As regular Army&You readers will know, Reading Force Book Clubs are a fantastic way to have fun, but did you know that the charity runs adult groups too?
You might be a bookworm, a first-time book clubber or anywhere in between – everyone is welcome. “Our book clubs help our members to meet new people in their military community, build a strong sense of connection and reduce feelings of isolation,” says Reading Force Book Club ambassador Nicola Hill. “Reading the same book can also connect people for longer than a telephone call or chat online.”
New member Kelly said: “I’m a few chapters into the book and I’m looking forward to chatting at the next meet.”
The book clubs are tri-service for serving personnel, spouses/partners, veterans, reservists and children too (with volunteer co-ordinators who are DBS checked). If you’re overseas, your book can be posted to a BFPO address.
Keeping in touch
Reading Force has been encouraging service families to share books as a way of keeping in touch with deployed parents and their wider families for more than ten years. Its children’s book clubs were an instant hit and after receiving funding from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust’s Force for Change programme, it set up adult online book clubs in 2021.
“Throughout the pandemic, our online book clubs connected military communities all around the world, and they continue to remain just as popular. Some clubs are online, others meet in person, and several are choosing to continue beyond the three free books they receive from Reading Force,” explains Nicola.
With a fantastic selection of books available there will be something for everyone. Choose from a range of award-winning titles and authors – readingforce.org.uk/book-clubsuggested- titles