What we’re about
We do not all read the same book at our reading parties (held mostly at Houston-area coffee shops.) Instead, each person brings any book or text they are already reading or starting to read. It could be a textbook, fiction novel, non-fiction book, several articles, a technical piece, a training manual for work–ANYTHING you want to read.
We sit and read silently for 30 minutes. At the end of 30 minutes, we stop and share anything we feel like sharing about what we’re reading (interesting content, unique writing style, funny character exchange, controversial ideas, relevance to our lives, etc.) Others chime in if they have a comment or want to talk. This can make for quirky and interesting conversation. Of course, sharing and commenting are optional. Once we’ve shared and socialized for about 10 to 20 minutes, we go back to reading. (We cap the talk break at approximately 20 minutes so we don’t lose sight of what we came to do: read while relaxing with other readers).
Reading parties are FUN.
Reading is known to be a solitary endeavor, which not all of us want all the time because connection with others is a good thing. But traditional book clubs can be stressful because 1) we can’t always read a chosen book by the discussion date, 2) we might not have the funds to get hold of the book, or the time to find it online or at a library, 3) we may not be interested in texts others chose, 4) we’re already reading our own book selections and can’t add book club choices, 5) we don’t want ‘homework’ of preparing for preset discussion questions.
Reading parties are a great alternative for busy and self-contained but also friendly adults who want to connect. I hope you'll join Houston Reading Parties, meet new people, and enjoy the experience.
General group guidelines:
- Open to anybody age 18+. If you're a parent, bringing a mature, well-behaved kid aged 12+ is okay.
- We'll mostly be at coffee shops, but some places will have coffee and alcohol. Many will have food. I haven't decided on all locations yet, but we'll figure it out as the group grows.
- At some point, a member may volunteer to host a reading party in their home.
- Please be respectful of everyone else. Any harassment or abuse of other members, whether in person or via text or Meetup messages, will not be tolerated. Please don’t contact any members privately either before an in-person event or after unless you’ve already spoken in person and they’ve indicated they welcome communication with you.
- Please stay true to the spirit of the group by reading at these parties. It doesn't matter if you read off your device rather than a hard-copy book, as long as you're reading rather than working on a school assignment or work task, scrolling on social media, shopping online, or whatever else. Of course, I cannot police people, nor do I want to, but know that I made this statement about treating a reading party like a reading party.
- The "silent reading" period isn't rigidly silent. It mostly is, but we'll naturally speak sometimes for whatever reason even before we get into sharing mode.
- We may eventually have some reading party + dinner (or drinks) events.
Feel free to message me if you have additional questions or concerns! :)
– Jane
Upcoming events (2)
See all- Pizza Social & Reading Share (Houston Heights)Grace Pizza and Shakes The Heights, Houston, TX
Come out to enjoy pizza with your fellow Houstonians and reading group members! This is one of our occasional mixers to "touch grass" (lol) and meet new people :)
This is not a regular reading event, but we will stay in the spirit of sharing our reading. I encourage you to bring two books you're reading (I know most of us are reading many at a time). We will not have the silent reading periods like usual (this is primarily a social/dinner event), but bring your books anyway to share what you're reading. Our books are good conversation starters, and I've found that people really do get reading ideas from other people.
Here is the website for Grace Pizza & Shakes. I have not been there before, so I'm unsure about the parking situation. I'll update/edit this event when I get some information. There is probably a parking lot and neighborhood parking, but I'll confirm that later.
I'll post my photo and phone number in the event chat close to the event date. I'll also have a red meetup sign with me so you can easily find the group.
- Reading Party (Memorial Park/Rice Military)Black Walnut Cafe, Houston, TX
Bring a book or anything you want to read. We’ll start with 15 minutes of friendly greetings but soon get into 30 minutes of reading, then brief talking (10 to 20 minutes, depending), and then back to reading. This is meant to be friendly, casual, and social.
We'll be at Black Walnut Cafe. They have food, dessert, everything.
There's a parking lot and neighborhood parking. Watch signs, though; make sure you're not occupying prohibited areas.I’ll post my phone # and photo in this event’s chat closer to the meeting date. I also have a red meetup sign that I'll have at the table with me so you can find the group.
Note: If you RSVP yes but then find you can’t make it, please update your RSVP at least 2 days before the event. I appreciate it!
I will likely take at least one photo at each event. Posting a photo adds appeal to the group and helps garner interest. If you’re uncomfortable with being photographed, please let me know - I promise I won’t be offended. Will work around it :)
