Newsletter 1

Announcing the Read Harder Book Groups!

Jenn Northington

Director, Editorial Operations

Jenn Northington has worked in the publishing industry wearing various hats since 2004, including bookseller and events director, and is currently Director of Editorial Operations at Riot New Media Group. You can hear her on the SFF Yeah! podcast nerding out about sci-fi and fantasy. When she’s not working, she’s most likely gardening, running, or (obviously) reading. Find her on Tumblr at jennIRL and Instagram at iamjennIRL.

Calling all readers: join us for the Read Harder book group!

Read Harder book groups

That’s right — our favorite slogan and reading challenge now has its own book group. Starting this September, we’ll be meeting in cities around the country (and world!) for a monthly book group. Ready to learn more? Here we go:

Q: What books will you be reading?
A: All books! This is an “any book” book club, which means that if you’ve read any book lately, you are welcome to come talk about it. If you’re doing the Read Harder challenge, this is also a great chance to swap recommendations for the different tasks.

Q: What if I’m not doing the Read Harder Challenge?

A: That’s fine. We’re betting some of the books you’re reading might count, and you can recommend them to folks who are, but the challenge is optional.

Q: What is this Read Harder Challenge you keep mentioning?
A: Created by Rioter extraordinaire Rachel Manwill, the challenge gives reading tasks for 2015 designed to broaden your reading horizons. You can see the full details here, and join the Goodreads group here.

Q: So we’re not going to do specific tasks for specific months, or anything?

A: Not officially; we want readers to feel welcome to come if they can, so the more open the better. However, if a bunch of members in a group are all doing the challenge and want to set personal goals, more power to you!

Q: Is it free? Do I have to sign up? Or know the secret password?
A: It is free and open to the public. Each group will have a Facebook event as well, so that our awesome hosts can get an idea of how many people to expect, but drop-ins are welcome. Check the listings for more details.

Q: What if I miss a month?
A: It’s cool, we all get busy. Come when you can.

Q: You’re not in my area! How do I get one/start one?
A: We’ve got plans for developing more in future; feel free to drop a note to community@bookriot.com with your interest.

TLDR: Whether you read a book a week or a book every couple months, you’re welcome to join us. There won’t be a set theme or booklist for the groups, so literally any book you’re reading counts.

Our launch cities are:
Chicago, IL
Glasgow, GB
Houston, TX
New York City, NY
Los Angeles, CA
Philadelphia, PA
– Washington, DC
– Boston, MA

Use the links above to read more and RSVP, and bookmark bookriot.com/readhardergroups for regular updates.