Reading Party: The Literary Trend That Turns Reading Into Something New

Giving Reading Club a new twist… The Reading Party concept is already in our country.

Reading alone is no longer fashionable, and as you know Trends are changing faster and faster, even those with a theme as classic and personal as reading. That is why the concept of Reading Party has emerged. I will tell you all about it.

Have you ever wished Share your love of books in a more social and entertaining way? The Reading Parties (or Reading Parties in Spanish) are gaining popularity as a unique experience for reading lovers.

These meetings combine the pleasure of reading with the welcoming atmosphere of a social gathering, Transforming reading into a shared and exciting activityIf you've never been to one, here's everything you need to know so you don't miss out on this trend.

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What is a Reading Party?

A Reading Party It is an event where a group of people gather to read silently, in the company of others. It may sound contradictory at first: Why read in a group when you can do it at home? However, these meetings offer a different atmosphere, where motivation, concentration and love for books are enhanced.

We know that being accompanied by other people to do anything gives that event a new dimension, And sharing makes the experience completely different. and enriching.

Typically, participants choose a comfortable space, such as a café, a bookstore or even a park. With a cup of coffee or tea in hand, Each participant immerses themselves in their favorite book, enjoying the company of other readers.. Some Reading Parties include time to discuss what has been read, while others focus solely on the silent experience.

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Why should you sign up for a Reading Party?

1. Connecting with other book lovers
   The first reason is the most important, human contact and being able to share space and hobbies. The Reading Parties They are perfect for meeting people with similar interests. Even if there isn't much interaction during the reading, the connection that arises from sharing the space is unique.
2. Improve your concentration
   This one may surprise you, but reading in a group creates an atmosphere of collective concentration. If you tend to get distracted easily at home, This type of meeting can be a perfect solution. When you get immersed in reading, you will put aside distractions such as your cell phone and social networks and simply enjoy the company.
3. Unique environments
   Many Reading Parties are celebrated in special places, from charming cafes to historic bookstores or gardens outdoors and even decorated for the occasion. This makes the experience memorable.
4. Get inspired with new readings
   Being surrounded by other readers, it is inevitable to be curious about what they are reading. These meetings are a great opportunity to discover new titles and authorsYou will discuss what you read with others and receive recommendations and reviews of books that may end up interesting to you.

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Some famous and notable Reading Parties

1. Silent Book Club
   Considered the "anti-book club", the Silent Book Club He is one of the pioneers in popularizing the Reading Parties. Founded in 2012, has chapters all over the world. These events focus on the pleasure of reading, without pressure to finish a book or engage in intense discussions.
2. The London Library Reading Retreats
   In London, the prestigious London Library organizes reading meetings where attendees can enjoy a historical literary environment while immersing themselves in their favorite books.
3. Brooklyn Reading Party
   In New York, this Reading Party is cKnown for its relaxed and modern atmosphereReaders gather in creative spaces, such as art galleries or bohemian cafes.

Reading Parties in Spain

Although at the moment they are an almost unknown concept in Spain, during 2024 There have been some reading parties in different places around the countryI'll leave you with some of the first and most significant ones.

The Reading Party in Zaragoza

On December 3, 2024, Zaragoza hosted its first Reading Party in the cafeteria of El Corte Inglés in Independencia. Organized by Cultural AreaThe evening brought together 60 participants who enjoyed silent reading sessions interspersed with moments of conversation about their favorite books.

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After Reader in Madrid

In December 2024, Madrid celebrated its first reading party in the style of the Reading Parties New York. The event, called 'After Lector', was part of Book Friday and took place at the Bastardo Hostel. Attendees brought their own books and participated in an hour of sharing impressions, led by poet and artist Helena Mariño.

Reading Party in Valencia

From February to June 2024, Veles e Vents, in collaboration with the Las Sin Rostro collective, organized Reading Parties monthly. These meetings offered participants a space with views of the port of Valencia, catering service and a bookshelf to exchange books, culminating in an open jam session.

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Tips for attending your first Reading Party

• Choose a suitable book: Bring a book that will engage you and be easy to read in environments with some background noise.
• Be punctual: This applies to everything, but these meetings in particular usually have specific times to start and end so that we don't bother anyone.
• Respect the silence: Although some include time for chatting, reading is the main focus. There is time for reading and time for chatting.
• Relax and enjoy: There is no pressure. The idea is to enjoy reading at your own pace. The book is about the process and not the end.

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Join the literary revolution

The Reading Parties They are much more than a passing fad. They represent a new way of experiencing reading, combining the intimacy of reading with the pleasure of sharing the moment with others. If you are looking for new ways to enjoy books, a Reading Party may be just what you need.

On my Instagram I will be sharing all the information I find about these Reading Parties, especially in Spain. I hope they end up becoming a popular cultural alternative. It would be wonderful.

Ready to join this trend? Find a Reading Party near you or feel free to organize your own. The pleasure of reading has never been so social and exciting!