Reading Parties Are the Latest Literary Trend in the U.S. They’re Attracting Large Crowds, and There’s Even a Waiting List

“Not a book club. A reading party,” Reading Rhythms says on its website, which was created to organize its literary gatherings but lacks detailed information about the purpose and structure of the initiative. The site doesn’t elaborate on its guidelines and history, which, while brief, is as intriguing as successful. The concise description suggests that Reading Rhythms isn’t your typical book club filled with people discussing the latest novel from a predetermined list. Instead, it’s a gathering of readers–a reading party.

Although it may sound unusual, even like an oxymoron, this concept is a perfect fit for the Reading Rhythms project.

Do you have time to read? A group of friends in New York City–young men in their early twenties, busy and overwhelmed by the constant flood of stimuli like most people today–asked themselves that question a while back. Their answer was “no.” They were reading far less than they would have liked, and it wasn’t entirely due to work or the distractions of their smartphones. Part of the reason was the time they spent socializing and meeting new people.

They had an idea: What if they could combine books and friends, reading and fun? Was it possible for a solitary, reflective activity like reading to meld with a celebration among peers? The group decided to give it a try. In the summer of 2023, they organized a gathering on the rooftop of the Brooklyn building where two of them lived. They created a playlist with music suited for the occasion and opened their doors. Ten people attended, and it worked–boy, did it work!

And so, Reading Rhythms was born. That first test was so successful that it laid the groundwork for what has become a phenomenon, transcending New York City and the U.S., and capturing the attention of media on both sides of the Atlantic, including Rolling Stone, the New York Post, FOX5, and Spain’s El País.

The concept behind the Reading Rhythms events is quite simple. As its founders say, they’re parties—not book clubs—where the original 2023 gathering in Brooklyn is replicated, albeit with some variations. Readers sign up, arrive at the designated location with a book, and enjoy reading and chatting with music in the background.

The organization and staging have been refined over the months. In December, literary critic Molly Young visited one of the parties organized in a Brooklyn bar to prepare a report for The New York Times. She discovered antique armchairs, velvety sofas, candles, punch, beer, and live piano music. On some occasions, the parties even include special guests. At the end of September, for instance, Nicholas Sparks, the novelist and screenwriter famous for books like The Notebook and Message in a Bottle, attended one of these reading parties.

How do reading parties work? In her story, Young describes the dynamics of the party she attended in Brooklyn. She first got a sticker with her name on it, found a seat, and then watched as the host explained how the event would unfold. There would be two 30-minute reading sessions, separated by a break and followed by a round of discussions on various topics.

Since it’s a party, the goal is for people to socialize and exchange opinions and comments. For instance, after the first half-hour of reading, it’s encouraged to discuss the book with another guest, who might be reading something entirely different–perhaps a novel, a comic book, or even a bonsai care manual. There are no strict rules.

Reservation required. The Reading Rhythms website provides valuable insight into how it operates. The site features a calendar with various events scheduled in different locations and on different days, although most of them take place on Wednesdays. For instance, several events will be themed around Halloween in the coming days. The website also lists the reservation fee, which is around $20. While most parties are held in New York City, there are also mentions of events in Washington and London in the United Kingdom. Some media outlets have reported similar gatherings in Los Angeles and Rome in Italy.

Waiting list. Additionally, the presence of waiting lists further demonstrates the popularity of the Reading Rhythms concept. In her report for The New York Times, Young highlights that during the night she attended a Brooklyn party for a $10 fee, there was a waiting list of 270 people. This may seem surprising, but the truth is that reading parties are relatively rare.

While there are certainly book clubs and parties in bars and pubs, what’s less common is a blend of the two, where attendees can bring their own books and find others eager to discuss what they’re reading.

“It’s kind of beautiful, no?” Adam, a reader attending his third Reading Rhythms party, told The New York Times, “Outside of school and religious ceremonies, there are hardly any environments where we get to read in unison.” He added, “It’s kind of beautiful, no?” Positive comments about the experience are widespread, with some attendees even staying past the event’s scheduled end time.

“We’re creating belonging through reading,” founder Ben Bradbury said. He highlights Reading Rhythms’ success: “The solitude of reading combined with the social component of connection.” Reading Rhythms not only organizes large gatherings with several hundred participants but has also collaborated with the New York Public Library, Hudson Yards, and publishers eager to introduce their latest releases. Additionally, Reading Rhythms has hosted outdoor events with seating arranged in public plazas.

Criticism and flirting. However, not everyone considers Reading Rhythms to be truly original. Some attendees don’t arrive intending to read or share reviews. After a video of one of the parties went viral on TikTok a few months ago, some users responded with irony, suggesting that “hipsters reinvented the library and think it’s deep.”

Other attendees view Reading Rhythms as an opportunity to meet new people and perhaps find a romantic partner. The New York Post reported some individuals have admitted to making friends through these events, including Bradbury himself, who confessed to meeting his current girlfriend at one of the reading gatherings.

Image | Jessica Ruscello

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