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On a warm Saturday morning in Jakarta, more than 260 people gathered in a park—not for a protest or concert, but for something far quieter: a Silent Book Club. Unlike traditional book clubs that involve discussion of a single chosen title, this global movement allows participants to bring their own book and simply read in silence, free from judgment or obligation.
Readers at the Jakarta event were immersed in a wide range of titles, from Death on the Nile by Agatha Christie to The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel. It’s part of a broader trend gaining popularity worldwide, appealing especially to those who find traditional book clubs too structured or socially demanding. Founded in 2012 by Guinevere de la Mare and Laura Gluhanich in San Francisco, Silent Book Club now boasts more than 1,700 chapters globally, with events taking place in parks, bookstores, cafes, and even museums.
In Jakarta, local chapter leader Hestia Istiviani has created a truly inclusive space. There is no requirement to register or even speak—participants simply arrive, read for an hour, and leave if they wish. The setup is ideal for introverts or anyone looking to disconnect from the fast-paced digital world. According to Istiviani, younger readers, especially Gen Z, are increasingly drawn to the sessions as a way to rebuild focus and escape the distractions of social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
Other chapters around the world are putting their own spin on the concept. In Taipei, the Silent Book Club started by Dabina Gim offers optional social time before and after the silent reading hour. Gim hosts gatherings in both indoor and outdoor settings, choosing venues that accommodate the island’s unpredictable weather. Events attract a diverse group of readers who bring books in various languages, reflecting the global reach and inclusive ethos of the club.
In New York, indie bookstore Lofty Pigeon Books hosts “Hush Hour,” while Reading Rhythms offers a livelier variation with curated music and time for socializing. These formats reflect a broader cultural appetite for quieter, intentional community experiences in an otherwise noisy world.
Looking ahead, Silent Book Club is launching a new venture—Reading Journeys. The first retreat will take readers to Costa Rica this fall for four days of exploration and quiet reading, combining leisure with literary passion. The movement continues to evolve, offering a sanctuary for book lovers across the globe.
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