Move over, Netflix – there’s a novel favourite pastime in town. From Dua Lipa’s celebrity-endorsed reading circle to the quiet allure of ‘silent’ book clubs, Brits are rediscovering the joy of reading together. But these gatherings are not just about ploughing through books: they’re about community, connection and a refreshing escape from our screen-dominated lives.
“The rise of book clubs is a testament to our longing for deeper connections,” says Holly Cooke, founder of The Lonely Girls Club, which has branches in London, Manchester, Birmingham and Nottingham. Her community started as a friendship network for women and has recently expanded to include book clubs.
Across the UK, book clubs are experiencing a renaissance. Eventbrite reported a 350% increase in book club listings over the past four years, with more than 127,000 attendees getting together over their shared love of the written word. Meetup revealed that ‘book club’ has surged back into the top 10 most searched events, reclaiming its popularity after a dip in 2021.
