The Reading Room

About Us

For readers drawn to literary fiction, psychological fiction, magical realism, modern classics, and stories that linger. We gravitate toward character-driven novels with messy, morally gray protagonists, beautiful prose, unreliable narrators, and inner worlds too complex to fit neatly into a single genre.

We're especially drawn to stories that explore female rage, obsession, identity, desire, loneliness, grief, mental health, body horror, ambition, and the expectations placed on women. We also love books that challenge the way we think about relationships, morality, belonging, and what it means to be human. Whether it's a quiet literary novel, an unsettling psychological spiral, or a timeless classic, we're looking for stories that leave us with more questions than answers.

More than anything, The Reading Room exists to build community through literature. Our goal is to create a welcoming space where readers can slow down, connect with new people, and have thoughtful conversations about the books we love. We aren't looking for the "right" interpretation or the smartest analysis. We want to hear different perspectives, challenge our own assumptions, and better understand why certain stories resonate so deeply.

We choose books for the conversations they'll create, not the genre they belong to. Our reading list may include literary fiction, classics, translated works, memoirs, psychological horror, magical realism, or something completely unexpected. If a book makes us think differently about ourselves, each other, or the world around us, it's the kind of story we want to read.

While many of the books we choose center on women's stories and the female experience, readers of all genders, backgrounds, and reading experiences are welcome. Whether you're a lifelong reader or picking up your first novel in years, there's a place for you here..

How it works

A Relaxed Reading Experience.

We're intentionally keeping things low pressure. This isn't a reading challenge or an English class. There are no quizzes, no required annotations, and no expectation that you'll have the perfect analysis. Read as much or as little as you can. If life gets busy or you don't finish the book, you're still welcome to join us.

Meetings.

We'll meet every last Saturday of the month at a fun public location. Think coffee shops, breweries, homes, bookstores, bars, parks, beaches, or anywhere that makes for a great conversation. Members are encouraged to suggest and vote on each meeting location. We'll ask everyone to RSVP before each meeting so we can choose a space that's comfortable for the group. Can't make it? We'll do our best to offer a virtual option whenever possible.

Books Chosen Together.

Every book is nominated and voted on by the group. We'll generally stick to books under 400 pages to keep them approachable, while leaving room for the occasional exception if everyone is excited about it. We'd also love for each member to bring one book recommendation to every meeting. Each suggestion will be added to our growing reading list so everyone's picks have a chance to be read and discussed over time.

Read your way.

There isn't a "right" way to experience the Book of the Month. Read a physical copy, borrow it from your local library, buy it from your favorite bookstore, listen to the audiobook, or use an eBook. Whatever works best for you is the right choice.

Whenever possible, I'll share free or low-cost resources, including PDFs, eBooks, audiobook options, or library links to help make each month's selection as accessible as possible. If you're able, consider supporting your local library or an independent bookstore. Every little bit helps keep our reading communities thriving.

Conversations.

Our discussions are meant to feel like conversations with friends, not classroom discussions. We want to talk about the characters, themes, writing, symbolism, and emotions a book brings up while making space for different opinions and interpretations. The goal isn't to have the "right" answer. It's to hear how the same story resonated with different people.

Growing Together.

The Reading Room is just getting started, and we hope to shape it together. As our community grows, so will the club. We'll continue to evolve our reading list, meeting locations, discussion style, and future events based on what our members enjoy most.

Above all, we hope The Reading Room becomes something you genuinely look forward to, not another item on your to-do list. Our goal is simple: read memorable books, have meaningful conversations, make new connections, and build a community! <3