Book clubs in times of the internet

Book clubs in times of the internet Reading is a practice full of benefits. For all stages of life: from when we are young children to the last years of adulthood. Reading is generally considered a solitary activity. However, there is also the possibility of reading in a group, an option that brings several additional advantages. That is what the so-called \"Book groups\" consist of, groups of people who organize themselves to read collectively, in search of obtaining a greater benefit from the habit of reading. And they almost always get it. Currently, book clubs are in \"better health than ever,\" the document states, due, among other reasons, to how well they have been able to take advantage of the advantages offered by the Internet and new digital technologies. Join book club have huge benefits Among these advantages, two stand out above all. On the one hand, access to countless texts and possible readings, without the need for transfers or ordering long and expensive shipments. On the other, the possibility of being virtual, that is, of \"meeting\" and talking with people who are in different parts of the country or the world? In any case, the practice of reading with others is by no means something new: the tradition of group reading dates back to ancient times. The text of the FGSR highlights women such as Sappho of Mytilene and Saint Marcella, who between the fourth and fifth centuries before our era already organized groups for collective reading.  Increases (or generates) motivation to read According to the latest Barometer of Reading Habits, up to 36% of the population never or almost never reads. Nearly half of those non-readers argue that the main reason they don't is a lack of time. Other reasons mentioned for not reading lie in the preference for dedicating time to sports, walking, or watching television. A quarter of the non-reading population, meanwhile, admits that reading is simply something they don't like or care about. Well, very well: participating in a book club can be a great incentive to find the necessary time and dedicate it to reading. And this is true both for people who do not read and for others who do but who would like to read more. In the clubs \"the regular readers reinforce the interest in reading and find new incentives - underlines the FGSR - and for the little or nothing fans of this type of collective practices it often means the reunion with a hobby perhaps lost or eroded in the transition from childhood to adolescence\".  Promotes reading comprehension and critical sense

To some extent, according to the expert, there is always a kind of \"implicit workshop\", because \"we always read believing that there will be another who will listen to what we have thought while reading, what we have felt\". But when that reading workshop is explicit, understanding is strengthened much more. And \"if this work of information or accompaniment is carried out in a stable way and readers are provided with interpretative keys that deepen reading and take it to unexplored territories, reading provides even greater satisfaction.\"  Boost confidence and self-esteem People who participate in book clubs gain more confidence to speak, the FGSR experts also specify. There are several reasons for this. On the one hand, to what was referred to in the previous point: a strengthening incomprehension and the critical sense towards reading. On the other, reading in the company not only generates an individual enrichment but also \"breaks the isolation, amuses, multiplies the nuances, expands horizons\". Therefore, these groups allow learning and developing communicative skills, which can then help in social and professional life.  Promote empathy Participating in a book club implies, by definition, knowing many and varied points of view about the texts read in particular and the world in general. This helps to discover ideas and interpretations that would not have been reached otherwise, to understand and accept opinions different from one's own, and ultimately to enhance empathy.  Contribute to the knowledge and exploration of new genres Delving into a literary genre that has never been addressed can be difficult if you do not have help, someone who shows at least \"where to start\". With Book club questions you can gain more knowledge.  Foster new friendships Joining a book club can be a great way to make new friends, even at times in life when many people find that very difficult and even impossible. In these cases, the importance of the book club as a space for socialization is even greater, as it allows you to meet people with similar interests and tastes with whom to share and enjoy this hobby without inhibitions.