Forget swiping left and right – the newest way to connect is by picking up a book. Gen Z and millennials are rediscovering the joy of reading, and in doing so, they’ve reinvented the book club. It’s no longer just about discussing plot points; it’s about forging friendships and building community in a refreshingly analog way.
These aren’t your grandma’s book clubs. While the core element—reading and discussing a chosen book—remains, modern book clubs add a vibrant layer of social activity. Think post-reading runs, charm bracelet making, or even an annual ‘Booksgiving’ with a blind book exchange. The possibilities are as endless as the books themselves.
The rise in popularity is undeniable. Eventbrite reports a 31% increase in book club events in 2024 compared to the previous year. Silent book clubs, where members enjoy quiet reading time followed by socializing, more than doubled, and romance-fantasy book clubs (fueled by the #BookTok trend) quadrupled. This surge is partly attributed to the pandemic, which gave many people the time to reconnect with reading and a renewed desire for meaningful, in-person interactions.
But it’s more than just a post-pandemic phenomenon. Many participants cite a deep-seated need for connection and a slower pace of life in a fast-paced digital world. The structured format of a book club provides a comfortable setting for building genuine relationships. One book club founder, Ijanae Dawkins, describes how her ‘Book and Sip’ events have helped shy attendees make lasting friendships.
The most successful clubs cleverly blend multiple interests. A Chicago-based ‘Read and Run’ club, for instance, incorporates guided runs through locations mentioned in the chosen book, followed by discussion and snacks. This multi-faceted approach resonates with a younger generation, with 79% of Gen Z and millennial respondents in an Eventbrite survey expressing a desire for events that combine various interests.
Social media plays a crucial role in this boom. Platforms like TikTok’s #BookTok and Threads’ #Bookthreads amplify the reach of authors and book clubs, fostering a sense of shared community. Goodreads and The StoryGraph further enhance this interconnectedness, acting as social media platforms specifically for book lovers.
One Austin-based book club, ‘Your Local Book Club,’ started as a small gathering of friends and blossomed into a community of over 1,500 members through strategic social media engagement. Their creative events, including collaborations with local vendors and a ‘little free library,’ demonstrate the diverse ways book clubs are enriching communities.
In a world saturated with digital distractions, the simple act of reading and connecting over shared experiences offers a powerful antidote. The modern book club isn’t just about the books; it’s about the community, the friendships, and the shared moments that transcend the pages.
So, ditch the screen and pick up a book. You might just find your new favorite social scene.
