It’s time to read the room

“I love reading myself, and I was looking for a book club around town and couldn’t find one,” she said.

“I thought, ‘why not make a book club myself?’.

“I think being in a rural area, it is hard to make friends, so I wanted to couple that with the book club and make it something that we can build friendships with as well.”

The group will be made up of women largely in their 30s and 40s, a demographic Ms Lawrie feels can sometimes lose their valuable friendships as life gets in the way.

“In your 30s and 40s, life changes so much,” she said.

“You don’t have those built-in friendships like you do at school or at uni and in your 20s.

“Friends might move away, or have kids, get married.”

The group is set to meet on Tuesday evenings once per month, where they will select a book together and have a chat.

Casual is the name of the book club’s game, with plans to visit a different venue each month to discuss their chosen book.

Ms Lawrie is not fussed if members have read the whole book, or just made a start.

“It doesn’t matter if it’s just the one chapter you finished,” she said.

“That’s okay, we can talk about that chapter.

“It’s all sort of centred around getting dessert and tea and coffee, something to share that’s nice and comforting in a warm space.”

Ahead of the first meeting next month, Ms Lawrie has put together an Instagram account and a private Facebook group for prospective members to join.

It is not only Ms Lawrie’s first time creating a book club, but also her first time joining one.

She feels confident that a supportive space will be fostered among the group.

“I know it can be quite nerve-racking coming along to something new and especially if you’re by yourself, but just know that I’ll be nervous too,” Ms Lawrie said.

“It’ll just be a really warm, casual setting, so everyone’s welcome and there’s no judgment whether you’re a fast reader, a slow reader.

“Come along, and before you know it, you will feel okay.”

Those looking to get involved can message @readtheroombookclub_ on Instagram or head to facebook.com/groups/715868957973565