Zharkyn Bolashak Book Club: where books turn into a bridge to self – development and dialogue
The youth organization of AlES JSC “Zharkyn Bolashak” has opened a new page in its history starting from September 2024 – a book club, which has already become a place of inspiration, discussions and personal growth for its participants. Over the past few months, six books have been read and deeply discussed here, but most importantly, they have created a unique space where reading turns into the art of dialogue.
It is not intended to be an ordinary circle of literature amateurs, but a laboratory for analysis and critical thinking. Each meeting is a structured process: participants assign roles in advance. One prepares an analysis of the plot, other researches the author’s biography, and others develop tests or interactive tasks. For example, after reading neurosurgeon Henry Marsh’s memoirs “Do No Harm”, club members played ‘Medical Dilemma’, modeling the complex ethical decisions of doctors.
“We learn to be able to see a book from different angles. When you read alone, you can miss details, but in dialogue new insights emerge,” notes Aizada Tleuhan, Chief Specialist of the Staff Training Department.
Throughout the club’s work the participants managed to become acquainted with the works that touched their professional and personal interests:
– “Kaizen. The key to the success of Japanese companies” Masaaki Imai – this book has become particularly relevant for the club, because AlES JSC is actively implementing the kaizen philosophy based on continuous process improvement. The participants discussed how the principles of “small steps” can be applied not only in production, but also in everyday life. “Kaizen teaches that progress is not about grandiose leaps, but about daily improvements. This coincides with our corporate culture,” Asset Amirbekov, Head of the Repair Service at B.Orazbayev CHPP-1, head of the Zharkyn Bolashak youth organization, emphasizes.
– “The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari” by Robin Sharma is the book that fascinated Aset. The advice it gives on life balance and daily habits has become a go-to guide for many.
– “Do No Harm” by Henry Marsh is a memoir that inspired discussions about morality in medicine. “The author is not afraid to talk about mistakes. This is a book about humanity,” shares Dina Karabalina, Chief Human Resources Officer.
– Benjamin Franklin’s autobiography is an example of self-development that showed how persistence and curiosity can change the world.
“Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus” by John Gray – a book that explored gender psychology and sparked lively debate.
Bekzat Kalelov, an electrician at B. Orazbayev CHPP-1, admits that the club has not only helped him discover neurosurgery, but has also improved his Russian: “I used to be shy to speak, but now I participate in discussions and analyze texts”.
The participants all agree that the value of the club lies in its atmosphere. There are no “correct” opinions here, but there is respect for different points of view. “It’s more than just books. It is an experience that teaches us to think more widely,” says Aizada Tleukhan.
Dina Karabalina notes: “We do not only discuss stories, but we also debate philosophical issues. It develops critical thinking and helps us in our work – even in a technical sector like ours. It’s also important that we always have the opportunity to choose books that we are really interested in, while learning from others”.
The club doesn’t intend to stop at that. The members wish to attract more colleagues, organize meetings with authors… “A good environment makes us better. We want this environment to grow,” Aset emphasizes.
Please join us!
If you believe that books can change lives and are ready to share your ideas, the Zharkyn Bolashak Book Club awaits you. This is where every page becomes the beginning of a new dialogue – with yourself, your colleagues and the world.
“Reading is a journey. And when you are not travelling alone, the road becomes brighter,” concludes Bekzat.