Head to CIMB Plaza in Singapore on a Saturday afternoon, and you’ll witness a truly unusual sight: fourteen adults, aged from their late 20’s to late 50’s, sitting in silence together; no talking, no phones in sight, no fraught scrolling, no straining for a Selfie. This serene scene may sound like something from the 1980’s, but it is a modern-day phenomenon, all thanks to Singapore’s inaugural Silent Book Club®.
In today’s world, reading a book is experiencing a renaissance. ANZA’s very own book club (anza.org.sg/groups/book-club) is constantly growing in size, with several “mini-clubs” running in unison. Celebrities like Oprah Winfrey and Reese Witherspoon have long been advocates of a thrilling page-turner, and now younger stars such as Emma Watson and Dakota Johnson are making books cool again with their own book clubs, igniting a love for literature among new audiences.
But while most traditional book clubs focus on specific genres or certain tomes and lively discussions, Singapore has embraced the rise of the Silent Book Club, a movement with over 1,000 “chapters” (locations) in over 50 countries around the world. Led by volunteers, the clubs eschew assigned reading. Members simply gather in bars, cafes, bookstores, libraries, or online to read together in hushed camaraderie.
Local chapter
Silent Book Club is a concept that originated in San Francisco in 2012. The founders, Guinevere de la Mare and Laura Gluhanich, envisioned a gathering where participants could enjoy reading without the pressure of analysis. “We launched because reading with friends enriches our lives and makes us happy,” they share on the global website (silentbook.club).
Here on the red dot, the local chapter was established by Sisilia Kodyat (@bookhoardersunite). Frustrated by her busy lifestyle, she sought a solution to her struggle to find time for reading a book after a full day at her banking job. “I loved reading but I also have a husband, Instagram, Pinterest, Disney+, and so on!” she says. “I was finding that there were so many distractions taking me away from my passion.”
In May 2022, Sisilia and her fellow book-loving friend Jennifer Tan (@thetirelessreader) launched Silent Book Club Singapore as a way to carve out their own reading time while welcoming others seeking similar solace in a communal space. “I’d heard about the global community and researched online about setting up the chapter here. After registering, I set a date, time and location for people to meet,” she says, admitting that initially, it was just her and Jennifer at Starbucks in Raffles Place! “It was hard at first for us not to chat, but over time we learned to focus on our reading.” Two years on, Silent Book Club Singapore boasts over 1,120 active members.
To maintain order, the club adheres to a few rules. Sessions are advertised on Meetup (meetup.com) and despite the huge number of members, Sisilia sticks to welcoming only fourteen participants once a month. (“There is a huge waiting list!”). Using a stopwatch, sessions typically last two hours, beginning with a strict half-hour introduction from everyone to share their chosen book. This is followed by 90 minutes of heads down, no talking dedication. Says Sisilia, “Everyone is well-behaved and sticks to the regulations. There’s no pressure to share anything about yourself apart from what you’re reading, so while everyone is gathered together, it is also a private event without any social pressure.” She continues, “You can come and sit quietly to read without the pressure to provide an intellectual opinion. It’s perfect for introverts.”
There’s a lovely sense of connection, even though there’s little communication
Sense of solidarity
The participants of Silent Book Club Singapore come from diverse backgrounds. “One member is a busy mum who uses the session for dedicated ‘me-time,’” Sisilia shares. ”Another member signed up because he wanted to meet people after moving to the red dot from Canada. He says the club takes his mind off of work and he values the time he can spend to enjoy focused reading,” she continues. “Somebody else claimed that she had no discipline to read alone, but after joining us she now sets an alarm every day to read for 30 minutes.”
As for Sisilia, the club provides her with devoted reading time and small connections with fellow book fans. “The variety of reading material that members bring is fascinating, spanning across Chinese texts to modern fiction and Greek mythology. This provides inspiration for all of us when choosing our next book,” she says. “Even though there’s little communication between us, there’s a lovely sense of connection with the people you’re sitting and reading with. It creates a calming sense of solidarity.”
Looking ahead, Sisilia hopes to secure a more permanent space in Singapore where Silent Book Club can take place, allowing for greater participation. “My dream is that we continue to thrive and provide a sanctuary for those looking for a quiet place to escape and read,” she says. “Our club isn’t just about reading; it’s about fostering a deep sense of community and helping people find joy in books once again.”
In a world that often feels overwhelming, Silent Book Club Singapore offers a tranquil refuge, highlighting how literature can connect us, and how connection is possible without the need for speaking.
Sisilia’s Top Book Recommendations
- A Month in the Country by JL Carr
- My Dog Tulip by J.R. Ackerley
- The Fortnight in September by R.C. Sherriff
- Moon Tiger by Penelope Lively
Silent Book Club Singapore
The club meets every third Saturday afternoon of the month at CIMB Plaza. Find out more at meetup.com/silent-book-club-singapore Discover Sisilia’s other book clubs at NYRB Classics Reading Society at meetup.com/NYRB-Classics-Reading-Society, and Chunkster Book Club at meetup.com/chunkster-book-club
