Book lovers have one more reason to love living in San Diego. In a world that demands constant chatter and socializing, a quiet revolution is taking over local bars and cafes – and it’s the perfect night out for anyone who loves literature but hates homework. It’s called the Silent Book Club. If you’ve been looking for a reason to get out of the house without the pressure of making small talk, this is your Happy Hour.
What’s a Silent Book Club?
The concept is simple and explicitly designed for introverts. Unlike traditional book clubs, there is no assigned reading, and no scramble to finish a 8494539-page novel by Tuesday. You can also rest assured that no one will quiz you on the symbolism in chapter 4. Instead, you just show up, grab a drink or a snack, and settle in with whatever you’re currently reading. It could be a thriller, a graphic novel, a romance, or even a textbook. Some people bring comic books, or even audio books.
How does it work?
A typical meetup usually starts with a short period of settling in. You might order a glass of wine or a coffee and say hello to your neighbors. Usually, there’s about a dedicated hour of absolute silence where everyone reads their own book together. It turns the solitary act of reading into a cute communal experience.
Afterwards, you can hang around for another drink, a chat, and book swaps or recommendations. However, you absolutely don’t have to – if you’re only there for 1 hour of peace and quiet, so be it.
Is there a Silent Book Club in San Diego?
Absolutely! And not only in SD, but also around Escondido, Carlsbad and Oceanside.
The San Diego “chapter” – as the groups are called – is active since 2017. There are monthly meetups in person on Saturdays and Wednesdays, and on Zoom every Sunday. For San Diego book lovers, this space offers a third place to relax and unwind, that isn’t work or home. It’s a great way to support local businesses and finally make a dent in that ‘to be read’ pile.
How did it all start?
The Silent Book Club was founded back in 2012 by 2 friends in San Francisco, who wanted to socialize without sacrificing their reading time. The movement has exploded globally, with chapters now popping up everywhere – currently, over 2000 of them in 60+ countries. Why is to so successful? Because it solves a modern dilemma: how to find community without the social exhaustion.