On the bright side...
There's a LOT we could say about 2020, but we thought we'd wrap up the year on a positive note. With Silent Book Club chapters around the world shifting to online meetups during the pandemic, we've been able to make global connections that we never would have dreamed of when we started reading in a wine bar with a couple of friends in 2012.
Readers from Mexico City, Connecticut, and Michigan have dialed into Denver meetups. Guinevere's been practicing her Italian at SBC Genova. Laura dropped in to say hello to South Korea. And our Instagram stories have been filled with Zoom invites from Indonesia to Orange County.
It's been a good year for building community. We are grateful for the outpouring of compassion our members have shared, for the kindness extended to fellow readers, and for the support shown to independent bookstores this year. Bookshop.org has funneled $10 million back to local bookstores since it launched in January. This is incredible news for an industry that was almost wiped out by Amazon.
2020 has taught us that every individual can make a difference. Showing up to vote (you got this, Georgia!). Protecting neighbors, family, and healthcare workers by wearing a mask. Marching for Black lives. Shopping local. The choices you make, the words you use—all of these actions have consequences. We've seen them play out this year. Our hearts go out to everyone who has suffered or struggled this year. We hope that you have found some comfort in books, and in Silent Book Club.
We can't wait to read together again in the new year.
Readers from Mexico City, Connecticut, and Michigan have dialed into Denver meetups. Guinevere's been practicing her Italian at SBC Genova. Laura dropped in to say hello to South Korea. And our Instagram stories have been filled with Zoom invites from Indonesia to Orange County.
It's been a good year for building community. We are grateful for the outpouring of compassion our members have shared, for the kindness extended to fellow readers, and for the support shown to independent bookstores this year. Bookshop.org has funneled $10 million back to local bookstores since it launched in January. This is incredible news for an industry that was almost wiped out by Amazon.
2020 has taught us that every individual can make a difference. Showing up to vote (you got this, Georgia!). Protecting neighbors, family, and healthcare workers by wearing a mask. Marching for Black lives. Shopping local. The choices you make, the words you use—all of these actions have consequences. We've seen them play out this year. Our hearts go out to everyone who has suffered or struggled this year. We hope that you have found some comfort in books, and in Silent Book Club.
We can't wait to read together again in the new year.
Guinevere & Laura