LAUREN HEWITT
Are you a book lover who craves quiet company while diving into your favorite stories? The Silent Book Club is here to redefine social reading in GQ! Known as a “happy hour for introverts,” this global phenomenon is making its way to our city.
Now, you may wonder, what exactly is a silent book club?
A silent book club is a global community with over 1,400 chapters across 54 countries, led by local volunteers. It’s a haven for readers and introverts, bringing people together to read in peaceful company.
All readers are welcome—whether you prefer ebooks, audiobooks (with earbuds), textbooks, or comic books. It’s BYOBook, and the events are free, often hosted at local coffee shops, bars, art galleries, or even museums. These gatherings not only nurture your love for reading but also support local businesses.
Here’s how it works: Friends and strangers gather at a set time and location, order food or drinks, share what they’re reading—or not—and settle in for an hour of silent, sustained reading. Afterward, attendees can choose to socialize or simply head out, making it an ideal event for all personality types.
The best part? There’s no homework, no assigned reading, and no rules about what you should read. Any genre, any book, any pace—it’s entirely up to you.
The First Event
GQ’s first Silent Book Club event takes place on Saturday, 14 December, from 14:00 to 16:00 at St George’s Park (near the hospital gates). Bring your favorite book, snacks, drinks, and a picnic blanket for a relaxing afternoon of reading under the trees.
Schedule:
- 14:00–14:30: Arrive, settle in, and share what you’re reading (if you’d like).
- 14:30–15:30: Quiet reading time.
- 15:30–16:00: Optional chatting and connecting.
This is just the beginning, as the Silent Book Club plans to host monthly events at different venues across the city. Stay tuned for updates, and don’t miss this chance to be part of GQ’s growing community of book lovers!
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