Book chats are virtual gatherings that have a philanthropic aspect.
We pair authors or books with a humanitarian cause. Instead of bringing a bottle of wine or dessert to a book club gathering, we ask that you make a small donation (if able) to participate.
Together, we can make a difference.
Our Past Heart and Soul Book Chats included:
Sally Hepworth, author of The Soulmate. Watch the recording here.
Mindfulness event with Ellen Langer, PhD, author of The Mindful Body. Watch the recording here.
Alka Joshi, author of The Perfumist of Paris. Watch the recording here.
Jeanine Cummins, author, and Yareli Azrimedi, narrator, for American Dirt for the International Rescue Committee
Lisa Wingate for Book of Lost Friends to benefit Feeding America & The Whitney Plantation Museum. Watch the recording here.
Alka Joshi, author, and Ariyan Kassam, Deepa Samuel, narrators for The Secret Keeper of Jaipur to benefit Room to Read. Watch the recording here.
Sadeqa Johnson, author, Robin Miles, narrator, for The Yellow Wife to benefit The Sacred Ground Project. Watch the recording here.
Maggie Doyne, author of Between the Mountains and the Sky to benefit BlinkNow. Watch the recording here.
Sadeqa Johnson, author of The House of Eve to benefit BlinkNow. Watch the recording here.
Kirsten Chen, author, and Catherine Ho, narrator of Counterfeit to benefit The Ripple Center. Watch the recording here.
About Julie Kaminski
Julie Kaminski, MA, NBC-HWC, is a National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach with ACE certifications in Group Fitness, Personal Training, and Fitness Nutrition. She holds a master’s degree with distinction in counseling psychology, specializing in group work, and a bachelor’s degree in business with an emphasis on health and wellness. Julie is also trained through Wellcoaches, the only coaching program endorsed by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), and has pursued advanced studies in Saybrook University’s Mind-Body Medicine doctoral program.
With over 30 years of experience spanning private practice, major corporations, fitness clubs, and health centers, Julie has built a comprehensive approach to empowering individuals to thrive in mind and body. At the core of her work is her SAVOR Method, a mindful framework centered on five pillars of health and happiness: Sustenance, Activity, Vitality, Organization, and Refuelment. This framework helps clients develop sustainable habits that foster lasting, positive change and lead to vibrant, fulfilling lives.
Julie’s expertise includes dynamic group instruction and designing tailored wellness programs for individuals and groups, addressing fitness, nutrition, eating behaviors, stress management, and spiritual fulfillment. Her coaching techniques integrate motivational interviewing, goal-setting theory, and appreciative inquiry, ensuring a personalized and science-based approach to every client’s journey.
Julie is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania’s Foundations of Positive Psychology certification and the author of The Flourishing Home. Whether working one-on-one, leading workshops, or designing group challenges, Julie’s mission is to help clients uncover their unique Blueprint to Thrive.
A book club like yours, that’s potentially diverse, can really promote positive change. Anything that gets people talking and listening outside their own bubble of reality is a really important thing right now, I think. So keep up the great work.”
– Jeanine Cummins, author, American Dirt
This is a time when so many people need connection and a bit of an escape from everyday strife, and you’re reaching out and providing both, plus a reason to get out and walk, another thing that helps us all keep on keeping on.”
– Lisa Wingate, author, The Book of Lost Friends
Connecting to issues through creative work is a fantastic way to engage and create solutions to themes dealt with in the work. Your choice of books and access to the authors is the key to expanding the possibilities and influence of your great idea.”
– Yareli Arizmendi, narrator, American Dirt
What participants have to say
“This was an amazing and insightful discussion! So glad I was able to join. Thank you Julie for setting this up and for all your do for The Walking Book Club.”
“Thank you for this great dialogue in the book chat. I have found it to be very thought-provoking.”
“I loved the book chat, the author, and the charity you chose Julie. I really appreciate you organizing these events!”
“What a wonderful hour! Fascinating and inspiring, thank you.”
“I had tears in my eyes throughout the call.”
“Amazing, enlightening, and inspiring dialogue! Thank you!”