I think that the world is missing out on something really special as technology continues to develop- we just don’t read or talk to each other in person as much as we used to. Things like these are changing very quickly. I decided to try and put this change on hold for a bit and, with a few friends, read old books and talk about them.

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We call ourselves The New Inklings. We were inspired by The Inklings, a group of writers from Oxford, England, some of whose books we’ve discussed. J.R.R Tolkien and C.S Lewis are what make the name familiar to some. The original Inklings would talk and try to understand the world, while also sharing each other’s writing.

The way that the two authors- and others that we read- illustrate their thoughts through writing is amazing. From theological essays to fictional lands, they always open up a part of their lives, and give us a glimpse of the world through another lense; so I thought it was appropriate to name The New Inklings after them.

It’s fun not only to read things for the first time and share our favorite books, but to see how we all comprehend and try to understand characters, as well as experience foreign cultures through literature.

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The New Inklings is made up of guys from age 11 to men in their 20s. It’s nice to feel like you’re part of the conversation even when you’re much younger or older than everyone else. Some of the men are used to being in charge, but it feels like we’re all just friends during our conversations. Most of us (or the kids at least) go to different schools. I’m in 8th grade grade at IPS 19. Other schools include Herron High, Cathedral, The Oaks, Riverside, and CFI.

We meet monthly at the Harrison Center during First Friday. Many of us already go to the Harrison Center for First Friday, and we get to look around at the art together after our discussions. I enjoy the atmosphere as well as seeing the different pieces of art each month.

So far we’ve read Lord of the Flies (William Golding), Till We Have Faces (C.S Lewis), Animal Farm (George Orwell), Dubliners (James Joyce), and Pride and Prejudice (Jane Austen). We also post our writing- thoughts on books, and our own short stories and articles- on our website, newinklingsindy.wordpress.com.

To be able to read and talk with others is great, and having the chance to be a part of thoughtful discussions is something I think we should all have.

I don’t like calling The New Inklings a book club. It makes me feel like we’re nerds. But if we are, I really enjoy being one.