A Gothic Book Club?

5 reasons why this exists

It’s wonderful you’re interested in the Gothic Book Club. Maybe you’re here to discover a new favourite, or revisit an old friend. Either way, I look forward to all the upcoming discussions and deep dives into the darkness.

I thought book clubs weren’t for me (I was wrong)

I’ve never really connected with book clubs in the past, but I love the concept. It took me a while to realize why I never really participated, and a few reasons stuck out. Aside from a little social anxiety and a fear of ‘sitting with the smart kids’, it really came down to the titles being discussed, and the manner in which they were being dissected.

1. Book clubs weren’t covering titles which interested me

This is a genuine reason why I passed on joining several book clubs. While I love having my horizons broadened, and reading outside my comfort zone, it’s a simple case of knowing when a book simply isn’t for you, and that happened a lot. I wanted to discover things which were more suited to my tastes and desires as a reader, so I decided to see if there were others who felt the same. Turns out there were.

2. Literature groups can be intimidating

There can be a lot of gatekeeping when it comes to literature, and that’s not something I’m a fan of. Knowledge is meant to be shared and there’s no ‘right time’ to get into something. Art finds you when its meant to, and I want to do everything I can to encourage people to share, discuss and dive into some great books without the fear of judgement. This is a safe and inclusive space and everyone is welcome. There are no ‘stupid questions’ and no previous knowledge of any titles, authors or cultural impact is required. We’re all learning, so let’s do it together.

3. ‘Gothic’ is a broad-reaching term

Gothic literature isn’t all about female protagonists being trapped in castles at the behest of monstrous individuals (okay, so some of it is, but not all). Gothic is a sensibility; it’s a tone, a state of being, a philosophy. This was a big motivating factor for me; to explore work through a Gothic lens. Examining the dark sensibilities of a piece of literature; searching for concurrent themes and structures. That’s genuinely exciting to me.

4. This is a chance to revisit and explore some new titles

We’re going to mix things up in the coming months, with some books I have read and loved, and others which I’ll be reading for the first time. I think this will allow us to have a balanced collective experience. While I have a shortlist in place, I’ll be letting people know on a month-to-month basis (with a little notice of course).

5. A welcoming place for communal discussion

Debate and discussion are encouraged, but civility and common decency are the only two rules which are in place within this book club. I am determined to keep this a friendly and enjoyable space for absolutely everyone who would like to participate. You’re all so welcome and it’s a pleasure to be spending time with you.

Make sure to keep up to date by subscribing, sharing and checking out my Instagram and TikTok pages for regular updates on the #gothicbookclub as well as other recommendations, reviews and insights.

Stay spooky! Love, Colin

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