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by Nomadic Chris, 26 November 2009
  
Is reading just an individual pursuit?
What are the benefits of group readings and discussions in a book club?
Everyone has a favourite book which they can burrow into to pass away the hours. Reading can both educate you and broaden your horizons. Until recently, reading was mostly thought of as an individual pursuit, but now people are flocking to join book clubs in record numbers. Group readings and discussions are now seen as both trendy and fun!
Reading as an individual pursuit has many advantages! It is a good way to chill out and relieve stress, it can boost your language skills and you can let your imagination run wild. Who doesn’t enjoy kicking back in a relaxed environment and browsing a few pages of a good book?!
But why read alone when you can share your passion with others! Join a book club! It is so much more than just picking up Oprah’s latest recommendation!
What is a Book Club?
A book club is a group of individuals who meet together on a regular basis to discuss their favourite books and new releases. Even Oprah has a book club! Her members are her loyal viewers who flock to buy each of Oprah’s suggested titles after her discussions with famous authors. There are many advantages of joining your local book club!
Friendship and Community:
Love an obscure book which no one else has even heard of? At a book club, you will meet like-minded people and this can lead to life long friendships and unlimited social activities.
If you can’t find a book club then set up your own. A passion for books and reading is all you need…oh and a regular discussion venue!
Education and Discussion:
Book club members will recommend new titles and topics to each other. Exposure and discussion of these publications will give you new perspectives on a wide range of subjects, cultures and facts. Book clubs are informal and fun. Yes, pick up that obscure book on latin verses!
Interpersonal and Social Skills:
As everyone is expected to contribute to in-depth discussions on Kafka and Keats, book clubs are a good place to practice your speaking and presentation skills in an informal setting. Love Zadie Smith? Then, explain why!
New Books:
Books come in all forms as well as shapes and sizes! It is hard to know which publication is worth reading. Don’t know which way to turn? Then let someone else recommend a title for you!
Writing and Publishing:
Keen readers are really all budding writers! A book club is the perfect place to receive critical and positive feedback in order to improve your writing. Your simple idea can be refined and developed into a book and you may become a best selling author!
Online:
Even if you are too busy to attend a book club in person, the advent of the internet means you can log on and share your thoughts on a publication with people from all around the world.
Reading is one of life’s greatest joys and with the emergence of book clubs, this passion can be shared with others. Love reading and want to share your wealth of knowledge with like-minded individuals then join, or form, a book club!
If you are a Hong Kong resident and want to join a local book club then check your local listings. The Wanchai based, THE BOOK ATTIC, holds regular author talks and a monthly book club. Check below for more!
Dream Big! Keep Reading!
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