The first is a classic book club which doesn’t only stick to reading books from the Hitchhiker Universe but also dives into related media such as movies, podcasts and YouTube videos. Sometimes we might start with a group film viewing, followed by members presenting and discussing particular scenes. We also intend to explore deeper themes from Douglas Adams like biodiversity, Magic Realism and how fiction sometimes shapes reality.
The idea is to make it a flexible, augmented book club that can function both in-person (like at the House of Consciousness in Norway) and online, encouraging participants to organise local chapters and run their own sessions, possibly in collaboration with networks like the Norwegian Climate Network or the RSA. - Themes will shift between media – movies, radio, books and podcasts. - Presentations and note-taking by members are encouraged. - Venues and partners include House of Consciousness, Norwegian Climate Network and RSA.
## 1. Themed Book Clubs on the Hitchhiker Universe The book club aspect functions similarly to a classical book club, with a twist: while books form the foundation, the club also incorporates elements from the various formats in which Hitchhiker's Guide exists, including the radio series, the film adaptation, YouTube videos, and podcasts.
### Structure and Activities - **Thematic Exploration:** Each session or cycle revolves around themes found in the Hitchhiker universe. For example, the group might start by watching the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (film), either together or individually, followed by a focused discussion on particular scenes, characters, or concepts. A club member could present an analysis of a scene's deeper meaning. - **Augmented Participation:** Discussions and presentations could be recorded. Members may collaborate on shared notes, potentially on platforms such as Federated Wiki, though other platforms may also be considered. The aim is to create an 'augmented' book club experience, blending live events with digital record-keeping and knowledge sharing. - **Expanding Beyond the Basics:** Once the introductory themes of the Hitchhiker universe are covered, the club may branch into broader topics inspired by Douglas Adams’ writing—such as his interest in biodiversity, the intersection of fiction and real-world science (wherein ideas from fiction influence technological or scientific development), and genres like magic realism. - **Flexible Topics and Participation:** Organisers and members can propose new topics, ensuring the club remains dynamic. The structure allows for flexibility, accommodating traditional literary deep dives as well as multimedia explorations.
### Locations and Partnerships - **Norway:** Ingemetter (the organiser) is setting up a Hitchhiker Book Club in a new venue, the "House of Consciousness," which also hosts various startups and spiritual or meditative practices. There are plans to link with the Norwegian Climate Network, possibly holding sessions in Molde (Ingemetter’s location in northern Norway), and inviting participation from local organisations and broader online communities. - **Global Outreach:** The club's materials, themes, and formats are intended to be portable—allowing others (e.g., through the Royal Society of Arts - RSA - in London) to establish similar clubs. There is a vision for up to "42 embassies" (a reference to the number famously associated with the Hitchhiker's series) worldwide, ensuring geographic and demographic diversity. Local youth networks and student groups are also encouraged to participate.