Silent Book Club

In a world buzzing with group chats, hot takes, and overstimulation, a curious new social scene is quietly booming—and it involves no small talk, no assigned reading, and absolutely no pressure. Welcome to Winter Garden’s Silent Book Club, where the only sound is the turning of pages and the occasional clink of a coffee mug or cocktail.

The movement, started in San Francisco in 2012 and now boasting chapters in over 55 countries, found its West Orange home thanks to local flight attendant Lindsay Pilarski. After falling in love with the Orlando chapter—but not with the commute—Lindsay decided to bring the concept closer to home.

“I’m an outgoing introvert,” she says with a laugh. “I love people, but I also love quiet. The Silent Book Club was perfect.”

The premise is simple but genius: readers gather at a local café, bar, or brewery. There’s 30 minutes of chatting, an hour of quiet, uninterrupted reading, and then more time to mingle, swap book recs, or not—your choice. No required titles. No homework. No pressure to talk unless you want to. Just bring your own book and your love for stories.

Since launching in March, the Winter Garden chapter has ballooned to monthly meet-ups of up to 50 people, with a growing online following and an expanding calendar. Lindsay has added a “book swap” component (bring one, take one), an audiobook walk, and plans for bi-monthly gatherings starting in September.

“The response blew me away,” she says. “People kept saying, ‘Thank you for bringing this here. I’ve been looking for something like this.’”

Attendees span all ages, reading everything from fantasy and thrillers to spicy beach reads. Some come solo and dive into their novels. Others sip tea, compare Kindle libraries, or crochet while listening to audiobooks. Lindsey herself is currently into rom-coms and thrillers—with a not-so-guilty pleasure for a little smut.

But beyond the books, the club offers something rare in adult life: low-pressure community. “Making friends as an adult is hard,” she says. “Silent Book Club creates this soft landing where you can show up exactly as you are, say hi—or don’t—and just share space with people who love books like you do. This gives people a way to connect that’s not awkward or forced. You don’t have to come with anyone, or even talk to anyone—but somehow, friendships still happen. Suddenly, you’re sharing book recommendations, meeting up outside of club, celebrating birthdays. I can honestly say I’ve made real, lasting friendships here—people I never would have met otherwise.”

No icebreakers. No awkward introductions. Just books, a beverage, and the beauty of being together—quietly.