Silent Book Club is a proud partner of Unite Against Book Bans and the American Library Association, and we’re wrapping up Banned Books Week with a call to action: Add your name to the pledge to protect the right to read!
It only took 11 people to file 60% of all book challenges issued in the entire United States during the 2021-2022 school year. This year, Pen America recorded 3,362 instances of books banned in schools and libraries—a 33% increase. As book lovers, we need to stand up to this vocal minority. It doesn’t take much. Visit your local library. Write to the school board to praise a librarian. Show up for local hearings on school and library funding. Ask your child’s school how you can support their library. Now is not the time to be silent! Here are more ways to help.
Chapter spotlight: Virtual SBC
We're shining a light on the people who make Silent Book Club great—our local organizers. Get to know the folks behind the scenes, and maybe get inspired to start your own chapter!
We like to think of Divya Mirchandani as one of our "OG" SBC organizers. She's been with Silent Book Club since 2016, originally launching a chapter in Orange County, California. When the pandemic hit, the group shifted to online meetings (the LA Times even reported about it!). As the pandemic wore on, many of the original group members moved to different states. To keep the group intact, they decided to go permanently virtual.
"The amount of members we have gained by going globally virtual has taken me aback," said Divya. "We have had members from across the United States, the UK, Denmark, Sri Lanka, Trinidad & Tobago, Canada, Mexico, and several other countries attend meetings. There has been something about the virtual group that feels like our world is very small, in the best possible way!"
Divya first heard about Silent Book Club on Facebook and was inspired to start a chapter so that she could read what she wanted, without a timeline, with those who felt similarly. She now co-hosts the virtual meetings with three other regulars (Hi, Robert, Ann, and Samantha!) and enjoys bringing together a group of eclectic readers to create community.
"I love the ease with which readers can discuss books that no one else is reading, and there can still be group dialogue around it. I meet people (virtually) from all over the world, and get to hear about what everyone is reading."
What's the last great book you read?
The Covenant of Water, by Abraham Verghese
What is your favorite book?
The Power of Myth, by Bill Moyers & Joseph Campbell
Books we loved this month
Main Character Energy, by Jamie Varon
Hello Beautiful, by Ann Napolitano
Tom Lake, by Ann Patchett
The Hacienda, by Isabel Cañas
Bookmarks
Book-related links and other good stuff online
The most dangerous idea in a library? Empathy News From The States
Former President Barack Obama Writes Letter Thanking Librarians SLJ
Everyday Dissonance Armchair Pundit
Bob Boilen's farewell show: Songs that say 'goodbye' All Songs Considered
Listen to audiobooks by authors of Latine and/or Hispanic descent Libro.fm
Our friend Jill wrote a book Fulcrum Books
It's Me, Judy. Let's Talk About Book Bans. NYPL
English evolved by mistake The Guardian
My mom tried to ban “Where the Sidewalk Ends” Salon
Best witchy reads for Halloween The Mary Sue
SBC in the news
Lesbian Cocktail Bar Dorothy Starts Silent Book Club To Read In Quiet Camaraderie Block Club Chicago
Silent Book Club in Bethesda Magazine Bethesda Magazine
Local Book Club Enjoys The Silence New Haven Independent
Find the SBC chapter for you
Find a local chapter near you, or join a virtual meetup.
Say hello to our newest chapters!