Calling Booklovers!

Most often think of book clubs as a relatively modern creation and associate them with women. But, surprisingly, book clubs have been around for a staggering three hundred years and in the beginning, at least, were social gatherings dominated by men. 

Beginning in the 1720s, book clubs were formed by the upper classes, strictly reserved for the elite. The idea of convening and discussing books began with the men of the eighteenth century and gained much popularity as women joined in. Through the gradual shift from sewing circles and church groups to more enclosed and private settings, women eventually formed their own reading clubs.

The development of book clubs became more evident in the nineteenth century with the women's education movement. Book clubs provided an opportunity to discuss political studies and literature. While reading is in itself a solitary act, many people have a strong desire to share their reading experience with others.

Today, books clubs are a means to share a love of reading with like-minded people while offering a structured outlet to speak about books. Within a discussion group, readers can focus their opinions, enhance their understanding and gather new perspectives.

The Dymocks-Hong Kong International Literary Festival Book Club

In keeping with our desire to promote reading, we have teamed up with Dymocks Booksellers to launch a new Book Club. This is exclusively for Friends of the Festival and Dymocks Gold Members. Each month, participants will meet to discuss books written by Festival authors. So this is the perfect way to be prepared for the Festival in October. Mark the Festival dates in your diary - 5 to 14 October.

Our very first Book Club meeting was held on June 22nd at the Kee Club where we discussed June’s Book of the Month - The Road to Wanting by Wendy Law-Yone. For those who missed out in the discussion, meet Wendy Law-Yone when she comes to the Festival in October.

More About The Book Club
Meetings will be scheduled once a month. Attendance at our monthly Book Club meetings is free, but registration is limited to 20 attendees. Participants will receive an advance reading copy of the book.

For information on our next Book Club meetings, visit our website. Or just sign up for our e-Newsletter via our website so you do not miss out on our announcements.

Happy Reading!