A novel idea - the pleasure of joining a reading group

A novel idea - the pleasure of joining a reading group

Talking about a book you've just read is far more rewarding if the people you are talking to have also read it. And their opinions will probably not be quite the same as yours.

Reading groups have been around since the early days of the printing press. From the plot line of a bedtime story, shared between a parent and their sleepy child, to fully fledged university debates on literacy classics. It's a pleasure to share your views and listen to what other readers think about the same book.

Over the last few years, reading groups in and around Sunderland have seen a slight decline in numbers. The local libraries used to organise and run several thriving groups, but alongside the challenge of continued funding came the Covid pandemic. This double whammy proved too much for some groups and in many cases it turned out to be their final chapter.

However, there are still opportunities out there. Sunderland libraries have continued to produce a list of books which they have multiple copies of, usually enough for a gathering of at least eight readers. Library members can borrow these at anytime. So, if you have a couple of friends who have a passion for reading, why not suggest you all read the same book and then discuss it over a coffee (or a glass of wine!).

Another way into this world of shared reading is to join an established group. 

Elaine Hannington organises a monthly reading group. They meet at Diego's (28 Norfolk Street, SR1 1EE, Sunderland info@diegosjoint.co.uk), where they serve wine or coffee.

She said: "We are a small group with very mixed reading tastes. We meet up and chat about a book; what we liked, what we didn't like and any other thoughts. Then we score the book out of ten - some scores vary between 2 and 8 for the same novel; these usually bring out the most interesting discussions."

This particular reading group is presently looking for new members. They meet at 6 pm on the second Wednesday of each month. If you're interested, just drop Elaine a line at elaineh51@btinternet.com.

Coffee shops, independent bookstores or your local community centre often advertise reading groups; look for invites posted on bulletin boards. 

So, if you have just finished a novel and would like to talk to someone about it, do join a group; or even start your own.