Gen-Zers Invent a New Type of Bookclub

A friend recently sent me an article from Inc. in hopes that my blog readers would find it interesting. The article states what we already know– the act of reading a book for pleasure is interesting fewer and fewer people. Or perhaps I should say that fewer and fewer people are reading books for pleasure. Some people may really want to read more but don’t have the time.

Young people realize that they not only need to read more, but that they need to end the doomscrolling and get out in the world to move, meet people and make friends. Part of that effort includes joining book clubs, but the not the traditional ones we are familiar with. Some of these book clubs are simply gatherings of people at a library or a coffee shop for people to read their own books. Of course the books are all different so there is no discussion of just one book. Many people, however, stay longer to socialize.

Charleston is holding its own Silent Reading Party this Wednesday from 5:00 to 6:30 PM at American Gardens on King Street. This is the first of a monthly gathering that simply invites people to come to the garden and read silently. Afterwards, there will be a period where people can socialize and share book ideas if they want to.