Nathaly Derzi Guerrero and Adriana Rojas are two best friends who discovered that their shared passion for books could spark something bigger. When speaking to The Asunción Times, they recall how “book party” Asu Lee (Asu Reads) was born, their expectations, and how literature shapes their daily lives.
Nathaly and Adriana emphasise that Asu Lee is not like your common book club; rather, it is more of a “book party”, and this is how their events work: Anyone can bring any book, and share their thoughts on it. Therefore, the meeting is not limited to a single book, unlike a traditional book club.
International inspiration
“We were inspired by a trend originated in the United States, where people decided to take up the habit of reading,” Nathaly explains. “Their meetings are usually outside in parks or places surrounded by trees.” Then, friends read and discuss what they have read.
“We saw this in Madrid and Buenos Aires too, and we said: ‘Can Asunción have something like this?’ We thought we could contribute to a change, like other similar activities that have been around lately. And that is how Asu Lee was born.”
First edition of Asu Lee
“At first, we did not really know if people would participate in such an activity,” Nathaly admits with a smile. “But after publishing our advert on Instagram, we quickly received messages asking: ‘Can I bring friends?’ That response was amazing.”
They realised there was a need for exactly this kind of initiative, one that invited people to connect through literature.
“The response that Asu Lee had took us by surprise,” Adriana adds. “We published only three posts on Instagram and suddenly received incredible attention. People from different neighbourhoods reached out with ideas, wanting to contribute. We became the centre of more book-related initiatives, which only motivated us further. It was clear a reading community was waiting for its moment.”
Building a reading community in Asunción
They explain that many readers tend to be shy, making it difficult to find safe spaces for conversation. “We feel like we opened a window for a community of book readers in Asunción. Books are a hook for people to meet, leave their comfort zones, and simply start chatting. We want to make socialising easier through literature.”
The first event was carefully designed to encourage participation. “The idea was to divide the event into thirty-minute sessions,” they reveal. “The first one focuses exclusively on close reading. Then, we have quizzes to stimulate critical thinking. It is a way to combine focus, fun, and dialogue in equal measure.”
Shared passions
Later in the interview, both reflect on how their friendship had been strengthened by their mutual love of books. “This kind of friendship takes you out of your comfort zone,” Adriana says. “Your friend suggests something new to read, and you do the same. That constant exchange keeps things alive.”
Nathaly agrees, recalling how books kept their bond strong despite different careers. “She studied medicine, and I studied marketing. But thanks to reading, we reunite weekly and exchange books from our TBR (to be read) lists. That same experience is what we want to replicate with Asu Lee.”
Any recommendations?
When asked about their favourite genres, Adriana smiles instantly. “I like fantasy mostly. Sagas of several books linked into one narrative captivate me the most. My favourite is A Court of Thorns and Roses. I highly recommend it to anyone who seeks an enchanting and captivating story.”
Meanwhile, Nathaly shares her love for historical contemporary novels. “It amazes me how an author can create a world that reflects their vision of life. Writers play the role of God, and when you think about it, their reflections hit deep. It is that feeling of inner reflection that I enjoy the most. That is why this genre is so powerful to me.”
An open window
The initiative does not end with Spanish readers alone. “We will open an English Language section,” they reveal. “Now that Asu Lee has received so much love, we will absolutely make it bilingual. This way, people can practise their English as well.”
They see enormous opportunities in this exchange. “We are aware of the possibilities that come from such encounters,” Adriana explains. The first meeting alone brought together over sixty people, and Nathaly and Adriana are already making plans for the future, organising one meeting per month. “There surely will be a future edition. Asu Lee is just beginning, and it already feels like home for readers.”
For more information on upcoming meetings, check Asu Lee on Instagram.
