The Shared Reading Society

The Shared Reading Society’s mission is to train and support a growing network of Reader Leaders to bring a weekly Shared Reading experience to small groups of people in diverse nonprofit and community space. Shared Reading is proven to nurture wellness, foster deep relationships, create a connected community, and stimulate a sense of self as a reader.

In a nutshell, we provide access to great literature and poetry that is mindfully read aloud in chunks and purposefully discussed meaningfully in community.

Reading aloud gives a different experience of reading for both the listeners and the reader. It naturally slows the text down and creates a relaxed atmosphere. We read slowly so that we have time to think along with the reading. The group discusses ideas, thoughts and feelings about the readings. Together we mull over different parts of the story or poem that strike us as interesting or that we relate to. Sharing our thoughts provides a richer interpretation than we can achieve when reading alone.

Our Reader Leader weaves together all the personal responses to create a unique interpretation of the text. We really feel collective joy and achievement in what we have created!  The connections between us as group members are strengthened each week and the connection between us and the literature is something we can take home.