Before the pandemic, it seemed like books would become a thing of the past. We simply didn’t have enough time to curl up in bed with a good read because our phone was demanding our attention and sometimes, the gratification was just not as instant as sitting in front of Netflix.
But in the last few months, books sales have gone through the roof, and the number of people looking to engage in a wider cultural conversation about what they’re reading has resulted in a multitude of new book clubs. The best part about these communities are the range of virtual, wholesome, inclusive spaces being created to discuss a wide range of literature that focuses on equality, people of colour, and LGBTQI+ folx.
Enjoy a list of the most wholesome, inclusive book clubs to join for brain stimulation, unbelievable insight, and education.
Quarantini
The aptly named book club Quarantini was founded by Cambridge and Harvard educated historian of LGBTQI+ politics and culture, Eric Cervini. They recently finished reading the game changing novel Giovanni’s Room, which is about an American man living in Paris who’s navigating his emotions and relationships with other men in his life. Fun fact: Cervini also has a book being published about homosexuality in America.
Check out their flawlessly cultivated Instagram for some great content:
Rebel Book Club
If you’re looking for a book club that centres on non-fiction, contemporary reads then you can’t go past the Rebel Book Club. From mental health to gender to race, this book club leaves no stone unturned.
Have a look at their Instagram for the latest:
QueenMode Collective
A new, Australian-based book club is the QueenMode Collective, which prides itself on being socially responsible and for the work it has done for gender and racial equality. They’ve read powerhouse novels like Toni Morrison’s The Bluest Eye and are committed to creating a space that gives a much-needed voice to women of colour.
Keep up with their empowering Instagram below:
Women’s Melbourne Network
Another Australian book club dedicated to Feminist literature and conversation is the Women’s Melbourne Network. They just finished reading Girl, Woman, Other which was shortlisted for the Booker prize and has garnered plenty of well-deserved critical acclaim.
Facebook is where they host their online meetings, so give it a like:
Posted by Women's Melbourne Network on Tuesday, July 7, 2020
Lez Book Club
The wonderfully titled Lez Book Club is, you guessed it, a book club created for queer womxn book lovers! All things LGBTQI+ are discussed in this beautifully inclusive network. This month, they’re reading We Have Always Been Here a Queer, gorgeous, Muslim memoir by Samra Habib.
Follow their adventures on Instagram:
You never know, the world could fall back in love with the timeless joy of reading! Enjoy!
