Readers cheering on readers

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Long-time members know and new members swiftly intuit that our silent book club gatherings – virtually and in person – are safe and welcoming spaces for all readers. Those spaces aren’t only where we enthusiastically share our bookish pleasures, which often inspire others to venture beyond their usual subject matter, genres, formats and comfort zones. They’re also where we share reading challenges and even disappointments. It’s also, perhaps most importantly, where we know reading is meant to be joy, solace and revelation, never a frustration or – heaven forbid – a competition.

At the start of this new year, which is often the point at which readers and those whose reading has perhaps lapsed make resolutions, we’re cheering everyone on. Whatever the types and numbers of books you read this year or any year, what you’re achieving is excellent. If you need to be reminded of that, hang out with other readers and you’ll feel cheered on, bolstered and encouraged!

Silent book club member Amber's beautiful bookshelves, white shelves across two joining blue walls, books grouped colourfully, with a light green upholstered reading stool nearby

Silent book club members Jenn and Sven's stack of books sit on a white bedspread in front of a green cushion with a pattern of beautiful insects. Books include titles by Daphne du Maurier, Cormac McCarthy, China Mieville, Knut Hamsun and John Fowles.

Silent book club member Vicki (me) is visible on her computer screen, getting ready for a silent book club zoom meeting. Next to the computer is a dog calendar and some books, including Greenwood by Michael Christie, Service by Sarah Gilmartin, poetry collections by Jane Clarke, Lynn Tait and Alice Major, and poetry pamphlets from Opaat Press

Silent book club member Lisa's beautiful bookshelves, white shelves against a white wall, with a spider plant at one end. Next to the bookshelves are a bright window and a comfy dark leather armchair with cushions with bright floral patterns.

Wooden tables at East Toronto Coffee Co, covered with books by Naomi Klein, Alice Major, Sarah Gilmartin, Tess Gunty, Lisa Elliott, Jodi Picoult, Aravind Adiga, Thomas Mann and more. Readers hands and arms are visible, as are their eyeglasses, beverages and pastries sitting on the tables.

Wooden tables at East Toronto Coffee Co, covered with books by Naomi Klein, Alice Major, Sarah Gilmartin, Tess Gunty, Lisa Elliott, Jodi Picoult, Aravind Adiga, Thomas Mann and more. Readers hands and arms are visible, as are their eyeglasses, beverages and pastries sitting on the tables.

Wooden tables at East Toronto Coffee Co, covered with books by Naomi Klein, Alice Major, Sarah Gilmartin, Tess Gunty, Lisa Elliott, Jodi Picoult, Aravind Adiga, Thomas Mann and more. Readers hands and arms are visible, as are their eyeglasses, beverages and pastries sitting on the tables.

Heading into a fresh new year of amazing reading and discoveries, I can confidently continue to guarantee you’re going to love our group’s latest combined book list. This one gathers up books mentioned and discussed by the end of our January 2024 meetings. Each list reflects the reading of many of our members, so dedicated to the group that they regularly provide their reading lists even when they can’t attend a meeting. The titles featured in each of our reports encompass print and digital versions of books, along with audiobooks.

Every title on our group’s lists means that at least one (but usually more) readers have given that title thoughtful consideration. That’s encouragement for you and other readers checking out our reports and lists to consider it, too. Does that mean every on our lists is expressly recommended? Not exactly or necessarily. Inclusion on this list always means that our readers have devoted time and attention to a title, which counts for a lot.


Here are some extra book-related articles, resources, news and recommendations. These items and tidbits are often companions to books on the list, or are inspired or offered by our members and/or come up during our discussions and chat.

When we mentioned last fall that the worldwide Silent Book Club network had just welcomed its 500th chapter … we didn’t know the incredible growth would continue into the new year. When Silent Book Club founders Guinevere de La Mare and Laura Gluhanich graciously hosted a couple of virtual meet-ups for club organizers around the world (I joined a meeting that spanned the US, and included representation from Canada, South Africa, Finland and more), they revealed that in fact, the SBC explosion continues and they now top 600 chapters! It had around 60 chapters when we joined as the first Toronto chapter in 2017.

You can always find our previous reports and book lists right here, growing every month.

You can also check out links to articles, interviews and more here – some with San Francisco-based Silent Book Club founders Guinevere de La Mare and Laura Gluhanich, and some with us here in east end Toronto.

Learn more about silent book clubs via Guinevere and Laura’s Silent Book Club web site. You can find information on meetings happening around the world and close to where you live. Every club is a different size, format (in-person, virtual or combinations) and vibe, so contact a club’s organizers beforehand if you have any questions or preferences. Please feel free to contact me for more information about our club and its offerings.

We did it on zoom. We did it in person. We celebrated our reading and we cheered each other on!

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