Words by Christine VanDyk
There’s a small storefront in southern France that’s often crowded on weekday afternoons. If you stroll along the ancient loggia and peek inside the arched windows, you’ll notice all the well-worn armchairs are filled with patrons. Mugs and pastries litter just about every surface, and a bell above the door frequently jingles with the arrival of each new guest.
However, when you finally cross the threshold, you’ll be most surprised by what’s missing. You won’t hear the sounds of noisy wait staff or customers shouting out espresso orders. There is no raucous laughter or French innuendo. This very crowded room is silent because everyone here is reading.
This is Silent Book Club, the hottest trend for today’s bibliophiles. People gather in quiet camaraderie in a variety of locations, from libraries and bars to parks and cafés, and simply read. Currently, there are more than 1,500 locations across 54 countries, including the South.
If you’re the outgoing sort, this might confuse you. After all, what’s the point of a book club that’s not interactive? Is it really a “club” if the main activity is solo? And yet these “introverted happy hours” are extremely popular, especially with young people who work remotely, often live alone, and claim to be less social.
So, how is Silent Book Club succeeding at getting people to put their phones down and engage face-to-face? It’s because this low-pressure form of interaction puts the emphasis on the activity. Social interaction is merely optional. These clubs allow folks to gather in proximity and do something they’d be doing anyway. The hope is that after the silent reading time is over, these readers will strike up conversations. What begins with a simple question like “Tell me about the plot of your book” or “Why that author?” might lead to new friendships.
While you can wander into a gathering in your hometown, one of our favorite ways to experience Silent Book Club is by taking the reading on the road.
Pack Your Books – You can pop into Silent Book Club virtually anywhere on the planet or, better yet, sign up for one of the organization’s travel abroad programs. Both options let you blend your love for literature with cultural immersion. You’ll connect with like-minded individuals without any fear or pressure; plus, it’s a great way to meet people, practice a new language, and experience life as a local.
Live Local – Book clubs are a great way to meet locals. They can be your best resources for everything from museums and outdoor hikes to restaurants and music venues.
Talk to Strangers – Introverts enjoy the chance to engage with similar individuals over a topic they already know they have in common. And while reading is most likely a solo event, social interactions before and after let you explore new friends, as well as new authors and genres.
Decompress – Traveling can be stressful; reading gives you the chance to recharge and rejuvenate amid a hectic journey. It’s comforting to know that no matter where you are in the world, you’re never very far from the friends you find inside a book.
The Security of Others – Many of us enjoy solo travel but welcome the comfort and safety of a larger group. Silent Book Club itineraries are a great blend of time alone and time within the community of like-minded people.
Find a Group – Visit silentbook.club online and explore the “Chapters” and “Calendar” pages for information on meetups near your home and across the globe.
Start a Group – Whether you’re at home or on the road, starting a Silent Book Club is as easy as finding a venue, scheduling the meetup, and greeting fellow readers at the door. For tips on how to choose a location, name your chapter, and publicize the event, visit the silentbook.club website.
