We heard recently from Cecilia Griesenauer, who’s part of a new chapter of the Silent Book Club in the East Cobb area.
The concept is similar to book clubs that are held at book stores and libraries, except that there is no assigned reading. Instead, reading sessions for participants including mingling, socializing and reading.
Participants bring or buy their own books and can interact with others how they choose, or not.
“There is no agenda or personal gain on my part other than meeting the founding goals, supporting local businesses who are willing to host our gatherings, meeting and mingling with others who love books, and finding my next read,” she said.
The group met earlier this month at the Barnes and Noble at Avenue East Cobb (4475 Roswell Road, Suite 102) and there’s another meet-up there this Wednesday, April 24 at from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
On Monday, April 29, a meet-up is scheduled at Mzizi Coffee (2995 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 220), also from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Another Barnes and Noble meet-up will take place on Wednesday, May 8 at 7 p.m.
The time frame includes mingling, and optional book discussions before and after a dedicated hour of reading.
The Silent Book Club started in San Francisco in 2012 and has more than 500 chapters in more than 60 countries, all organized by volunteers.
Here’s a recent story from The Washington Post explaining how the concept appeals particularly to introverts, and that it grew out of a sense of isolation readers felt during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Many of the clubs formed recently, according to the story, which mentions the East Cobb chapter. Some of the participants said formal book clubs with assigned reading “were too much like homework.”
Griesenauer said she’s aware of 12 chapters in Georgia, including one that formed in Marietta late last year, as well as Smyrna and Roswell.
She said the Atlanta chapter began in December 2023 with 22 attendees at the first meetup, with growth from social media communications.
The East Cobb Silent Book Club updates its activities on its Instagram page.
Related:
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- Cobb Water System high school photo contest winners named
- Mt. Bethel Christian Academy names new theater director
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