Reading Alone, Together: How the Silent Book Club Builds Quiet Community in a Loud World

In a world that often feels too fast, too loud, and too demanding, finding quiet moments of peace can feel revolutionary. Enter the Silent Book Club — a global movement that invites people to slow down, read in silence, and reconnect with themselves and others, all without the pressure of social performance.

We sat down with Shawn Buck, founder of the Cape Town chapter of the Silent Book Club, to explore how this initiative is bringing together people of all ages and backgrounds through the simple act of shared reading.

A Global Movement with Local Heart

Though the Silent Book Club began in San Francisco, it has grown to over 1,700 chapters worldwide, including 17 across South Africa. Shawn launched the Cape Town chapter after attending a gathering in the U.S. that left a deep impression on her.

“There were 300 people in a brewery — just sitting quietly, reading,” she recalled. “It was beautiful. I thought, this could really work in Cape Town.”

And it has. With gatherings attracting between 150 to 300 people, it’s clear that the desire for a low-pressure, inclusive reading space is stronger than ever.

What Makes Silent Book Club Different?

Unlike traditional book clubs, there’s no set reading list and no group discussion requirements. As Shawn puts it, it’s “BYOB – bring your own book.” Whether it's a novel, audiobook, magazine, or even the back of a cereal box, readers can enjoy what they love, at their own pace.

“You can come and talk to everyone or no one,” said Shawn. “There’s no icebreaker games, no pressure — just people choosing to be quiet together.”

The format is simple:

• Arrive and settle in for 30 minutes
• One hour of silent reading begins (phones off, conversations paused)
• Stay to chat, keep reading, or head out — it’s up to you
  
  
  

Why Read in a Group When You Could Read Alone?

It’s a fair question. But Shawn explained that reading in the company of others — without conversation — offers unexpected benefits.

“There’s a kind of accountability. People tell us they read more here than they would at home, where distractions take over.”

For introverts, especially, the Silent Book Club offers community without the exhaustion of small talk. For young readers, it’s a social alternative that feels peaceful, not performative.

A Space for Everyone

The Cape Town chapter is open to all ages and backgrounds, from young children to grandparents — and even the occasional dog. People bring physical books, Kindles, phones, or audiobooks with headphones. Some attendees come to draw, journal, or simply sit in silence.

More than anything, the club values inclusivity, accessibility, and mental wellbeing. In an age of constant connectivity and performance, Silent Book Club provides one hour of intentional calm.

Quiet Moments, Lasting Connections

While no dialogue is required, real relationships have emerged from these gatherings. Shawn shared stories of strangers who became friends, WhatsApp groups that formed organically, and even a few romantic connections.

“The magic starts with a simple question: ‘What are you reading?’ That often opens the door to deeper conversation.”

She emphasized that this model provides a rare opportunity to connect face-to-face — something many have struggled with since the pandemic and the rise of digital isolation.

Looking Ahead

As Silent Book Club Cape Town approaches its one-year anniversary in May, the chapter is expanding into new venues across the city.
They’ve also partnered with the Franschhoek Literary Festival, bringing their unique reading experience to one of South Africa’s most beloved literary events.

Instagram: @cptsilentbookclub
Website: www.silentbook.club

Presenter: Jasnine Roberts

Producer: Lydia M