Reading - Emerald Book Club

Unlock the World: Benefits of Joining a Global Book Club for Avid Readers

by Admin | Jan 6, 2026 | Emerald Book Club, Books, Reading

Most book clubs feel small, local, and limited. But what if your next read connected you with people from 50 countries? Joining a global book club lets you share stories with avid readers who bring fresh perspectives and heartfelt discussions. In this community-driven space, every voice matters and every book sparks new ideas. Ready to explore how an inclusive book club can enrich your reading life? Read more here.

Connect with a Global Community

Imagine turning pages with friends across the globe. That’s the magic of a global book club. You’ll discover stories that transcend borders, all while forming connections that could last a lifetime.

Meet Fellow Avid Readers

When you join a global book club, you’re not just signing up to read books. You’re entering a world of friendship with people who share your passion. Imagine chatting about the latest novel with someone in Japan, or exchanging thoughts on a classic with a friend in Brazil. No matter where you are, there’s always someone ready to dive into a story with you.

Real Stories: Maria from Spain and Joe from Canada became fast friends over their love of historical fiction. They now swap recommendations regularly!
Global Reach: With over 1,000 chapters in 50 countries, you’ll find friends wherever you go.

Curious about how others have benefited from joining a book club? Check out these inspiring stories.

Share Your Literary Passions

It’s one thing to read a book; it’s another to share your thoughts on it. In a global book club, you can express your literary loves and discover new favorites. Whether you adore fantasy or prefer non-fiction, there’s a space for your voice.

Discussion Topics: From character development to plot twists, every discussion offers fresh insights.
Personal Growth: Sharing your thoughts helps you see books from angles you never considered.

Need more reasons to share your literary journey with others? Explore the benefits.

Enjoy Community-Driven Events

Imagine a calendar filled with book festivals, author talks, and themed reading nights. Community events like these make book clubs exciting. They offer a way to engage beyond the pages and into real-world experiences.

Events Galore: From poetry readings to literary debates, there’s something for everyone.
Social Impact: Participate in events that blend literature with social causes, like eco-themed storytelling.

Discover more about the events that make book clubs special here.

Explore Diverse Literary Genres

Every book club meeting is a chance to explore a new genre. You’ll expand your reading list and maybe even find a new favorite. Ready to see what’s beyond your usual bookshelf?

Broaden Your Reading Horizons

In a global book club, you’re encouraged to step out of your comfort zone. This might mean exploring a sci-fi novel when you usually stick to biographies or diving into poetry for the first time. Each meeting is a passport to new literary worlds.

Genre Variety: From thrillers to romance, you’ll explore every corner of the literary universe.
Unexpected Finds: Members often discover hidden gems they wouldn’t have picked up otherwise.

Learn how joining a book club can broaden your literary horizons by clicking here.

Engage in Literary Exploration

Books aren’t just stories; they’re invitations to explore new ideas. Each discussion in your club is a chance to dig deeper into themes, characters, and plots. You’ll gain insights that turn each book into a new adventure.

Deep Dives: Explore themes like identity, culture, and morality with fellow readers.
Interactive Discussions: Engage with perspectives that challenge and enrich your own.

Discover New Perspectives

Joining a global book club is like unlocking a treasure chest of diverse viewpoints. Each book discussion introduces you to perspectives you may never have considered, enriching your understanding of the world.

Cultural Exchange: Learn about different cultures through stories and discussions.
Broadened Worldview: Gain empathy and understanding for experiences different from your own.

Inclusive and Supportive Environment

A global book club is about more than just reading. It’s about creating a space where everyone feels heard and valued. Here, inclusivity isn’t just a goal; it’s a way of life.

Embrace Diverse Voices

Every member brings something unique to the table. Whether it’s a new perspective or a book recommendation, your voice adds value. You’ll find a welcoming environment where everyone is encouraged to share.

Inclusive Atmosphere: All voices are celebrated, making discussions rich and rewarding.
New Friendships: Connect with people you might never meet otherwise.

Foster Meaningful Discussions

Meaningful conversations are the heartbeat of any book club. Here, you’ll engage in discussions that are as captivating as the books themselves. It’s a chance to deep dive into topics that matter to you.

Engaging Conversations: Discuss books that tackle big ideas and contemporary issues.
Shared Insights: Each discussion offers new insights, broadening your understanding.

Grow Through Shared Experiences

In a global book club, growth happens together. As you share stories and experiences, you’ll find yourself on a journey of personal development alongside your peers.

Collective Growth: Learn from the experiences and insights of your fellow readers.
Empowerment Through Literature: Discover how books can transform your thinking and inspire change.

Joining a global book club opens doors to experiences and friendships that enrich your reading life. Ready to turn the page on your next adventure?

Creating Inclusive Reading Spaces for Mindful Book Lovers

by Admin | Jan 5, 2026 | Emerald Book Club, Community Events, Reading

Reading should never feel like a lonely journey or a closed door. For mindful book lovers craving connection, inclusive reading spaces open new worlds where diverse literature brings us closer. In this post, you’ll find how community book clubs like Emerald Book Club create welcoming environments that celebrate every voice and cultivate a global reading network. Join us and see how your next favorite story can spark more than just imagination.

Importance of Inclusive Reading Spaces

Fostering Mindfulness in Reading

Imagine reading in a place where every story feels like it’s written just for you. Inclusive spaces provide the comfort and tranquility needed for mindful reading. These environments encourage you to slow down and savor each page, making reading a truly immersive experience. Mindful book lovers find that these spaces enhance their ability to focus, allowing the stories to unfold naturally and meaningfully.

Books become more than words on a page; they transform into experiences that soothe the mind and nurture the soul. This isn’t just about reading; it’s about cultivating a deeper connection with the text. In these moments, you discover insights and emotions that might otherwise remain hidden in the hustle of everyday life.

The magic of these spaces lies in the simplicity of just being present with a book. They offer a refuge from the clamor of modern life, inviting you to embrace the quiet joy of reading. Here’s the key insight: when reading becomes a mindful practice, it opens doors to new realms of understanding and reflection.

Building Community Connections

But these spaces offer more than solitary journeys. They are also about forging connections. Community book clubs, like Emerald Book Club, bring people together, creating networks that thrive on shared passions. When you join a community that celebrates diverse voices, you’re not just a member; you’re part of a global family.

These connections go beyond the pages. They extend into real-world friendships, discussions, and collaborations. Think about the joy of discussing your latest read with someone who feels the same excitement. It’s like finding a treasure trove of perspectives and insights that enrich your understanding of the book.

Most people think reading is a solitary activity, but in reality, it’s a bridge to other minds. By engaging with others, you learn to appreciate literature from a multitude of angles, deepening your appreciation and expanding your horizons.

Creating an Inclusive Book Club

Creating an inclusive book club is not just about gathering people; it’s about celebrating differences and building something meaningful together. Let’s explore how clubs like Emerald Book Club make this happen.

Celebrating Diverse Literature

Diverse literature is at the heart of inclusive book clubs. It’s about embracing stories from all corners of the world, ensuring every voice is heard. When you read diverse books, you step into the shoes of characters from different backgrounds, experiencing their joys, struggles, and triumphs.

This journey through diverse narratives fosters empathy and understanding. It breaks down barriers and challenges preconceived notions, allowing you to see the world through a broader lens. Each book is a doorway to new cultures, ideas, and philosophies, enriching your worldview.

Consider the impact of reading a story from a culture you’re unfamiliar with. It’s like traveling without leaving your chair, offering a fresh perspective on life’s complexities. These books don’t just entertain; they teach and inspire, making you a more informed and compassionate individual.

Engaging Global Reading Networks 📚

Book clubs today are not confined by geography. With over 1000 chapters in 50 countries, Emerald Book Club exemplifies a global network. This allows you to connect with readers worldwide, sharing experiences and insights.

Such networks foster dialogue and collaboration across borders. They are platforms where you can discuss your favorite books with someone on the other side of the world, gaining insights you might never encounter otherwise. This global engagement is a testament to the unifying power of literature.

The longer you wait to join such a network, the more you miss out on these enriching experiences. The world of literature is vast, and being part of a global community ensures you never explore it alone. Learn more about setting up an inclusive play space for reading.

Benefits for Mindful Book Lovers

For mindful book lovers, the advantages of inclusive reading spaces and communities are numerous. Let’s delve into how these benefits manifest.

Encouraging Literary Exploration

Inclusive spaces encourage you to explore genres and authors you might not typically choose. This exploration is crucial for cultivating a diverse reading palate. When you venture beyond your usual selections, you discover hidden gems that expand your literary horizons.

Exploration leads to discovery. You learn to appreciate different writing styles and themes, enhancing your understanding and enjoyment of literature. This continuous learning keeps your mind engaged and curious, driving your passion for reading.

Exploring new genres is like opening a new chapter in your reading journey. It refreshes your enthusiasm and introduces you to stories that might become lifelong favorites. Here’s the key insight: variety in reading not only entertains but enriches your life with new knowledge and perspectives.

Empowering Personal Growth Through Books 🌍

Books have the power to transform. They inspire personal growth by challenging your beliefs and encouraging reflection. Reading diverse literature in an inclusive community empowers you to think critically and empathetically.

Through books, you explore complex themes and ideas, gaining insights that apply to real-life situations. This empowerment extends beyond the pages, influencing your actions and interactions in the world. Reading becomes a catalyst for personal and social change.

In an inclusive reading space, you’re surrounded by others who share this journey of growth. Together, you support and inspire each other, creating a community where everyone’s potential is nurtured. The impact of this shared growth is profound and far-reaching.

Inclusive reading spaces are vital for fostering mindfulness and community. They offer a sanctuary for readers to explore, connect, and grow. So, why wait? Join the community and discover how your next book can change your life.

Number 1 Female Author in the UK

by Admin | Nov 20, 2025 | Authors, Books, Reading, UK

Join me in this post as we discuss UK female authors. There are 78,200 authors, writers and translators in the UK. Out of that number 47000 are female which makes roughly 60%..that makes sense right? lets carry on

UK Female Authors

There are 47,000 female writers, authors and translators in the UK. This makes up 60% of the total number of authors in the UK

The Number 1 Female Author in the UK

Julia Donaldson is the number one female author in the UK based on recent best-seller lists for 2024 and 2025. However, Agatha Christie is considered the bestselling novelist of all time, and J.K. Rowling is one of the most famous and wealthiest authors

By current sales volume: Julia Donaldson is currently the UK’s best-selling author, based on recent performance data.
Historically, by total volume sold: Julia Donaldson has surpassed J.K. Rowling to become the UK’s all-time top author by volume since records began.
Julia Donaldson: Tops recent best-seller lists, especially for children’s books.
Agatha Christie: Known as the bestselling novelist of all time, with billions of books sold.
J.K. Rowling: A globally celebrated author famous for the Harry Potter series and one of the wealthiest authors in the world
For all-time global book sales: Agatha Christie is the bestselling novelist of all time.
For the best-selling book series: J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series is the best-selling book series in history

Top UK Female Authors

A list of the top 10 UK female authors often includes classics like Jane Austen and the Brontë sisters, modern powerhouses like J.K. Rowling, and influential contemporary writers such as Zadie Smith and Hilary Mantel. Other notable authors include Agatha Christie, Virginia Woolf, and Mary Shelley

Jane Austen: Author of classics like Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility.
Charlotte Brontë: Known for Jane Eyre and her sisters’ Gothic novels.
Emily Brontë: The author of Wuthering Heights.
J.K. Rowling: Creator of the globally successful Harry Potter series.
Agatha Christie: Famous for her mystery novels, including The Murder of Roger Ackroyd.
Virginia Woolf: A modernist writer known for works like Mrs Dalloway and To the Lighthouse.
Mary Shelley: Author of the classic science fiction novel Frankenstein.
Zadie Smith: A contemporary author known for White Teeth and On Beauty.
Hilary Mantel: A historical fiction writer, best known for her Wolf Hall trilogy.
Daphne du Maurier: The author of gothic novels such as Rebecca and Jamaica Inn.

Most Read Book in the UK

by Admin | Nov 20, 2025 | Books, Emerald Book Club, Reading, UK

The “most read book” in the UK can be interpreted in different ways, but based on popularity, A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens is cited as the most read as of a 2024 YouGov poll. However, based on all-time sales and other polls, The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien is often considered the favorite, with the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling being the best-selling book series overall.

By popularity (2024 poll)

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens was the most popular fiction book, with 68% of adults saying they have read it

By all-time sales and fan favorite

The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien was voted the UK’s favorite novel in the BBC’s Big Read poll.

The Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling is the best-selling book series, with titles like Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone frequently topping sales charts.

Other popular and important books

Nineteen Eighty-Four by George Orwell is a classic and a frequent contender for top spots in both popularity and sales lists.
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee remains highly read, partly due to its inclusion in school curriculums.

A Christmas Carol

A Christmas Carol. In Prose. Being a Ghost Story of Christmas, commonly known as A Christmas Carol, is a novella by Charles Dickens, first published in London by Chapman & Hall in 1843 and illustrated by John Leech. It recounts the story of Ebenezer Scrooge, an elderly miser who is visited by the ghost of his former business partner Jacob Marley and the spirits of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come. In the process, Scrooge is transformed into a kinder, gentler man.

The Average Number of Books Read per Year

by Admin | Nov 18, 2025 | Articles, Books, Reading

Do you have a reading target each year or do you just pick a book randomly? I had a target of one book per week once upon a time. It went well for a few months I must say. I know..no excuses right? i must get back into hardcore eading habits. Warren Buffet himself spends hours per day reading: what is my excuse..or yours..lets stick with yours for now…

The average number of books read per year varies by country, with the United States at the top with an average of 17 books annually, followed closely by India (16 books) and the United Kingdom (15 books). Other countries with high averages include France (14 books) and Italy (13 books), while many other nations fall below seven books per year, with Afghanistan at the lowest with about 2.56 books

Countries also rank differently when measured by hours spent reading per week, with India, Thailand, and China leading in that metric, which may reflect differences in reading speed or book length

Based on recent data from 2024/2025, the United States and India lead in the average number of books read per year per person, with 17 and 16 books, respectively

Other countries

- Switzerland: 6.9 books
- Taiwan: 6.83 books
- Belgium: 6.76 books
- Singapore: 6.72 books
- Hong Kong: 6.66 books
- South Africa: 6.62 books
- China: 6.61 books
- Japan: 6.2 books
- Afghanistan: 2.56 books

The list of the most-read books of all time includes the Holy Bible as number one and the Holy Quran at number two. The Harry Potter Series, collections of quotes from The Quotations from Chairman Mao Tse Tung (former Communist China Party leader), and Lord of the Rings are several of the other most read books.

What factors contribute to high book reading rates in India, US and UK?

High book reading rates in India and the United States stem from a mix of robust cultural emphasis on education, high accessibility to reading materials (both physical and digital), and significant socioeconomic factors

India

Strong Emphasis on Education and Knowledge: Indian culture places a high value on learning and knowledge, which makes reading a common and popular leisure activity across all age groups. Schools often place high importance on cultivating a passion for books, with regular book festivals (like the Jaipur Literature Festival) and school book weeks.

Growing Middle Class and Literacy Rates: The expansion of the economy has led to a growing middle class with rising disposable incomes, who are more willing to invest in books and educational materials. Combined with consistently increasing national literacy rates, this creates a larger pool of potential readers.
Accessibility and Affordability: The rise of e-commerce platforms has made books more accessible, while the availability of cheap, easily accessible material, especially non-literary fiction, caters to a wide audience.
Diverse Literary Ecosystem: A rich cultural landscape drives demand for vernacular literature and supports local authors, ensuring a wide range of content is available to diverse demographics

United States

High Access and Availability: The U.S. benefits from widespread access to books through extensive library systems, major bookstores, and online retailers. The prevalence of e-readers and e-books further increases accessibility.

Educational System and Literacy: Historically, foundational laws mandated basic education, contributing to a culture of widespread literacy. While literacy challenges exist in some demographics, the overall educational infrastructure encourages reading from a young age, with a focus on literacy skills in schools and among parents.
Demand for Information and Entertainment: Americans seek information, entertainment, and distraction through books, with an increasing desire for comfort and understanding in uncertain times. The availability of diverse genres (fiction, non-fiction, history, mystery) caters to varied interests.
Strong Publishing Industry: A robust and competitive publishing industry ensures a constant flow of new titles, supported by a large market that can sustain demand for niche subjects and popular bestsellers

United Kingdom

High book reading rates in the UK (averaging 15 books per year per person) are driven by a combination of a strong foundational culture of literacy, high book accessibility, and government and charity-led initiatives

Key factors include:

Established Culture of Literacy: The UK has a long-standing emphasis on education and a very high overall literacy rate (around 99%). A strong historical appreciation for literature is embedded in the national culture, with books and reading often valued activities within the home environment from an early age.

Early Exposure to Books: Research consistently shows a significant link between children owning books at home and their likelihood of reading above their expected age level. Early exposure to books in the parental home establishes routines that enhance lifelong reading habits and cognitive competencies.
Extensive Public Library System: The UK has a widespread network of public and school libraries that provides easy and free access to a vast array of reading materials, catering to diverse interests and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Active Promotion of Reading for Pleasure: Numerous government initiatives and charities, such as the National Literacy Trust and The Reading Agency, run campaigns and programs to promote reading for enjoyment. Events like World Book Day also help to maintain enthusiasm for reading across the population.
Robust Publishing Industry: The UK has a large and vibrant publishing sector that produces a constant flow of new, diverse titles across all genres, supported by major booksellers and online retailers, ensuring a wide variety of choices for readers.
Socioeconomic Factors: While socioeconomic disparities in reading habits exist, overall higher educational attainment and a large middle class with disposable income for book purchases contribute to the high national average

Survey methods for collecting data on book reading habits across countries

Data on book reading habits is primarily collected through surveys and data analytics from digital platforms, usually initiated by government organizations, industry associations, or market research companies. The methodologies vary by country, leading to challenges in international comparability

Common Survey Methods

The most common Data Survey methods include:

Personal Interviews: These are a dominant method, conducted either in-person or via telephone (Computer-Assisted Telephone Interviewing – CATI). This approach is used by organizations like the Pew Research Center in the US.

Online Questionnaires: Web-based surveys are widely used due to their cost-effectiveness and reach. These often involve self-administered questionnaires.
Mixed-Mode Approaches: Combining different methods (e.g., phone and online surveys, or mail and web) helps researchers achieve better representation across diverse populations.
Time Use Surveys: These surveys ask individuals to report their activities within a specific 24-hour window, which can provide more detailed information on reading duration and reduce recall bias compared to general “how many books” questions. The American Time Use Survey (ATUS) is a notable example

Data from Digital Platforms

Beyond traditional surveys, researchers also gather data through digital analytics:

E-reader Data: Data from e-reading devices (like Amazon Kindle) or library checkouts can offer insights, though this data is often proprietary and difficult to obtain for research purposes.

Social Media Platforms: Researchers have collected data from book-cataloging social media platforms like Goodreads by utilizing their APIs to analyze user-reported reading instances

Sources

Measuring Reading – a European approach to comparability. Gvantsa Jobava June 25, 2021

https://internationalpublishers.org/measuring-reading-a-european-approach-to-comparability

A Global Book Reading Dataset by Nazanin Sabri and Ingmar Weber

https://www.mdpi.com/2306-5729/6/8/83

The decline in reading for pleasure over 20 years of the American Time Use Survey – Jessica K Bone , Feifei Bu , Jill K Sonke , Daisy Fancourt

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12496190

Ranked: Countries That Reads The Most Books, 2024 – CEO World Magazine

Which Country Reads The Most? Average Books Read Per Year By Country – Content Blvd

Average number of books read per year by country – Lectupedia

Reading and the Brain

by Admin | Nov 17, 2025 | Articles, Reading

Have you ever wondered how we recognise words when we read? Are you not fascinated as to how your brain scans, interprets and relates information to you through your eyes? The awesome brain is like your virtual assistant or secretary. In this article I am to discuss about reading and the brain. Various sources have been referred to and are quoted for further reading. Lets Dive In.

Reading reshapes the brain through neural plasticity, creating and strengthening connections, particularly in language and visual areas. This process involves the brain repurposing areas for visual processing and language to recognize letters, sound out words, and understand meaning. Regular reading improves brain connectivity and function, while also offering benefits like stress reduction, improved focus, and memory enhancement

What reading does for the brain

Improves Brain Function: Reading is a form of mental stimulation that can improve memory and language skills, especially when done regularly.

Changes Brain Structure: As reading skills develop, the brain physically changes. Areas that weren’t previously used for reading become more activated, and neural pathways are strengthened through practice.
Enhances Vocabulary: Reading provides context for new words, helping you learn their usage more quickly than through simple memorization

What is the Brain

The brain is a complex organ that acts as the control center of the body, located inside the skull and protected by the cranium. It is part of the central nervous system, along with the spinal cord, and its main functions include processing sensory information, controlling thoughts, emotions, movement, and regulating vital processes like breathing and heart rate. The brain is composed of billions of nerve cells (neurons) and consists of three main parts: the cerebrum, the cerebellum, and the brainstem

How reading changes the brain

Repurposing brain areas: The brain is not pre-wired for reading; instead, it adapts areas for visual processing, language comprehension, and speech production.

Structural changes: Frequent reading can increase the size of areas like the temporal cortex, which is involved in language comprehension, and strengthen white matter tracts that connect language and visual processing centers.

Neural pathways: As a person learns to read, the brain creates specialized neural pathways, such as the “letterbox” (visual word form area), to process written words quickly and automatically.

Neuroplasticity: Reading actively exercises the brain, leading to enhanced neuroplasticity and a more adaptable neural network

How the brain learns to read

Visual Recognition: You see letters and words, and the occipital lobe processes this visual input.
Letter and Sound Mapping: The brain’s “letterbox” identifies the letters. This triggers activity in the parietal-temporal regions, which connects letters to their corresponding sounds.
Meaning Connection: The brain links the sounds to the meaning of the word, a process that relies on networks for spoken language.
Developing Fluency: Through practice, the brain creates a direct connection from the letterbox to the meaning area, allowing for faster processing and more fluent reading.
Instruction’s Role: Explicitly teaching letter-sound correspondences (like systematic phonics) strengthens these neural pathways, making it easier for the brain to build these connections and improve reading skills

Brain regions involved in reading

Occipital Lobe: Initially processes visual information. As you read, it’s involved in recognizing letters and symbols, and the visual cortex here is active even in skilled readers.

Parietal-Temporal Regions: Crucial for decoding words. The parietal lobe helps segment words into their component sounds (phonological processing), while the temporal lobe connects sounds to the meaning of words, often linked with Wernicke’s area.

Frontal Lobe: The inferior frontal gyrus contains Broca’s area, which is important for the production of speech and can be used to “sound out” words.

Orthographic Processor (“Letterbox”): A region in the occipital-temporal area that becomes specialized for recognizing printed words. It stores information about a word’s spelling, pronunciation, and meaning

Health and cognitive benefits of reading

Mental stimulation: Reading keeps the brain active, which can help slow cognitive decline associated with aging.

Stress reduction: Engaging in a book can lower heart rate and ease muscle tension.
Improved focus: Regular reading can improve concentration and attention span.
Memory improvement: Reading has been linked to slowing memory deterioration and improving memory and thinking skills.
Vocabulary expansion: Reading is one of the most effective ways to learn new words

References

Havard Medical School

https://hms.harvard.edu/news-events/publications-archive/brain/reading-brain

Reading Rockets

https://www.readingrockets.org/reading-101/how-children-learn-read/reading-brain

National Institutes of Health

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4128180/