Literati Lounge | A Book Club Inspired by Tea Culture

Book I: The Book of Tea by Kakuzō Okakura

Tea has always been more than a beverage. It is ritual, philosophy, aesthetics, hospitality, discipline, memory, and a reflection of culture itself.

For our first Literati Lounge selection of 2026, we will be reading The Book of Tea, Kakuzō Okakura’s influential 1906 work exploring tea not simply as a drink, but as a way of understanding beauty, simplicity, presence, and the relationship between East and West. Written over a century ago, the book remains deeply relevant today, especially within modern tea culture.

Literati Lounge is Admari’s book club inspired by tea culture, exploring literature, philosophy, ritual, mindfulness, aesthetics, and the deeper ideas that surround tea and the human experience.

Each book cycle includes two gatherings designed to create a more thoughtful and connected reading experience.

Session One | Opening Conversation & Guided Overview (5/31)

Our first gathering introduces the historical context, themes, philosophy, and key ideas of the book. Together, we’ll explore the world surrounding the text, discuss initial impressions, and create a framework for reading.

This session is designed to deepen your understanding before you move fully into the book itself.

Session Two | Reflection & Closing Discussion (6/28)

Our second gathering serves as a collective wrap-up and conversation after reading. We’ll reflect on the text together, discuss interpretations, favorite passages, lasting impressions, and how the ideas connect to tea, culture, ritual, and modern life.

We meet twice per book, the first to introduce, the second to integrate. While guests are welcome to attend either gathering individually, we highly encourage participation in both sessions to experience the full conversation arc of the book.

What to Expect

• Guided literary and cultural discussion

• Tea service during each session

• Historical and philosophical context

• Community conversation and reflection

• A slower, more intentional approach to reading

Whether you are a lifelong reader, tea lover, creative, philosopher, or simply curious, Literati Lounge is intended to create space for thoughtful conversation and deeper engagement through books and tea.

Space is limited to 10. Advance registration required.