The twenties are a challenging decade. Transitioning from college to work and family provide ample opportunity to feel lost and overwhelmed. On the flip side, the twenties are a time of fun, adventure, and building lifetime friendships.
In the middle of my twenties I moved across the country. This was the first time in my life that I didn’t have built in friendships. As a book lover, one way I forged new relationships was through a book club I discovered at a big box bookstore.
The club met once per month and members rotated selecting the monthly book. If you are a twenty something book lover, here are five reasons why a book club may work for you.
1. Meet Diverse People
The book club I joined had members of all ages. We had divorced women in their fifties, a married couple in their thirties, new moms looking for a break from their babies, single men, and another twenty something who remains, a decade later, one of my best friends.
Book clubs are a great way to make connections, develop friendships, and get to know your neighbors.
2. Gain Empathy
Research shows that books make us more empathetic. The twenties are a time for self-discovery. Growing in empathy is a great way to better understand yourself and your community. Plus you connect with other empathetic and kind people.
3. Broaden Your Genres
We all tend to have a few genres we love to read. In a book club, you don’t always get to choose what you read. Over the years, I’ve discovered new authors, interesting topics, and novels I may never have otherwise read. Book clubs are a excellent way to broaden your bookworm horizon.
4. Support Local Businesses
When the big bookstore went out of business, our little book club moved to a locally owned used bookstore. Everyone loved the idea of supporting a small business. Book clubs are a great opportunity to support local businesses whether your club meets for dinner at local restaurants, meets at a bookstore, or gets you shopping local for your next book.
5. Talk About What You Love
My favorite part of book club is the rich discussion about what I love, books. Often, I want more when I finish a great book. I want to unpack the themes, characters, and plot. Meeting with a group of fellow book lovers offers a wonderful opportunity to dig deeper.
If you are looking to deepen your connections, read great books, and learn more about your community, joining a book club may be a great decision for you.
YouTube Channel: Zoella
Featured image via Her Campus
h/t The Young Folks