Young Readers Revitalize Book Clubs in Toronto’s Social Scene

A new wave of book clubs is captivating young adults in Toronto, as many seek social connections through literature rather than traditional social events. Molly Dunn, a twenty-five-year-old sales associate at BMV, a local bookstore, recently launched a book club that drew an unexpected turnout of seventeen attendees for its first meeting in late February 2023. This event marked a significant departure from the stereotype of book clubs being a pastime for older generations.

Dunn’s initiative began when she sought to establish a community around reading. With her manager’s approval, she announced the inaugural meeting on the store’s Instagram page. Despite concerns about attendance, particularly due to winter weather conditions and the perception of book clubs as outdated, the turnout exceeded expectations. Dunn noted that subsequent meetings consistently attracted between twenty and twenty-five participants.

The inaugural gathering featured a selection of snacks and beverages, creating a welcoming atmosphere. Various attendees, including twenty-three-year-old Naufel Ahmed and thirty-six-year-old Natalia Buia, shared their excitement about connecting with fellow readers. They engaged in discussions about Ocean Vuong’s debut novel, On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous, revealing a shared passion for literature among the diverse group.

In recent years, the Canadian Leisure and Reading Study has indicated a notable increase in young people participating in book clubs. Claire Foster, the store manager at Type Books, described this trend as a resurgence in the popularity of book clubs, emphasizing the evolution of these gatherings. “Whenever you think about book clubs, you picture older women swirling their wine,” said Iman Ahmednur, co-founder of We’re Not Strangers. This organization distinguishes itself by adopting unique themes, such as a Galentine’s-themed book club, and selecting books trending in online communities.

Several other innovative book clubs have emerged in Toronto, catering to younger audiences. The Toronto Silent Book Club encourages attendees to gather in cafes and quietly read together. The Growing Pains book club at Queen Books welcomes participants aged fifteen and older, aiming to expand their reading beyond the young adult genre. Additionally, Wine About Books hosts themed clubs, including a romantasy club and a cookbook club.

These gatherings reflect a growing desire for in-person engagement, contrasting with the digital interaction prevalent in many online book communities. The phenomenon of online book clubs gained traction in North America, largely attributed to Oprah Winfrey, who introduced “Oprah’s Book Club” in 1996. This television-based book discussion group significantly popularized the concept of reading communities.

At BMV’s event, twenty-seven-year-old Shizza Khan expressed her desire for social interaction, noting that her online book club lacked personal connections. Many attendees echoed the sentiment of seeking community. Conversations often revolved around feelings of loneliness or isolation, emphasizing the role of book clubs as a venue for meaningful connection rather than just literary discussion.

The format of book clubs allows for a structured conversation, easing the pressure of social interactions. As Stefania Kuczynski, a master’s student specializing in library and information science at the University of Toronto, pointed out, the primary appeal lies in building community. “Do you really want to talk only about books, or do you want to talk about books with other people?” she asked, encapsulating the essence of these gatherings.

In addition to fostering friendships, some attendees view book clubs as potential avenues for romantic connections. While many in Toronto have turned to running clubs for dating opportunities, the dynamics within book clubs can differ. Foster, of Type Books, reflected on whether people use book clubs for dating, suggesting that it may not be a prevalent trend in her group.

The gender dynamics within book clubs also warrant attention. Raheleh Abbasinejad, a facilitator at Queen Books, reported that their meetings typically attract a higher number of female participants compared to males. In contrast, the Dystopia Book Club at the Toronto Public Library, led by librarian Aaron Cain, stands out for its male attendance, likely due to the genre’s historical appeal to male readers.

The author’s personal experiences with book clubs have largely involved female participants, reflecting a common trend. Of the seventeen attendees at BMV’s inaugural meetup, only three identified as male. Discussions about these experiences have sparked interest among friends, leading to the formation of new book clubs. One friend expressed her intention to start a group called “The Ferrante Fanatics,” motivated by discussions about Elena Ferrante’s works among her circle.

This surge in book club participation highlights a cultural shift among young adults in Toronto. The movement underscores a collective yearning for connection, community, and shared experiences through literature, revitalizing the concept of book clubs in a contemporary context. As reading becomes a social activity rather than a solitary pursuit, these gatherings offer not only the joy of literature but also the warmth of camaraderie.