Silence please: how book clubs without the chat help focus the mind
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A Silent Book Club is growing in popularity in Melbourne as an antidote to the social pressure of group discussions







Sat 8 Mar 2025 18.00 EST Last modified on Sat 8 Mar 2025 20.08 EST

Silent Book Club, a project that started in 2012, has become a global phenomenon, with chapters opening in every continent. Despite the chat's low expectations, it feels like a social doubling of a group reading session. It's a space that encourages silence, fostering connections and friendships among like-minded readers. The experience feels more like meditation or prayer than a group discussion.

In Melbourne, Bennett and others gather in the pavilion, a space with a bookshelf at one end. The group reads in silence, and at the end, they take photos. Today's turnout is small, reflecting the typical busy day and the out-of-schedule, pop-up nature of the event. The atmosphere is tranquil, with a mix of quiet chatter and silence.

Bennett explains that 60 people attend the regular meetings, and they often stay long. Today, about 10 are present. "Silent Book Club is a deliberate practice where participants can step away from external pressures and focus more on their own journey," she says. "It's about creating a space where people can come together without the distractions and expectations of traditional group discussions."

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