Book clubs help improve people's understanding of different cultures, new survey finds

Reading groups help to improve people’s understanding of the world, a new survey has revealed.

While book clubs assist in broadening participants’ literary horizons, it seems they are also offering an insight into different cultures.

The survey, conducted by The Reading Agency to mark National Reading Group Day (20 June), found that two in three reading group participants (65 per cent) felt they now have a better understanding of the world.

Many participants said that the diversity within their groups often led to more interesting and varied discussions, with 87 per cent reporting that they had a better understanding of other points of view because of their fellow book club members.

The finding is particularly relevant as the subject of differing perspectives in publishing takes centre stage.

This includes the recent open letter from the Black Writers’ Guild to British publishers, which highlights concerns regarding racial inequality within the industry.

National Reading Group Day also falls on the first day of Independent Bookshop Week (20-27 June), which is part of the Books Are My Bag campaign and run by the Booksellers Association.

In April, The Reading Agency also found that one in three Brits are reading more since lockdown began.

Find a collection of the best books to read as lockdown continues here.