Each month we’re committed to providing a relaxing and inviting space for you to bring your current read and treat yourself to an hour of reading bliss. Whether you bring a friend or come on your own, Silent Book Club has proven to be a treat, allowing everyone to sit in solitude surrounded by bookish buddies. This month we move to our first coffee venue with Brakeman’s Coffee & Supply!
We are thrilled to welcome two local authors to Silent Book Club this month, Jen Guberman and Ashley Manley!
Jen Guberman
Author, crafter, and cat lover, Jen Guberman will be joining us. We learned about Jen when she attended a Young Adult author extravaganza at Editions Bookstore in April and were impressed by the range of books she offered, from a dystopian series to a science fiction stand-alone to her latest YA fantasy duology. Her latest work “Deathriser of Darkwood” is described as a fun fantasy adventure with a unique magic system and school setting.
Ashley Manley
Our next author, Ashley Manley released her debut novel, “Every Beautiful Mile,” last month and has knocked it out of the park. I’m not sure what I was expecting when I read her book, but I immediately fell in love with the story, making it my first 5-star book for the year. From feeling like I was sucker punched with intense grief and getting reminded of that deep ache throughout the story to connecting to the incredibly relatable and awkward main character, I flew through the pages, soaking up every bit of emotion not wanting the story to end.
New Program
Because Brakeman’s is keeping its doors open for us after hours, Sip on Stories is paying a fee for this month’s event space. We were brainstorming ways to offset this cost and widen the scope of future venues while keeping our Silent Book Club Matthews events free for the community… Introducing the SBC Matthews Sponsorship Program! This is a completely voluntary opportunity that will come with a few perks. If you would like to support rotating venue experiences for our monthly events, you now have the option to contribute at various levels of sponsorship.
All donations received will be used to cover venue fees for the current event and any future events. For example, we’ve considered Fullwood Theater in Matthews Community Center and The Loyalist Market as possible event locations. Goodies earned from your sponsorship donation can be picked up at the next SBC Matthews event.
Tier 1 - $5 donation
Goodies: Sip on Stories sticker, SBC Matthews Member sticker, SBC Matthews Member magnet
Tier 2 - $20 donation
Goodies: Sip on Stories sticker, SBC Matthews Member sticker, SBC Matthews Member magnet, Crooner Coffee bag of choice
Tier 3 - $40 donation
Goodies: Sip on Stories sticker, SBC Matthews Member sticker, SBC Matthews Member magnet, SBC Matthews Member shirt
Tier 4 - $50 donation
Goodies: Sip on Stories sticker, SBC Matthews Member sticker, SBC Matthews Member magnet, Crooner Coffee bag of choice, SBC Matthews Member shirt
How Silent Book Club Works
For those who are new here, Silent Book Club is called that because it is an opportunity to enjoy quietly reading a book in a location different from your home, where no discussion is required. Some of the locations we visit might have background noise and conversations, but you do not have to participate in any conversations during your time with us. One favorite comment from a past event was, “It was like I took myself out on a date, and I LOVED it.”
Event Schedule
6:00-6:30 PM: Arrival, grab a sip, meet the authors, find a comfy place to read
6:30-7:30 PM: Quiet reading hour
7:30-8:00 PM: Continue reading, talk with others, author Q&A
Feel free to come and go as you please, staying for as little or as long as you like.