Image from Pexels In Brazil, reading has never been a habit for most people. Whether due to a lack of investment in education or family history, books are more associated with intellectuals. The ubiquity of cell phones has made it difficult to encourage reading, as the device can easily attract attention, even if the user is not aware of it.Some people can spend hours communicating online, watching videos or carrying out other activities with the device in their hands. In the end, they felt like time passed so quickly that they couldn't pick up a book.
However, there is a growing trend that could change this reality. These are book clubs, spaces for sharing ideas about works in which readers of all ages can participate. Book clubs have been around for years and can even be found in classics. The difference is that now groups can meet virtually and have several options to choose from.
Why it's worth joining a reading club Unlike the internet, where people share information, images, videos and memes, reading is a more solitary habit. You need to focus on reading a book, whether physical or e-book, and spend some time without interacting with the people around you.
For those who are used to it, this is not a problem. In fact, this is one of the benefits of reading. However, those who have never maintained this habit may find it difficult to concentrate, especially without anyone to share ideas with at work.
Book clubs solve this problem. Readers of the same story can come together to hear different interpretations, discuss theories, talk about characters they like and dislike, and more. In other words, it is a way to make reading more dynamic and engaging.
Furthermore, this interaction can generate friendships and expand the social circles of participants. This is why these groups are growing, as many people want to socialize but are restricted by health measures.
How to join a book club First, it's important to say that there are different types of book clubs. Some groups are paid and others are free. There are also books specialized in a certain literary genre, such as horror books, and others that are more general. In-person groups typically meet at a library or educational institution, while digital groups allow people from across the country to participate.
For those who prefer virtual meetings, it can be fun to search clubs for the genre you want to read. However, if the idea is to meet people in person, the research should be done by reading discussion groups in a specific city.
In general, readers do not need to spend money to purchase works. In addition to the various books in the library, there are also digital versions that can be downloaded or purchased at a lower price than physical works. If you choose to read on Kindle, you can even get the file into a text editor and change the format, i.e. from Word to PDF. The conversion takes just a few minutes and is free.
For those who want to join online or in São Paulo, check out the main reading clubs:
Gekko Brotherhood: A conversation about literature, cinema and art. Each month, the group chooses a book to read and a film to watch. Then, on a pre-determined day, participants discuss their ideas about the work online, which often have something in common. Blooks Club: It is a face-to-face meeting held every first Monday of each month at the bookstore in Shopping Frei Caneca. The debates tend to focus more on science fiction, so anyone who likes the subject and is in the capital of São Paulo can take advantage. The books discussed are selected at the end of each event and you can also find information about them on the bookstore's social networks. Mário de Andrade Library Club: The Mário de Andrade Library is the largest library in São Paulo and the second largest in the country, for those who want to dive into the world of books and make friends, this is another opportunity. There are several book clubs there, including groups specializing in women's writing, poetry, and more. Literary Debate Clubs do more than just encourage reading, they can be an opportunity to make friends, learn more and gain new perspectives on different topics. Even those who don't know the books yet can follow the conversation and benefit greatly from it.