Tell us: Do you read for fun?
For some bookworms, silent book clubs have emerged as a new way to spend alone time, together.
Many people describe reading as one of their favorite hobbies. Since Gallup first asked the question in 1960, at least 10% of Americans have identified reading as their favorite evening activity in all but one survey.
One of the best things about reading as a hobby is how easily it can fit into your daily routine, ranging from reading on your commute (whether that be listening to audiobooks in the car or reading physical and e-books on the T) to attending scheduled book clubs with your friends or at your local library.
And now there’s a new(ish) way to read books. Enter: the silent book club. The name might seem antithetical to the intention of standard book clubs, where people get together to discuss one book with a group. But silent book clubs offer something traditional book clubs can’t: a way to spend time alone, together.
At these groups, often hosted by bookstores, cafés, bars, or sometimes private residences, attendees come to read together in silence. The concept has found popularity in recent years, with hundreds of chapters forming across the country.
Here in Boston, Trident Booksellers & Café in Back Bay hosts a “Silent Book Club & Write Night” twice a month as a way for readers to practice self-care during the week, meet new people, and find book recommendations. Attendees bring whatever book they are currently reading and spend the first 30 minutes of the night mingling and ordering food, followed by an hour of silent reading, and finishing off the night with a half-hour more of socializing.
A similar group is also hosted by Porter Square Books’ Seaport bookshop. These meet-ups can offer reluctant readers a way back into the habit of reading and can offer bibliophiles a new medium to share their love for reading.
In general, Americans are reading fewer books than in years past. In 2020, Gallup found that 6% of U.S. adults named reading as their favorite way to spend an evening, down from 12% in 2016.
The way we’re reading is changing, too. With new technology has come new ways to enjoy the written — or spoken — word. A poll by the Economist and YouGov found that just over half (54%) of all Americans said they read at least one book in 2023. Those who did read were more likely to read physical books: More than 40% of Americans read a physical book in 2023, compared to 21% who read an e-book and 19% who listened to an audiobook.
We want to know about your reading habits. Do you read for fun? If so, what’s your favorite way to read? Have you heard of, or attended, a silent book club?
Tell us by filling out the form or e-mailing us at [email protected], and your response may appear in a future Boston.com article.
Sorry. This form is no longer available.
Be civil. Be kind.
Read our full community guidelines.To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address