Adventures in reading
Reading cruises, global meetups, Costa Rica update, and more!
Summer is in full swing and we’ve loved seeing all of the creative ways our local chapters are coming together. In the UK, SBC Abington organized a reading cruise along the Thames. They soaked up the sun and enjoyed the river views from Abingdon to Oxford, followed by drinks and nibbles at a local pub.
Meanwhile in the Philippines, organizers from SBC Melbourne and SBC Manila met up to share their experiences hosting their respective chapters over a delicious meal of local Filipino specialties.
In true Silent Book Club spirit — generous, welcoming, and quietly passionate — the (Manila) Chapter organized a special gathering during my visit. It was a joyful reminder of why I love this global, kind-hearted, book-loving community.
Skye B., SBC Melbourne
We learned so much from each other, realizing that despite the distance, our passion for creating a space for readers connects us deeply.
Gerard S., SBC Manila
Many thanks to Skye and Gerard for guest posting about their experience on the blog this month!
Speaking of reading adventures, there are only 3 spots left for our Costa Rica Reading Retreat this November! If you’ve been wondering whether this trip is for you, our host Jazmyn might convince you with her latest trip update…
Chasing Air is a fierce reminder to stay curious, keep dreaming, and dare to soar—no matter where you start. Learn more and download a book club guide here.
Books we loved this month
The Harder I Fight the More I Love You: A Memoir, by Neko Case - Neko has a new album coming out this fall. If you love her writing, this memoir is a worthy partner to her catalogue of music. —Laura
Here One Moment, by Liane Moriarty - Can fate be fought? This is the question driving Moriarty’s latest novel about a group of airline passengers who are told by a mysterious woman exactly when—and how—they will die. As the prophesies start coming true, I was riveted to see how it would all play out. A perfect summer page-turner. —Guinevere
Just started reading The Dark Maestro, by Brendan Slocumb, and it’s already living up to my expectations! After reading his novel The Violin Conspiracy, I had the chance to attend one of his book talks at a local bookstore. Meeting the author and hearing his story added so much depth to the experience—it's making this next read even more meaningful. —Roberta, SBC Ethos Wine and Tea (Charlottesville, VA)
Bookmarks
Book-related links and other good stuff online
Reading Group Choices + Reese’s Book Club are launching a Book Club Advice Column with a giveaway RGC
Authors Are Posting TikToks to Protest AI Use in Writing Wired
How You Can Protect Democracy Protect Democracy
10 best indie bookstores USA Today
'It opened up something in me': Why people are turning to bibliotherapy BBC
The best books you suggested for KUNC's 2025 summer reading list KUNC
Your Broken Brain Can't Focus Recursiv
Commons Collective Challenge: No Amazon The Commons Earth
Why we still need a women’s prize for fiction The Conversation
Tome sweet tome: London’s Best Bookstore Bars FT
NPR staffers pick their favorite fiction reads of 2025 so far NPR
SBC in the news
Silent Book Club Is an Introvert’s Paradise People
National Silent Book Club trend building community in Volusia Home Town Volusia
Cape Town Silent Book Club raises R100,000 for its 100th library iol
Quiet Reading Simply Buckhead
Don’t call book-troverts antisocial: In the Capital Region, there’s a growing number of reading events 225 Baton Rouge
In London, evenings without a phone have a big success Carroll County Observer
A Literary Escape Financial Express (posted to LinkedIn)
Silent Book Clubs in Baton Rouge are parties for introvert readers Nola.com
Welcome To Cape Town’s Introverted Social Scene That’s Making Reading Cool Again 2 Oceans Vibe
Read 25 Day Is Bringing Back Silent Reading Time People
Find your local chapter
We’ve updated our map to make it easier to connect with a local chapter near you. You can search by location, filter by venue type, or join an online gathering. If there’s a chapter missing from the map, or a listing that’s no longer active, please let us know!
