Is the book-reading habit dying? This is one question that pops up every now and then and is a very hard one to answer. While debate rages on whether the reading habit is dying, the Silent Book Club is instilling a sense of love for it among its growing tribe.
The club members meet on a regular basis at different locations to engross in something they do best -- getting lost in the world of reading books. The next reading meet-up is scheduled on Sunday, November 19, 2023, from 4 pm to 6 pm.
So, if you happen to step in at the Greenr Gonsalves House at Fontainhas in Panjim, no one will care to look at you because they will be silently immersed in a very different world unless you happen to bring a good read, find a cosy spot, and indulge in some quiet reading time together with the others.
A silent book club is a unique way to enjoy reading in fellow book enthusiasts' company. There are no assigned readings, no pressure to finish a book, and no formal discussions.
And, the weekend read will also allow you to immerse yourselves in companionable silence alongside the cleanest (and yummiest) plant-based food and beverages at Greenr this time.
Co-founder of the book club, Nishtha Agrawal says she and Anjali Notandas wanted to create a safe book reading space for people which was a little different from a regular library.
"We started the club in September this year. The idea was to create a sense of a reading community whilst we host these meet-ups in different bars, cafes, restaurants and at times our members' homes," Agrawal adds.
"We got an overwhelming response and within two months, our club grew into a family of more than 275 members. We have hosted around six meet-ups so far," she says with excitement.
The community space is designed in such a way that new readers and avid bookworms can coexist without feeling judged.
Agrawal narrates that the whole idea is to encourage reading. "It can be anything from a comic book to heavy philosophy. The idea is to be able to escape mundane life and get lost in the pages with fellow book readers."
Agrawal has added some meaning to the whole exercise by keeping the reading space open for extroverts, introverts, ambiverts and everyone alike making socialising completely optional.
"After the end of 90 minutes of silent reading, we open the forum for discussions and recommendations and it's upto the members to participate or continue reading in isolation. There's absolutely no pressure," she says.
All one needs to do is bring a good read, find a cosy spot, and indulge in some quiet reading time together. So if this sounds fascinating, register for the next meet-up using the link https://linktr.ee/Sbcgoa?lt_utm_source=lt_admin_share_link#345243807 or call on +91 79767 65464 by Saturday, November 18, 2023.
The club is accepting limited spots, so hurry!