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!
It's a great connection. It reminds me a lot of the early Mormon women who gathered in Relief Societies to quilt and make food, but often ended up discussing books and politics together. Laurel Thatcher Ulrich has a fantastic book about 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.
Thank you, Matthew! Yes, I know what you mean regarding online/offline. I have never found a physical book club in my area that fits, either, so these online ones have been interesting to try. I have recently found a regular (in-person) meetup of non-fiction writers though, who often discuss books as well as their own work, which has been a fun experience! Libraries are just such great spaces though, aren't they? There are so many activities going on in ours for the community, I know we used to really benefit from them when our kids were younger, which possibly accounts for both of them still using the local libraries now they are grown! :)
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!
Thanks, Jenna! It's awful to close libraries on the weekends, when families and people who work would be most likely to use them. My kids have both always preferred working in the library as a quiet and safe space to focus.
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!!!
Thank you for reading and your considered comments, Angela! I also have many misgivings around social media and avoid it where possible! Long live libraries!!! 😀
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! :)
Haha, no, me neither...but yes, libraries are just the best places! Thank you for reading, I'm glad you found it interesting! 😀
Loved this as libraries are close to my heart. I think that they offer so much to so many.
Me too! Thanks for reading 📚
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!
Thanks Haley! I know, I admit that I hadn't connected the women's movement to book clubs either until I began researching this essay! 😀
It's a great connection. It reminds me a lot of the early Mormon women who gathered in Relief Societies to quilt and make food, but often ended up discussing books and politics together. Laurel Thatcher Ulrich has a fantastic book about 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.
Thank you, Matthew! Yes, I know what you mean regarding online/offline. I have never found a physical book club in my area that fits, either, so these online ones have been interesting to try. I have recently found a regular (in-person) meetup of non-fiction writers though, who often discuss books as well as their own work, which has been a fun experience! Libraries are just such great spaces though, aren't they? There are so many activities going on in ours for the community, I know we used to really benefit from them when our kids were younger, which possibly accounts for both of them still using the local libraries now they are grown! :)
Thanks, Kate. I loved reading this history of the ‘book club’. I keep intending to join one here.
Thanks for reading, Victoria! Oh definitely do; it gives a different reading experience, I think, knowing others are reading alongside you.
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!
Thanks, Jenna! It's awful to close libraries on the weekends, when families and people who work would be most likely to use them. My kids have both always preferred working in the library as a quiet and safe space to focus.
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!
Thanks, Rosalynn! Perhaps you could suggest a candlit meetup to your bookshop owner... 😉 and you're welcome! I loved the idea of the "third place" 😀
They’d have to be flameless candles 😉 but I can imagine it!!
They’d have to be flameless candles 😉 but I can imagine it!!
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.
Excellent! I agree, all these new platforms and mediums are allowing for creative ways of reading and connecting 😀
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!!!
Thank you for reading and your considered comments, Angela! I also have many misgivings around social media and avoid it where possible! Long live libraries!!! 😀