Fantastic newsletter. It’s fascinating to see how book clubs started as a safe space for women and marginalised groups - or even a place for those groups to rally against injustice. As a Gen-Z’er myself, I’ve always loved libraries - I don’t know why more people don’t make the most of them! I can see how social media trends make them look like inviting spaces to spend time, too. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen any hook ups there though! :)
I love this so much. I hadn’t thought of the connection between women’s lib and book clubs, but it makes so much sense!! I really have loved running the closely reading Wharton Wednesdays. It’s such a lovely way to connect with other readers and for us all to share wider thinking on feminist history and art theory and Wharton’s style. I love it!
Kate, I love this piece. This history of bookish things always catches my attention. While I do try to limit my time online, I have found these virtual book clubs to be a great way to connect with those of similar interests. In my very rural area of Tennessee, I would be hard-pressed to find a book club to attend in person. My local library is a great resource, though, and has lots of space for people to gather.
Love this newsletter Kate. Here in NYC, budget cuts have already affected library hours. Many libraries in the city are now closed on the weekends which is just devastating for communities. My own high school kid likes to go there to study as it helps her to be more focused. I'm also pleased to see that her AP English Lit class requires them to bring physical copies of books to class. And yes! I love this term "third places." especially coming out from the isolation of the pandemic. It makes sense!
As always, soooo much here to think about. I had no idea that the history of book clubs reached back quite so far. I will be thinking about those candlelit bookshop meetups for days :) Also, as a fellow GenX mom who is not a fan of social media, I was heartened to see that libraries are getting a boost from BookTok. I assumed it was mostly a space devoted to the “new and hot” titles. And thanks for linking to All By Our Shelves!
So interesting to read about this history! I'm enjoying the Wolf Hall book club here. It's my first! Such a great way to expand the reach and purpose of books.
Personally, I love some things about Social Media but I find it also lacks empathy. What is written on it is often confused because people aren't taking the time to talk in person. To actually hear the way others say things, etc. can in actuality give some sentences a whole different meaning. The main part of Social Media that I find does not lack as much empathy is the part that helps people find one another and keep in contact. Still, even that leaves people knowing eachother but not REALLY taking the time to know eachother better. If people don't realise that this is simply because there are only 24 hrs in a day, many will assume that others don't care. Sadly, I tend to think that is the case with some children. Not all mind you but some. Plus, as you so wonderfully talk about, the population in some libraries seem to be increasing. Which is amazing because everyone who can should read something. Education is seriously important!!! Anyway, wonderful post!!!
Fantastic newsletter. It’s fascinating to see how book clubs started as a safe space for women and marginalised groups - or even a place for those groups to rally against injustice. As a Gen-Z’er myself, I’ve always loved libraries - I don’t know why more people don’t make the most of them! I can see how social media trends make them look like inviting spaces to spend time, too. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen any hook ups there though! :)
Loved this as libraries are close to my heart. I think that they offer so much to so many.
I love this so much. I hadn’t thought of the connection between women’s lib and book clubs, but it makes so much sense!! I really have loved running the closely reading Wharton Wednesdays. It’s such a lovely way to connect with other readers and for us all to share wider thinking on feminist history and art theory and Wharton’s style. I love it!
Kate, I love this piece. This history of bookish things always catches my attention. While I do try to limit my time online, I have found these virtual book clubs to be a great way to connect with those of similar interests. In my very rural area of Tennessee, I would be hard-pressed to find a book club to attend in person. My local library is a great resource, though, and has lots of space for people to gather.
Thanks, Kate. I loved reading this history of the ‘book club’. I keep intending to join one here.
Love this newsletter Kate. Here in NYC, budget cuts have already affected library hours. Many libraries in the city are now closed on the weekends which is just devastating for communities. My own high school kid likes to go there to study as it helps her to be more focused. I'm also pleased to see that her AP English Lit class requires them to bring physical copies of books to class. And yes! I love this term "third places." especially coming out from the isolation of the pandemic. It makes sense!
As always, soooo much here to think about. I had no idea that the history of book clubs reached back quite so far. I will be thinking about those candlelit bookshop meetups for days :) Also, as a fellow GenX mom who is not a fan of social media, I was heartened to see that libraries are getting a boost from BookTok. I assumed it was mostly a space devoted to the “new and hot” titles. And thanks for linking to All By Our Shelves!
So interesting to read about this history! I'm enjoying the Wolf Hall book club here. It's my first! Such a great way to expand the reach and purpose of books.
Personally, I love some things about Social Media but I find it also lacks empathy. What is written on it is often confused because people aren't taking the time to talk in person. To actually hear the way others say things, etc. can in actuality give some sentences a whole different meaning. The main part of Social Media that I find does not lack as much empathy is the part that helps people find one another and keep in contact. Still, even that leaves people knowing eachother but not REALLY taking the time to know eachother better. If people don't realise that this is simply because there are only 24 hrs in a day, many will assume that others don't care. Sadly, I tend to think that is the case with some children. Not all mind you but some. Plus, as you so wonderfully talk about, the population in some libraries seem to be increasing. Which is amazing because everyone who can should read something. Education is seriously important!!! Anyway, wonderful post!!!