Al Jalees Turns 11: Celebrating Our Anniversary With James by Percival Everett

I almost can’t believe that eleven years have passed since Al Jalees first began. What started as a simple idea—a gathering for people like us, the ones who never quite fit into typical social settings because our minds preferred wandering inside books—has grown into a cultural home. We wanted a place where discussions felt meaningful, reflections were heard, and curiosity was welcome. And somehow, through consistency, clarity, and the love of stories, we found our people… and I hope they found us too.

Over the years, our mission became sharper: to build a safe, engaging space for culture enthusiasts in Saudi Arabia; a place where ideas sit beside community, and literature brings strangers together. I am endlessly grateful for my team—whose belief in this mission turned it from my mission into ours. What began as a book club is now a cultural establishment with expanding services, deeper engagements, and a growing community in both Jeddah and Riyadh.

As we look toward 2026, our plans are bigger, bolder, and more creative than ever. I truly hope you stay with us, join the story, and be part of everything we’re dreaming about. This year in Riyadh, we’re marking our anniversary with literary games, community bonding, and a discussion of James by Percival Everett—a novel that took the literary world by storm in 2024.

About the Book of the Month

Everett’s James became a global sensation, earning the National Book Award for Fiction, the Kirkus Prize, and a place on the Booker Prize shortlist. It was named one of the year’s best books by The New York Times, The Atlantic, TIME, The Economist, and many more. A film adaptation is already in development with Steven Spielberg.

In one interview, Everett said: “I hope that I have written the novel that Twain did not.”

And that is exactly what he set out to do. James reimagines The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn from the perspective of Jim—no longer the background character, but the heart of the story. When Jim overhears that he is about to be sold to a man in New Orleans—torn forever from his wife and daughter—he escapes in search of a way to save them. Meanwhile, Huck fakes his own death to flee his abusive father, and their journeys collide as they travel down the Mississippi River toward the uncertain promise of freedom. What Everett does differently is profound. He restores Jim’s humanity. He gives him intelligence, humor, strategy, fear, longing, and love. Everett turns a once-sidelined character into a fully realized man fighting for his family and dignity. Through sharp wit and emotional depth, Everett reframes an American classic and reveals what was always missing: Jim’s voice.

As Al Jalees turns 11, celebrating this novel feels symbolic. James is about reclaiming your story, finding your voice, and stepping into a new era with clarity and courage. In many ways, that’s exactly what the journey of Al Jalees has been.

Here’s to our anniversary, to powerful stories, and to the readers who keep this community alive.

We can’t wait to celebrate with you. Join us in Riyadh on December 10th.