More Than Just a Book Discussion: The “Me, Them, and Love” Intimate Talk Becomes a Space to Share Concerns

A group photo of the two authors, the moderator, the editor-in-chief of Gradien Mediatama, and the participants of the Intimate Talk at the CCWS ITS Library on Wednesday (September 2, 2026).

Surabaya – The Library of the Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology (ITS), in collaboration with Naraloka and the editorial team of Gradien Mediatama, held an  Intimate Talk  titled “Me, Them, and Love” on Wednesday (September 2). Held at the CCWS ITS Library, the event featured two authors: Ade Rima Miranti, author of  Aku Rumah Semua Orang, tapi ke Mana Aku Pulang?, and Lena Septi Anggraeni—writing under the pen name Coretan Lena—author of Ternyata Sejak Kecil Aku Hanya Ingin Dicintai. The event was moderated by Imanuel Dwi Prasetyo—better known as Dwi—the 2025 ITS Ambassador and an ITS Information Systems student.

Featuring a book talk concept designed to be more intimate and personal, the event began with both authors sharing stories about their creative processes and the background behind the creation of their respective books. With Dwi serving as moderator, Ade and Lena invited participants to delve deeper into the stories and experiences that were part of their journey in writing their books. The discussion then became even more interactive when participants were given the opportunity to ask questions directly.

The participants’ enthusiasm was evident from the many questions asked during the Q&A session. From the various questions submitted, five participants had the opportunity to ask their questions directly to the two authors, and each received a book as a door prize. The event didn’t stop at a discussion about the book; participants were also invited to write down their concerns anonymously. Several of these concerns were then selected and read aloud by the moderator, to which Ade and Lena responded directly with words that were soothing, reflective, and motivating.

The presence of about 50 participants made the atmosphere of the Intimate Talk feel even warmer. In line with the event’s concept, the two-way communication facilitated by the moderator and the two authors created a discussion space that went beyond simply discussing the book’s content and the writing process; it also touched on experiences and concerns closely related to the participants’ lives. After the discussion concluded, the ITS Library presented souvenirs to the two authors and the moderator as a token of appreciation for their contributions to the event.

The event then concluded with a Meet and Greet session, which was enthusiastically received by the participants. The opportunity to take personal photos with the author and engage in casual conversation allowed the interaction between the author and participants to continue in a more intimate atmosphere. Through this event, the ITS Library, in collaboration with Naraloka and the Gradien Mediatama editorial team, not only provided a space to discuss books but also created a safe space to share stories, concerns, and experiences through literacy.