Book Club · 7 min read · December 9, 2025

The anti-social travel trend you didn't know you needed

Short on time? Let us summarise this guide for you.

Silent Book Clubs are a global, pressure-free alternative to traditional book clubs. Instead of reading a set book or preparing discussion points, you simply bring whatever you're already reading and enjoy quiet, shared reading time with others. These introvert-friendly meet-ups take place in cafés, bookshops, parks and pubs worldwide. There's no commitment, no deadlines and no expectation to talk – just an hour of peaceful reading, followed by optional chatting. Perfect for travellers, Silent Book Clubs have chapters across cities like Paris, Barcelona, Rome, Toronto and New York. Check the map, pack your holiday read and drop in for a calm, memorable experience wherever you are. Silent Book Clubs prove that reading doesn't need rules – just you, your book and a relaxed community of fellow readers.

Love the idea of joining a book club but not the pressure of buying a book you might not enjoy? Struggle with the pressure of finishing a book in a week (or the guilt of knowing you haven't actually read past the first chapter)? And do you despise having to do prep on what you thought the protagonist really represented, and then dread having to discuss this in a group? A Silent Book Club is for you.

In a Silent Book Club, the only thing asked of you is simple – bring the book you're already reading.

What exactly is a Silent Book Club?

Often called 'reading alone, together,' this gentle, introvert-friendly movement has been growing globally since it began in San Francisco in 2012. Now with thousands of chapters in more than 55 countries, it's become the perfect way to carve out peaceful reading time – whether you're at home, travelling, or simply craving some quiet company.

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In Holiday Reads Jul 29, 2025

Why Silent Book Clubs are so perfectly inclusive

One of the reasons Silent Book Clubs have caught on is how welcoming they are.

Bring your own book: Fiction, non-fiction, fantasy, romance – if you're reading it, bring it.

Read at your own pace: Whether you're a chapter-a-day or a devour-a-book-in-one-sitting reader, you'll fit right in.

Any format goes: Paperback, Kindle, audiobook, graphic novel – it's all reading, and it all counts.

No barriers to entry: You don't need to buy a specific book or commit to a long-term reading list. You don't even need to go every time, just drop in and out as you want.

Introvert-friendly: It's social without being too social. If small talk isn't your thing, you can just enjoy the shared quiet.

What happens at a Silent Book Club meet-up?

A typical meet-up looks something like this:

Arrive and settle in – grab a drink, find a comfy seat, maybe chat with a few people or just open your book and read.

Silent reading hour – settle into quiet, focused reading time. Blissful.

Optional socialising – share what you're reading, ask for recommendations, or quietly pack up and leave if you prefer.

Why a Silent Book Club is a great idea for your next trip

Silent Book Club has a handy chapter map showing groups around the world – which is perfect for a quick check before you head off on holiday.

Whether it's Barcelona, Rome, Toronto, Paris (Paris even has an English-speaking one online you can jump on), or recreating those cosy 'You've got Mail' vibes in a New York City bookshop – you won't regret it. Simply grab your holiday read and turn up – just think of those unique holiday memories (and friends) you're going to make. And like all good book clubs – there's usually wine available!

Sign up for Audible

Pop in your earbuds and let an audiobook transport you while everyone around you settles into their own story. With Audible's huge library at your fingertips, there's always something new to enjoy in peaceful silence.

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Whether you're at home or away, Silent Book Clubs are a reminder that reading doesn't need rules. You don't need to finish a set book, and you don't need to analyse themes. You just need to read your book – the one you actually want to read.

So next time you're planning a getaway – or just craving some quiet connection – pack your book and see if there's a Silent Book Club nearby. Just you, your book, a roomful of people doing the same and enjoy a fabulous new experience. You can walk into a Silent Book Club anywhere in the world, and even if you don't share a language, you'll share a love of books and feel at home. Readers are readers wherever you go in the world.

Find a holiday read for your Silent Book Club.

There's no better travel companion than a brilliant book. Browse Waterstones for the book that calls to you, slip it into your carry-on and enjoy quiet, companionable reading time wherever your holiday takes you.

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