One of the things I look forward to every month is the Columbus, Ohio chapter of Silent Book Club meeting. Everyone brings their own book and reads together quietly for an hour, then we all nerd out about books afterward. If you're in the area, you should come hang out with us!

We meet on the second Tuesday of every month and this time we met at the Park of Roses at Whetstone Park. I wanted to cash in on one of the few days where it was perfectly comfortable to be outside––not too hot or too cold or too wet. I came prepared with a plaid blanket and piping hot chai latte.

This meeting was informative for me as an organizer because it was our first outdoor meeting and I learned that my group apparently hates the outdoors! We had a tiny group this time, but the company was wonderful as always.  

We kick off the meeting with a quick round of introductions where everyone says their name and a little about what they're reading. I always take notes and post the full book list the next day. 

It's a great way for everyone to learn about books they might like and I've picked up several books I loved based on what people were reading and recommended to the group.

Here's what the group is reading this month:

• Selfish, Shallow, and Self-Absorbed: Sixteen Writers on the Decision to Not Have Kids, an anthology edited by Meghan Daum

• The Killing Season: A History of the Indonesian Massacres, 1965-66 by Geoffrey Robinson

• Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli

• Emma by Jane Austen

• Falling Leaves: The Memoir of an Unwanted Chinese Daughter by Adeline Yen Mah

• Friend of the Devil by Peter Robinson

• Spinning Silver by Naomi Novic

• Embassytown by China Mieville

• Looking for Spinoza: Joy, Sorrow, and the Feeling Brain by António R. Damásio

• Lucky Penny Ananth Hirsch

There are Silent Book Club chapters throughout and US and several around the world, so if you're not in Columbus, OH, check the events on the SBC website to find one near you!