Bookworm Bonanza: 12 Reading Hobbies for Solitude and Socializing
Solo Literary Hobbies
Since it’s secretly every woman’s dream to own a quaint, used bookstore in an East coast town I decided to make a post about some ways we can apply our love of books into different hobbies. And who knows, maybe one of you will open up one of those bookstores!
If you’re like me, you can get stuck reading the same type of book genre over and over again. I get it! There’s a certain comfort in knowing what to expect with a book. But if you’re up for something different try taking part in a reading challenge. You can set personal reading goals to explore new genres or you can try out an online reading challenge. Goodreads usually has some or I found this blog with lots of reading challenges.
How about starting a book blog? Take your passion for reading and share it with the world! You can write reviews, recommendations, and insights into any and all books. This is also a great way to connect with fellow book lovers! You can host book clubs with people all over the world and help others discover new books. I personally love this blogger on how to set up a blog/run a blog.
Since there’s a podcast for every subject, why not try out a literary podcast? It’s the perfect way to pass the time in your commute or to have it on in the background while you’re working around the house. Here’s a great list of podcasts for anyone interested in reading and writing.
If you also have a love for organizing you can look into a digital bookshelf! There’s an app literally called Bookshelf that allows you to track your reading progress, set goals, and discover new books. Goodreads also has a Digital Bookshelf section to help you organize your reading.
When you’re looking to combine your love of reading with crafting try out bookbinding! It’s a great way to spruce up old books and to add your unique flair to your literary library.
Literary Hobbies to Enjoy with Others
Join or start a book club with friends, family, or colleagues! It's a fantastic way to share reading experiences and engage in lively discussions. You can host it over Zoom or meetup in a local coffee shop, park, or another unique spot so you can also play tourist in your town.
Attend book readings, author signings, or literary festivals with fellow book enthusiasts. These events are perfect for providing opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion for reading. If you have a blog or book club, this is also a great place to promote either of them!
Partner with a friend for a buddy read. Choose a book, read it simultaneously, and discuss your thoughts as you progress through the story.
Organize a book swap party with friends. Each person brings a book and leaves with a new one, fostering a sense of community and shared literary exploration.
Nothing gets book lovers more heated than discussing whether a book is better than the movie or vice versa! Take advantage of this and host book-to-movie adaptation nights. Read a book together, then watch the movie adaptation, and compare notes!
If your friend group, or book club, also loves to write you can all attend writing workshops or creative writing classes as a group. This can be an inspiring way to encourage each other's creative expression.
Plan outings to bookstores or libraries with friends. Explore new releases, recommend books to each other, and enjoy the shared love of reading! Take your newfound books to the local coffee shop so you all can also have a book reading friend date.
I hope this list ignites a new hobby for you! Shoot me a message if you’ve tried out one of these literary adventures or if you think I missed something on this list :)