In bed, on the couch, on the floor: reading is a fantastic way to escape into fictional worlds or learn about our own. It’s often a solitary activity, but it doesn’t have to be! In fact, there are plenty of ways to make reading a more social experience, whether you’re a bookworm looking to connect with others or someone who wants to incorporate more social interaction into your reading routine. In this article, we’ll explore various strategies and tips for making reading a more social activity.
Join a Book Club
One of the most obvious ways to make reading more social is by joining a book club. Book clubs provide an opportunity to discuss books, share insights, and engage in lively conversations. Whether you join an in-person book club or participate in an online group, you’ll have the chance to connect with others over your shared love of literature.
You can find book clubs by searching online for your location, use social media, or go to bookclubs.com, where you can find local book clubs or start your own! Each club will have their own type of books they read, so find something you’re interested in and give it a go!
Host a Reading Party
Why not turn reading into a social event by hosting a reading party? Invite friends or family members over for an afternoon or evening of reading together. Set up cosy reading nooks with blankets and pillows, provide snacks and beverages, and encourage everyone to bring their favourite book. You can take breaks to chat about what you’re reading, share recommendations, and enjoy each other’s company in a relaxed and bookish atmosphere.
If you’re not up to hosting, have a look at silent book clubs. Either online or in-person, the idea of a silent book club is that you meet up, get yourself a drink and a snack, and… read! If you’re not up for the pressure of reading a book in time for book club, but still want to share the comfort of reading, a silent book club can be a great option. Support a local business, read your book for an hour, and if you want to socialize after, it’s totally up to you!
Attend Author Events
Keep an eye out for author events in your area, such as book signings, author readings, and literary festivals. These events not only give you the opportunity to meet and interact with your favourite authors but also provide a chance to connect with other book lovers in your community. You can attend solo or invite friends to join you for a fun and memorable literary outing.
Large chains like Waterstones are a great source of bookish events, but don’t forget about your local bookshops and libraries! They also hold great literary events, either free or against a low fee.
Participate in Online Reading Challenges
Online reading challenges are a great way to connect with other readers from around the world and discover new books. Platforms like Goodreads and StoryGraph often host reading challenges where participants set goals for the number of books they want to read in a given period and track their progress. You can join existing challenges or create your own and invite friends to join you. It’s a fun way to stay motivated, share recommendations, and engage in friendly competition with other readers.
Start a Book Swap
Organize a book swap with friends, neighbours, or co-workers to exchange books and discover new reads. Each participant can bring a few books they’ve already read and enjoyed, and everyone can take turns selecting new books to borrow. Not only does a book swap provide an opportunity to socialize and connect with others, but it also allows you to expand your reading horizons by trying books you might not have picked up otherwise.
Join Online Book Communities
In addition to joining a book club, consider becoming a part of online book communities and forums where you can connect with fellow readers, participate in discussions, and share your thoughts on books. Websites like Reddit’s r/books or platforms like LibraryThing offer spaces for book lovers to interact, recommend books, and engage in literary conversations from the comfort of their own homes.
Get Creative With Related Communities
To make reading more social you don’t have to look at reading and books directly. If you like tracking your reading on Goodreads or StoryGraph, you may enjoy keeping a Reading Journal. Online you’ll find whole communities dedicated to making your own reading journal, from artsy book reviews to whimsy book bingo cards. Get inspired, share your own, and find kindred spirits through shared creativity.
Reading doesn’t have to be a solitary pursuit. By trying out these tips, you can make reading a more social activity and connect with others who share your passion for books. Whether you join a book club, participate in online reading challenges, meet literary events or start a book swap, there are plenty of ways to make reading a social and enriching experience. So grab a book, reach out to your fellow readers, and let’s make reading more social together!
This article is part of a series where we explore ways to turn solo hobbies into social opportunities, whether you’re an introvert or not! Read the full list of solo hobbies we explore, or dive into categories such as solo travel!