Latest news with #SilentBookClub
IOL News
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
How the Silent Book Club is expanding reading culture in South Africa
The organiser behind the whole Cape Town chapter, which recently celebrated its first anniversary, is Shawn Buck, who came across the 'Silent Book Club' phenomenon after a visit home to the United States in April. Image: Maya Bogaert/Young Urbanists/Supplied The Cape Town Silent Book Club has taken the quote, 'we read to know that we are not alone,' to a new level by having people come together for an hour and read silently together. That quote, often misattributed to acclaimed author C.S. Lewis, is actually from screenwriter William Nicholson, but it speaks to how many book lovers across the city—and across the country —are coming together to experience community. The organiser behind the whole Cape Town chapter, which recently celebrated its first anniversary, is Shawn Buck, who came across the 'Silent Book Club' phenomenon after a visit home to the United States in April. Buck, originally from Atlanta, has been living in Cape Town for 11 years since he relocated to the city due to his work in the nonprofit sector. Since the first gathering in May of 2024, the Silent Book Club has continued to grow, drawing in many bibliophiles. 'I had heard of the concept before, it was cool to get to go experience it in Atlanta, which is one of the bigger chapters in the world. There are something like 1700 chapters around the world, so it's quite a large movement that's been going for around 10 years now. 'I just thought that was amazing, and I've been a big reader my whole life, but really had gotten back into it properly over three years. I returned to Cape Town and thought this could work, so some friends helped encourage me to get it started. 'When I started the chapter I just posted on Instagram, and I really thought it would be five friends and myself who would join, but then 65 people showed up to the first one, which was overwhelming but really exciting.' 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Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ The Silent Book Club gathering may have started with one a month but now they have three gatherings, and that they will often move around dates, locations and times. If a gathering were to take place from 2 pm to 4 pm, people would usually arrive early to secure their seats. The first 30 minutes would be used to allow attendees to grab their drinks or food, and then at 2.30 pm, they would start the silent reading hour. 'I'll usually get up and welcome everyone, and recently I've started asking over the past few months who is new at the gathering, and I would say it has to be like 75% of the people every time raising their hand. So if you think you're going to be the only new one and everyone knows each other, that's not true. 'I think because we move around so much, it gives different people a chance to join in, and there are a lot of people who are new to the gathering. It's cool to see a lot of brave people who come by themselves or bring a friend or come to a group. 'It isn't a regular thing, so you do have to really be aware of it, and I think that's nice. It makes it very intentional.' The organiser behind the whole Cape Town chapter, which recently celebrated its first anniversary, is Shawn Buck. Image: Liza van Deventer/Supplied Buck explained that he thinks part of the appeal of it, and why it has grown so much over the last year, is that there is no expectation placed on whoever attends, and that it feels very much like a 'choose-your-own-adventure'. 'You get to read what you want. You get to come to the gatherings that you want. There's no expectation to come to every single one. You get to talk to who you want, or talk to no one. 'I think it really fits into a group of people who have been looking for a community that kind of fits their needs. And so that, I think, speaks to why it's been so well-received over the past year.' Buck said that when they started their chapter, they were the second one created in South Africa, after the Goethe-Institut in Johannesburg, but now there are about 19 chapters in South Africa. 'Even small places like George, I think this weekend, or next weekend, there's a new one starting in Hermanus, to Jeffrey's Bay, and to Port Elizabeth. "There are three in Durban, one in the Drakensberg area, along with a few in Johannesburg, and also in Bloemfontein. They're really all over the place, which is awesome. I love to see how it's expanded. 'I think we've helped influence that a bit, but I also think there's this global movement that has been growing a lot over the past year.' Buck said not only has there been a number of these starting in South Africa, but also in neighbouring countries like Zimbabwe and Zambia. Six months ago a number of them got together in a WhatsApp group to share tips and tricks on what they've learned in managing and putting together a gathering. 'It's just nice to have somebody to talk to about it… and that's been really great to be able to connect, and share what's working and what's not (with each other).' Since the first gathering in May of 2024, the Silent Book Club has continued to grow, drawing in many bibliophiles. Image: Ohrun Eren/Supplied Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB) CEO, Lance Schultz said the significance of the Silent Book Club phenomenon lies in its ability to address cultural, social, and psychological barriers to reading whilst fostering communities of belonging and understanding. 'South Africa has inherent multilingual complexities stemming from the use of 12 official languages, Khoi and San Languages, other heritage languages, various dialects and varieties. 'These diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds afford these Silent Book Clubs to foster flexibility by accommodating varied reading preferences and literacy levels.' One way that the Silent Book Club is turning their fun gatherings into a means for good is by partnering up with The Bookery, which builds libraries in South Africa, and is helping raise funds to help them build their 100th library. A library that will be built in a Cape Town school. 'They kind of have a gap in the funding that they need to complete all the renovations, buy all the books, employ the library and train the librarian. So I said I'd love to kind of come and support as a cause I think it's something that our community would really connect with. 'The Bookery has this phrase, that every child should experience the joy and the power of reading, and I love that phrase and I think it connects so beautifully with what I hope Silent Book Club is for people.' Buck said their goal is to raise R100,000, and that so far they've reached about 20% of their goal. He added that anyone who donates over R100 will stand a chance to win prizes that have been sponsored. The Bookery's spokesperson, Jackie Sands, said that they appreciate the partnership as they are all about collaboration. Sands explained that there is a staggering situation that the country is faced with, as 'over 80% of schools do not have a functioning library'. 'This grossly fails us in terms of literacy, you know we need every vehicle and tool to boost literacy in this country, with over 81% of our Grade 4 learners showing us that they can't read for meaning. 'If they are not comprehending what they are reading, they won't be able to learn,' Sands said. 'With the Silent Book Club coming alongside, and doing this fundraiser, it is an amazing initiative. We are about to create our 100th library. Our most expensive component of library creation is books, so their efforts will help so much in augmenting our spend on books on this library, among other components that we fund.' If people want to donate, they can do so at
Style Blueprint
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Style Blueprint
Cool Adult Clubs in Memphis: Find Your People in the 901
Share with your friends! Pinterest LinkedIn Email Flipboard Reddit New to town or looking to expand your circle? Whether you are an introvert, an extrovert, or something in between, finding like-minded people who share your passions is easier than you might think. From stimulating book chats and competitive runs to gardening workshops and game nights, Memphis offers an array of groups you can join to connect with new friends through shared interests! For Book Lovers A Novel Book Club More Info: Tucked inside the beloved East Memphis indie bookstore, this club hosts monthly discussions that go deep. Expect a mix of genres, themed reads, and the occasional guest author. Anyone is welcome — no registration required — and members help choose future reading selections. Bonus: You can grab coffee and browse for more books while you're there! Memphis Public Library Book Clubs More Info: Several local library branches run themed clubs open to the public, covering topics ranging from mystery to memoir. Many also offer virtual options, host speakers, and hold special events tied to each book's theme. Memphis Girls Book Club More Info: Founded in 2023 to foster literacy and community among girls who share a passion for reading, this fun, intimate book club hosts monthly meetings and mini-meets at spots around town. The goal is to provide a haven for women to explore new books, find new friends, and give back to the community. The group even has an online platform for members to connect and engage. Pin The New Romantics Book Club More Info: Instagram Run by spunky twin sisters, Stacey and Steph, this club is perfect for hopeless romantics, avid chick-flick watchers, and readers who love stories that end in a kiss. The group shares its monthly book picks via Instagram and hosts live reading sprints each weekend on its YouTube channel, along with a live book discussion at the end of each month. Pin Silent Book Club – Memphis Chapter More Info: Not a fan of structured discussions? The Silent Book Club is for you. The club, dubbed the 'Introvert Happy Hour,' is a no-pressure way to enjoy reading together — quietly. Meet at a cozy venue with your book of choice, read in silence, and chat afterward (or not). No assigned reading or small talk required! For the Movers & Shakers Memphis Runners Track Club More Info: One of the largest and most active running clubs in the South, the nonprofit MRTC promotes health and fitness through amateur road racing, cross-country, and track — all in the spirit of fun and competition. This club isn't just for marathoners; all levels are welcome! Join weekly group runs, training programs, fun events like 'Brew Runs,' and the club's annual Road Race Series. Pin Grind City Cycling More Info: Instagram Love biking? Whether you're into scenic city rides or off-road adventures, this club offers organized routes, trail exploration, and social rides across Memphis and the Mid-South with other cycling enthusiasts. It even sponsors charity events like the annual Paint The Streets Pink ride, which raises money for breast cancer research and awareness. Outdoor Adventures Meetup More Info: Want to get out of the city and into nature? This outdoor-centric meetup group has a calendar full of adventures you can sign up for, from kayaking and canoeing to hiking, camping, and backpacking. Get to know other nature buffs and explore natural treasures in Memphis and the surrounding area. For Green Thumbs & Creatives Memphis Area Master Gardeners More Info: Backed by the University of Tennessee Extension, the group allows gardeners (and aspiring gardeners) to take workshops, join community projects, and swap tips with fellow gardeners. You can train to become a certified master gardener — or just learn how to keep your succulents from wilting. Pin Memphis Herb Society More Info: Instagram For those intrigued by culinary, medicinal, or decorative herbs, this club dives into everything herbal: cooking, medicine, landscaping, and crafts. Meetings, which take plaoccur at the Memphis Botanic Garden, include hands-on demos, tastings, and talks by expert herbalists. MidSouth Makers More Info: Part hackerspace, part creative collective, MidSouthMakers in East Memphis is a hub for DIYers, hosting regular classes, workshops, and open studio nights. The collaborative space caters to diverse interests, from 3D printing and electronics to woodworking and stained glass, to bring builders, tinkerers, artists, and makers together under one roof. Pin For the Quirky & Curious Memphis Chess Club More Info: Founded in 1877, this downtown club has been reinvented into a café, social club, and tournament space all in one, bringing new life to a classic game. You don't need to be the next Bobby Fischer to join — it's open to all skill levels. Drop in to play casually or competitively, take lessons, or just sip coffee (or cocktails) while watching others strategize. If chess isn't your thing, the club is stocked with loads of other board games, including Monopoly and checkers. Pin Memphis Board Game Group More Info: Facebook Hosted at rotating bars, cafes, and game stores throughout Memphis, this casual group welcomes tabletop gamers of all experience levels. Expect to find everything from blackjack to Dungeons & Dragons. Play new games, meet fellow gamers, and learn from seasoned players in a relaxed setting. Toastmasters Memphis More Info: Are you looking to polish your public speaking or leadership skills? Multiple Toastmasters groups meet weekly across the city, offering a supportive environment to practice and build confidence. Ready to join? Most clubs are open to newcomers and host events year-round. Check out their websites or social media for current meet-ups and sign-up details. Here's to meeting new people! ********** To stay in the know on the best of the South, subscribe to our daily emails! About the Author Emily McMackin Emily McMackin Dye is an Alabama native and Tennessee transplant, who recently moved to Memphis from Nashville. A freelance writer, she enjoys exploring history, culture, and the lifestyle scene surrounding her new home in The Bluff City.
South China Morning Post
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
How silent book clubs are rising around the world as readers enjoy the no-pressure events
On a Saturday morning in April, readers gathered in a park in Indonesia's capital Jakarta for a monthly book club. Around 260 strangers sat on the grass, heads down, captivated by what they were reading. It almost looked like a regular book club, but there was a twist. Everyone here was reading something different: from fantasy, romance and religion to business and self-help books. Titles read included Death on the Nile by Agatha Christie, The Vegetarian by Nobel laureate Han Kang, and The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel. Non-traditional book clubs have gained momentum around the world in recent years. Silent Book Club Jakarta is part of a movement that spans from the US to Taiwan, where readers reject the traditional book club format and bring a novel of their own choice and no judgment for uninterrupted reading time. All types of book formats are encouraged at Silent Book Club's events, from hard copies to Kindles and even audiobooks. Photo: Silent Book Club Silent Book Club's premise avoids many of the things people do not like about traditional book clubs: the monthly book pick, questions and quarrels about how people interpreted it, and pressure to read it.
Time of India
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
#MomsDayEveryday: Quality catch-up sesh is better than one-day celebration
Shuchi Gupta attended a paint party with her daughter Alaia Why wait for just one day to celebrate your bond with mom, when you can spend quality time over the weekend, doing something you both love? Across NCR, mothers and children are finding meaningful ways to connect – not just on Mother's Day – but all year round. From sharing fitness goals to attending heritage walks and paint parties, these moms and their children believe in making memories every day. 'Motherhood isn't just one day, it's in the everyday stuff' 'Motherhood isn't just one day, it's in the everyday stuff. I take my daughter Alaia to her hoopla class twice a week and try to learn it with her, cook with both my kids on weekends, and never miss our lunch catch-up after school. Operation Sindoor 'Did not want to...': Pak def min gives absurd excuse for army's failure to withstand Op Sindoor Blackouts, sirens & Pak's failed attacks: 10 things that happened in the last 36 hrs '1971 war was not remotely as terrifying': Residents of border areas shell-shocked It's these small things that make our bond so special,' says Delhi-based Shuchi Gupta. Jasmine Kalra playing boardgames with her kids 'I'm a hands-on mother and try to be as involved with my children Syaanbir and Arzoie as I can. We play board games at home, play table tennis, watch movies, and sometimes I just take the kids out for coffee at a nice cafe nearby,' says Jasmine Kalra, a Delhi-based mom. 'Engaging in activities in mainstream for us' 'Engaging in activities is a mainstream way of how I spend my time with my daughter. I take my eight-year-old Alekya for weekend art & craft workshops, museums and cultural site visits, and heritage walks. We are a zero-screen home, and we minimise our screen time when we are around her. Doing things together is more of a year-round ritual for us. We recently went to a qawwali concert. These are the ways to expose ourselves to different cultures,' says Delhi-based Himangi Bhardwaj. 'These shared moments give us both a sense of joy' 'Going to the Silent Book Club has become a cherished ritual for my daughter Mira and me — a gentle way to slow down and bond over books, letting our imaginations wander side by side. It's quiet, grounding, and has given us a shared rhythm in an otherwise busy week. On weekends when there's no book club, we love solving puzzles together and sometimes we dive into activities like pottery-making or painting. These shared moments, whether cerebral or delightfully messy, give us both a sense of joy and connection that's hard to describe but easy to treasure,' says Pallavi Gogia, a Noida-based mom. Pallavi and daughter Mira spend weekends at Silent Book Club 'Motherhood, for me, has always been about balance not micromanagement. Weekends with my 15-year-old daughter Aashika include binge watching Modern Family, reading side by side in companionable silence, indulging in meals outings, shopping sprees and endless laughter. She teaches me makeup because in her words, I am 'from another era.' She updates me on social media trends and I marvel at how much I learn from her. We don't need grand plans to stay close. Just a good show, a good book, shared fries and a strong Wi-Fi signal. And in those everyday moments,' says Gurgaon-based Shibani Sethi. My mom doesn't just play with me, she ropes in the whole family, even my friends. This little ritual doesn't need an occasion. Regular game time lifts our mood, helps us disconnect from work, news, everything. For that one hour, it's just us, the game, and pure joy –Akshay Dsouza, on why weekend game time with mom Sujatha matters more than one dedicated day "For me, bonding with mom isn't reserved for just one day –we find time for each other every weekend. From playing Ludo to Azul and Scrabble, our board game marathons are sacred. We keep score, and is something to look forward to. Honestly, just the thought of Saturdays with her helps me get through the toughest weeks," says Varun Sachdeva, on cherishing time with his mom Veena beyond Mother's Day. 'We keep an eye on each other's progress' Gurgaon-based mom Vrinda Dubey says, 'Over the past two years, my work responsibilities have grown tremendously. My daughter Tanvie's studies have also intensified. Both of us are growing in our own ways, and while life has become much busier, we still make it a point to carve out 30 minutes every morning to workout or do yoga together. It helps us stay fit, mentally and physically. We try to maintain healthy eating habits and keep an eye on one another's progress. ' Vrinda Dubey and Tanvie workout together daily "Running with my kids Navya and Aaryan on weekends is more than just exercise — it's our conscious pause from the fast pace of work and life. It's when I'm not the decision-maker, but just their biggest supporter. Through these runs, we talk, we laugh, we push through tough moments together. They learn resilience, consistency, and that even in the busiest weeks, they'll always have my time and presence," says Manisha Malhotra. Moms Nazuk and Manisha setting #MotherhoodGoals Nazuk, mom of Veronika Gera, says, "Motherhood isn't just a weekend thing—it's in everyday moments, like taking my daughter to her hoopla class, reading stories at bedtime, and cooking together on weekends. Our lunch ritual after school is sacred, and so are the hugs and sleepless nights. All these little things add up to a journey that's the most precious to me." 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BBC News
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Shh... the rise of the silent book club
A bell goes off. Chatter dies. The only sound is rustling pages and creaking silent book club is in of one of many new chapters of this growing trend have gathered in an annex of the Board & Bean board game cafe in Chesterfield, in begin with a quick chat, largely concerning the popularity and the high number of Greggs shops in the town (apparently, it's six). And then, organiser Emma Bent - e-reader in hand - calls for the next hour, no-one speaks at all. Barely anyone looks at their phone, or each simply absorbed in their books. 'Like parallel play' For Ms Bent, 40, that is what makes the event special and why she runs four a says: "To know everyone is going back to their world in the book, whatever that world may be - whether it's Middle Earth, a dystopian future or the here and now with some detective sleuthing through the city - it's comforting to be around."It's very relaxing and mindful."And I think the social aspect appeals to people. Even though we're sat in silence for an hour, it is a social club."Unlike traditional book clubs, readers can bring any book they hour of silent reading is followed by a discussion about the books everyone is woman studies a science fiction publication from her university course, while a man in headphones flicks through The Silk Roads by Peter Frankopan. Victoria Ruck, 22, has never been in a traditional book club before, and feels this is helping her read more again."It's a bit like parallel play," she says. "It's nice to have other people reading because I feel forced to read."The start is a bit like when you're at a sleepover and waiting to see who's going to stop talking first."But the fun of it is being a little bit awkward, but quite sweet as well."Biddy Ronelle, 35, is reading Captain Corelli's Mandolin."I love books," she says. "But I don't like reading what everyone else reads."I don't want to be bound to a time limit to how quickly I could read something."The difference from home is it gets you out the house, you meet people and while you wouldn't normally ask people what they're reading, you do here." Growing popularity The original Silent Book Club was founded by friends Guinevere de la Mare and Laura Gluhanich in San Francisco in 2012."We were saying how hard it is to stay engaged with a regular book club - maybe you don't want to read the book, or you can't make the dates," Ms Gluhanich told the BBC."It's also incredibly difficult to unplug and stop scrolling and swiping nowadays. This is such a great opportunity to do that."People say you can do that at home, but it's hard to not pick up your phone, to run an errand."She added it was different to a library because people were part of a regular, organised group - and most libraries don't serve 2023, they had 500 chapters. Now, the group says it has more than 1,600 chapters in 54 countries, including about 100 in the to Eventbrite, the number of silent book clubs being organised in the UK in the beginning of 2025 increased by 460%, compared to the same period in 2024."I think it's down to a resurgence in people looking for third spaces," said Ms Gluhanich. "Getting out and socialising in ways that aren't focused on drinking or dating."This is one of the easiest ways to go out and socialise and talk, you get to do it in a way that's not pressured and there's a baseline topic." Back in Chesterfield, the bell has rung to signal the end of the reading session.A few awkward laughs and shuffling of chairs, and some members make their excuses and leave stay to discuss what they've read, going round the room to share their who had been quiet during the social chat at the beginning of the meeting open up for the literary five-star reviews from the 10 attendees. Just one plot twist at the end, from 61-year-old Jane Gill."Maybe comfier chairs would be nice," she adds.
