There is really nothing more romantic than having an afternoon to kill (which happens less and less as we get older) and spending it in a café or on a terrace, immersed in a book.
The image, reminiscent of film and television characters such as Rory Gilomre and Céline in RichardLinklater’s Before Sunset, is increasingly associated with “performative males.”
“Performative males” are boys who pretend to read feminist books in cafés and on the subway, dressed in androgynous pastel colors and drinking matcha with a straw. Beneath this disguise, they are said to be just as misogynistic and disappointing as the rest. We don’t know any, so we won’t make generalizations.
Besides, the very act of going to read a book in a café can be quite stressful. Which café will let us hang out all afternoon? What if it’s a very noisy café? What if we get disturbed every 10 minutes?
For bookworms, book lovers, “performative males” (they’ll find the info no matter what we do,sorry) and those who want to read in 2026, we’ve found the perfect club.
Silent Bookclub
Montreal’s Silent Bookclubcelebrated its second anniversary during the holiday season. The concept has been very successful, and every month theSilent Bookclub meetsin a café or bar for an evening that includes.
- a drink or coffee, an hour of silent reading
- a discussion, free time
- a voluntary book exchange
@silentbookclubdtmontreal
Participants inthe book club of themonth are encouraged to bring their own book to read, as well as books they have finished so they can exchange them with others. In addition to the spirit of sharing, which is always enriching—especially when it comes to books— it’s a way to read more without buying a new book every month. And, yes, it’s also a good way toflirt.
Practical Information
The nextSilent Book Club meeting is on February 4, 2026.
@silentbookclubdtmontreal
Where? Réservoir Brasseur, at 9 Duluth Avenue East
When? February 4, 2026, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.: Arrive, choose your seat, and order your drink
7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.: 💛Silent reading💛
8:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.: Take your time! Have another drink, chat a bit, or continue reading
How? $5, and you must reserve at the link in the bio of @silentbookclubdtmontreal