Why Joining a Book Club Was the Best Decision I Made This Year

I know, I know – it sounds dramatic. “A book club changed my life!” Really? But honestly… it did. Let me tell you more.

Back in May, I joined Chapter 25 when they launched their first club in Cambridge. I’d been hunting for an in-person book club for ages - pretty much since lockdown ended - and not just because I like reading (although that’s a given). I wanted something that would get me out of the house, help me meet new people, and inspire me to read beyond my usual comfort zone. And in just a few short months, it’s done all that… and more!

Here are some of the amazing things that have happened since joining Chapter 25. If you are also considering joining a book club, I hope this inspires you to reach out and find a group to join!

I’ve made so many new friends! At our very first Chapter 25 meet-up, it turned out almost everyone was there for the same reason - to meet new people. Let’s face it, making friends as an adult is not easy! Where do you meet people? How do you go from meeting someone to becoming friends? What do you say to them? How do you avoid appearing needy? And on and on the anxiety cycle goes! 

Knowing you were speaking to other people who love reading meant the ice had already been broken. That made things instantly easier, so getting to know people and forging friendships then feels much more natural. No awkward small talk required - we could jump straight into whether we loved or hated the main character of our latest read! 

Now, our friendship circle extends well beyond the monthly meeting. We grab lunches, head to the pub, browse bookshops and attend book events together… and I am so grateful for that! 

Me and two other members of Chapter25 attending a recent Toppings event, meeting Larry Lamb!

I am broadening my reading horizons. At the start of the article, I mentioned this as a key motivator for joining Chapter 25. Some book clubs focus on just one genre, which I know people really enjoy. However, I was in a bit of a reading rut and needed variety. I knew I wanted to try new things, but when all you read is chick-lit, it's almost impossible to know where to start!

Chapter 25 solved that instantly. Every month, we read a different genre and that means I’ve gone from only reading romance to now also loving thrillers, Greek mythology retellings, and historical fiction (and this list is still growing!). Authors who never would have made it onto my TBR are now on my 'must read everything they’ve ever written' list.

Just a selection of some Chapter25 book picks.

I’m reading more than ever. This is similar to the above point, but still deserves its own section in this article because it’s so important to me! Knowing we have a meet-up each month gives me that little extra push to keep reading. Our meetings also include a general bookish chat, meaning I leave with an armful of new recommendations I can’t wait to delve into. My reading list is now long enough to last until 2089… and I’m not mad about it.

Thanks to reading more, I am also enjoying my favourite hobby even more. I’ve always read for escapism, a moment to unwind, and a bit of peace during a busy day. But now I’m doing it more often, with more variety, and the benefits feel even bigger. More joy, more relaxation, more “just one more chapter” moments.

Cosy reading vibes for the win (even though I am writing this in an August heatwave!).

I’ve got a reason to get out and socialise. Sounds simple, but it’s huge. I work full time and, as an introvert, my social calendar isn’t always buzzing. But knowing I’ve got book club booked in each month, as well as the spontaneous catch-ups in between, I have the perfect excuse to shut the lid of my work laptop, leave the sofa, and spend time with lovely people.

Fun fact: A Harvard study lasting 80+ years found that community and social connection are the most important factors for a long and happy life. So, technically, joining a book club might help you live longer!

I’ve gained so much confidence, especially when meeting new people. I’ve already mentioned I am an introvert and, sometimes, walking into a room full of strangers can feel really daunting. Now? It’s just another book club night! Meeting new people regularly has made me braver, chattier, and more comfortable when meeting someone new. It’s not just confidence about talking to others, it’s confidence in myself. Sure, I will always feel a little bit awkward but it all feels much less scary now! 

A recent Chapter25 Cambridge meet-up!

Finally, an unexpected benefit is that I am thinking about books in a whole new way. I really didn’t anticipate how much richer reading feels when you discuss it with others. I’ve turned up to meetings thinking “That book was fine” and then, 2 hours later, left with an entirely new view. This has happened both positively and negatively, too. Someone may have pointed out a theme, plot device or detail I’d completely missed and it can change my whole view on a novel. Sometimes my rating changes entirely after the discussion! 

This has also expanded into my day-to-day reading experience. I now read with more curiosity, noticing things I never used to. I’m making notes when reading because I may spot a perfect talking point or think of a question I want to chat about with other book club members. Ultimately, I now feel like I am spotting many of the hidden messages tucked between the lines that I previously overlooked or took for granted. I find myself paying attention to subtle details in a way I never did before, which makes each book feel like a richer, more layered experience.

More of the selection of Chapter25 book picks.

So, should you join a book club?

If you’ve read this far, I think you already know my recommendation. Yes, it might feel a little scary at first but I promise you won’t regret it. You’ll read more, laugh more, learn more, and meet people who might just become some of your favourite humans.

And who knows? Maybe one day you’ll be writing your own blog post about how a book club changed your life too! I can’t wait to read it. 

Interested in joining Chapter 25? Find a local club and sign up here. We can’t wait to meet you!