Why You Need Silent Book Club
This post was written by Brianna Morehead.
Connection is essential for our thriving. The laughter of shared joy or the nod of recognition around a challenge bolsters our spirits and spurs us forward. But finding those opportunities in person, and on a regular basis, can be challenging for anyone. Add in the responsibilities of caregiving, the lack of consistent child care, and suddenly the mental math of finding time for community just doesn’t compute.
In warmer months, we like to gather under the trees by the Creekside Trail in French Park.
So when Imagine Cincinnati started a monthly silent book club on a Saturday afternoon, I was fully committed. As a mom of two, my margin was slim, but the ask was small: two hours, one weekend a month, in a space that felt life-giving. And I didn’t need to read ahead, have thoughts about characters and plot, or put on airs. I could simply show up with my current read—plus a chair if we met at a local park, or a few dollars for a latte if we gathered in a café.
Those two hours each month were a vital exhale for my body. I could refuel and chat with friends, new and old, at my leisure, then carry on with my day. The mental math of the evening routine didn’t need to be calculated, and the ease of the lift cannot be overstated.
But, as so often happens, life became busy and the silent book club stopped meeting. The need for connection and community, however, has not diminished. In fact, social media suggests it has only grown. A recent post in a local Facebook group asked about interest in starting a book club, and the response was immediate—nearly thirty-five people replied, echoing the desire to meet and connect over books. But finding time to read a whole book ahead of a meeting can feel like a heavy lift in busy seasons. Silent book club still uniquely meets the need for ease, connection, and community.
“While more book clubs exist now, even silent ones, many meet on weekday evenings or midday, times that are difficult for caregivers. ”
So, beginning Sunday, December 14, from 1–3 p.m. at RedTree Coffee & Art in Oakley (3210 Madison Rd), our Silent Book Club will be resuming. We invite you to bring a current read or something new and join a few book-loving friends. We’ll chat, read for an hour, and then share a brief recap of our time together. Take a moment in this busy season to exhale and tend to yourself.
We hope to see you there.
