Any introverts out there that love to read? What if we told you there was a book club that didn’t necessarily require talking? We’re here to show you the wonders of the Silent Book Club.
This community of book lovers began in 2012 and has 300 chapters all across the continents — and now Chattanooga has its very own chapter thanks to host Christina Marino.
Marino said she was trying to find different opportunities to meet and connect with others after recently moving to the area from New York. She came across the organization on Instagram and began the process of creating a local chapter.
Take the pressure out of reading with this version of a book club.
Photo provided by @silentbookclubchattanooga
How does it work? As opposed to the typical assigned reading in a book club, you’ll find a different approach here. Everyone is welcome to bring any book they’d like no matter the range or genre. From there, you can either participate in conversation during the allotted socializing time, or simply take to reading in silence + at your own pace.
“I didn’t expect it to be as organic as it happened. The people that didn’t want to talk really went into their own areas, and you can tell the people that do want to talk,” Marino said.
Marino added that she wants to work with local businesses to host her club in different areas that support and connect folks across the Chattanooga area + is always looking for recommendations.
The next meeting will be on Saturday, Oct. 14 for a special Silent Shop & Read event. The day will feature two stops: McKay’s for a shop hour from 2 to 3 p.m. + Oak’s Coffee House for optional social time and reading from 3 to 5 p.m.
RSVP for one or both of the meetups + keep up with future meetings via Instagram.
“Come and find out. Come and see the vibes, and see if it’s for you.” — Christina Marino
