a giraffe, which led to hilarious results and plenty of laughter. The exercise was a beautiful reminder that journaling isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence, vulnerability, and sometimes embracing our imperfection with humor.
Then came one of my favorite moments: Suleika asked everyone to share something they’d add to their “unofficial resume.” Rather than their job titles or professional accolades, it was a chance to reveal quirky, surprising personal talents or passions. Suleika herself revealed she helps friends find the perfect dog—her husband thinks three dogs are enough at home, so she’s become a matchmaker for others seeking canine companions.
Other guests chimed in with charming confessions: Priya Parker, a gifted matchmaker for book lovers, curates reading lists to coax friends back into reading; Deb Perelman from Smitten Kitchen once competed in synchronized swimming; musician Hrishikesh Hirway boasts a refined palate for chocolate chip cookies across cities; and Hunter Harris declared herself the ultimate wedding guest, armed with social savvy and emergency essentials.
The afternoon radiated a rare kind of magic, largely because journaling unlocked so many layers of connection. Guests left inspired not just by Suleika’s words, but by the unexpected intimacy journaling fostered—a feeling that friendships can blossom from shared vulnerabilities and creative exploration. Many walked away with ideas for future collaborations, both personal and professional.
It made me think—what if we started a journaling club? A space where people gather regularly to write on a shared prompt, then discuss whatever surfaces. It could be a sanctuary in the chaos, a place to slow down, reflect, and connect beyond small talk or social media.
Would you join such a club? Whether you’re a seasoned writer or someone who has never kept a journal, I’d highly recommend Suleika Jaouad’s The Book of Alchemy. It’s perfect for anyone who loves writing, therapy, or simply pondering life’s mysteries while staring out a window. More than a book, it’s an invitation to create, connect, and maybe, just maybe, make new friends in the process.
So here’s to the humble journal—the simple book that can hold our fears, dreams, and hopes—and to the friendships waiting to be written into being.
