KENDRA CONNOCK

This period of national lockdown and worldwide quarantine seems to be cementing the idea that even the most introverted people need some form of personal interaction in order to stay sane. Even those of us who previously thought we could easily survive by simply staying inside 24/7 have had the rude awakening that “maybe I am not as introverted as I thought”. This new and unprecedented way of life has brought out a creative side to many people as they strive to find new ways to remain in contact with other people. For the bookworms and bibliophiles out there, lockdown is the perfect opportunity to work through that TBR pile (‘to be read’ for those unfamiliar with the ways of the bookish).

Books are fantastic on their own, and there is nothing quite like cracking the spine on a new one and diving into it head first, but one of the simple pleasures that comes along with reading a new book is discussing it with someone else. Another activity of ‘normal’ life that has turned to online platforms is the humble book club. Consider joining up with the Reblog Book Club on Tumblr or the Reddit Book Club (r/bookclub) for a unique digital book club experience where you can discuss this month’s chosen book with members from all over the world. Another excellent option is the Tolstoy Together online book club which carves War and Peace into easier to read portions, and requires about 30 minutes of reading per day to finish a classic within 3 months. Actresses Reese Witherspoon and Emma Watson have their own platforms (Reese’s Book Club and Our Shared Shelf, respectively) which recommend a book each month and allow for conversation over Instagram. Alternatively, you could start your own. Get some friends together and choose a book, read, and then take to your preferred video-chat platform to discuss (best done from a comfy couch with a cup of tea).

Whether you choose to join an established online community, or you decide to forge your own path, be sure to tag us on social media so we can see which books you choose and discuss.

Photo: Madhuri Rambaran