Latest news with #SilentBookClub
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." Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
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.
Axios
07-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Axios
Silent reading club Booked launches in San Antonio
Local literary lovers are going to be booked this spring with the launch of a new silent reading club and the upcoming San Antonio Book Festival. The latest: Booked, a silent book club founded by local bookworm Gaby Castillo, blends cozy vibes with community by offering a space for readers to enjoy their books without assigned reading. The inaugural meet-up is planned for March 14 at Flower in Flour, 7-9pm. It joins a global rise of silent book clubs. How it works: Traditional book clubs often involve assigned reading, which may not suit every reader. Silent book clubs offer a more flexible approach, providing a dedicated space for readers to enjoy their own books while still engaging with a literary community. There will be time for mingling and open discussion, but the focus is on uninterrupted reading time. Tickets are $23. What's included: A ticket guarantees entry, a coffee, access to an assortment of treats, bookish-themed goodies and a raffle entry. What they're saying:"I love hosting parties as much as I love books, so I wanted to blend the two and invite San Antonio readers to join," Castillo told Axios. "I hope this can be THE event that readers can treat themselves to every month." Booked also aims to highlight local vendors, venues and coffee shops, creating a literary experience that supports small businesses. The big picture: Cities like Philadelphia, Salt Lake City, Atlanta, and Charlotte have seen similar events, inspired by the Silent Book Club movement, which began in 2012. Zoom in: With over 1,500 chapters worldwide, the trend has reached San Antonio, where a few local Silent Book Club groups have already been gathering. What's next: Castillo hopes Booked becomes a monthly must-attend event for San Antonio's book lovers. Keep an eye on the Booked Instagram page for future events.
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Taunton Eats: Kev's Ice Cream open for season; octopus Friday at Patricia's Kitchen
Not sure where to grab a bite to eat? With lots of options around the Taunton area, it can be difficult to choose. If you're having a hard time, we're here to help you narrow it down. We've compiled a list of meal deals, special events, and mouth-watering offerings at local eateries and markets to consider when planning your next night on the town, or a quick stop for a tasty treat. This week, Kev's Ice Cream has officially opened for the season! Plus, Patricia's Kitchen is dishing up Octopus Friday. We've also got Dubai chocolate cupcakes, more Lenten specials, Sunday brunch, Silent Book Club, and more. Let's dig in: Kev's Ice Cream, 478 Middleboro Ave., East Taunton, is now open for the season. They're open every day, from noon to 9 p.m. This Friday, Patricia's Kitchen, 210 Weir St., Taunton, will have octopus. Call them to place an order and reserve your plate: 774-265-4455. The Neighbors Coffee & Co., 32 Weir St., Taunton, has announced the Silent Book Club dates for March. Silent Book Club will be held on Thursday, March 13, and Tuesday, March 25, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Reserve your spot online at Taunton Eats: Pay it forward at Coffee Milano; Taste of Greater Taunton coming soon Maria's Place, 67 Main St., Taunton, will now be open seven days a week. They've added Monday hours, from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Weekly home sales: Roomy two family home in Taunton sells for over $700K The Poutine Peddlers, 239 Broadway, Taunton, have announced their March specials. This month, they've got Reuben poutine, crispy chicken Caesar poutine, and chicken and waffles poutine. Berkley Beer Company, 10 Ingell St., Taunton has announced the specials for this week. This week, they've got: The Herbivore Pizza, with cauliflower crust, garlic oil, vegan cheese, roasted peppers, caramelized onions, arugula, shredded iceberg lettuce, and balsamic reduction. A Mario & Luigi Pizza, with marinara and pesto, burrata, caramelized onions, wild mushrooms, and romano cheese. Fresh strawberries and burrata, with olive oil, balsamic, and toast points. Pork belly burnt ends, with black beans, cheese, sour cream, guacamole, and fire roasted salsa. Strawberry shortcake, made with warm buttermilk biscuits, macerated strawberries, and fresh whipped cream. Three-cheese and sage-stuffed mushrooms, with traditional bread stuffing. On Saturday, they'll have Buffalo, BBQ, or nacho wings. On Sunday, they'll have shrimp ramen. Starting on Friday, March 7, The Star Drive-In, 205 Myricks St., East Taunton, will have their Lenten seafood menu. Starters include calamari Mozambique, clam cakes or lobster cakes, lobster mac and cheese bites, and homemade soups. Meals include fish and chips, haddock sandwich, a Cape Cod Reuben, whole clams and clam strips, fried scallops, colossal fried shrimp, shrimp Mozambique, fried oysters, an oyster po'boy, and lobster rolls. Or try the Star's seafood platter, with a choice of two clam cakes or lobster cakes, a quarter pound each of haddock, whole clams or clam strips, sea scallops, two colossal fried shrimp, and with the choice to add two lobster sliders. They'll have all of that and more. For more information, call 508-984-5150. Dough Licious Pizza, 539 Berkley St., Berkley, has announced the new pizza flavor for March: Ricotta Ranchy Meats. It's got ricotta cheese and ranch dressing as the base, pizza cheese, ground hamburger, sausage, ham, chouriço, bacon, and sprinkles of oregano and basil. Ask your server for a free sample. Jessie's Diner, 2035 Winthrop St., N. Dighton, will have Lenten specials on Friday, available until 7 p.m. They'll have a big catch of seafood specials, including clam strips, scallops, beer-battered shrimp, clam cakes, chowder, quahog, fish and chips, baked fish, shrimp tacos, and much more. For more information, call 774-565-8717. Our Mom's Place, 575 South St. West, Raynham, will have March Madness on Tuesday nights, from 4 to 7 p.m. And, just on Tuesday nights, if you have a March birthday, your meal is free. Italian Gem Café, 19 Center St., Middleboro, has a tiramisu latte. It's topped with homemade mascarpone cold foam. Traditions Bakeshop, 83 Winthrop St., Rehoboth, has Dubai chocolate cupcakes, available Thursday morning, March 6, in limited quantities. Get them while you can! Starting Sunday, March 30, and then happening every Sunday morning, Baldie's Craft Pizzeria, 40 Main St., Lakeville, will have an all-you-can-eat brunch buffet. The brunch buffet will be served from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., for $15.99 per person. Menu items will include, and are not limited to: scrambled eggs, hickory bacon, maple sausage, corned beef and hash, waffles, pancakes, hash browns, fries, chicken broccoli alfredo, rotating lunch items, a toast and bagel station, yogurt and fruit station, breakfast pizza, and assorted pastries. They'll also have a Bloody Mary and mimosa flight menu (not included in the brunch price). For more information, call 508-947-1057. Do you have a special deal, menu item, or food-related event to share with local foodies? Send us an email at kfontes@ or newsroom@ This article originally appeared on The Taunton Daily Gazette: Taunton Eats: Kev's Ice Cream open; octopus at Patricia's Kitchen
