Young Readers Reimagine LA Book Clubs

Gen Z and millennial Angelenos are putting a fresh spin on traditional book clubs.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 11:10am

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An abstract, impressionistic photograph of blurred figures walking and jogging on a city street, captured in a warm, hazy light, conceptually representing a new style of book club that blends reading and exercise.A new generation of book club members in Los Angeles are reimagining traditional literary gatherings by incorporating physical activity and a more casual, social atmosphere.Santa Monica Today

A group of young readers, mostly women, have been spotted circling the streets of Santa Monica in late January, dressed in athletic gear and appearing to be part of a running club. However, this group is actually a new breed of book club, with members coming together to discuss literature while getting in their daily exercise.

Why it matters

This trend highlights how younger generations in Los Angeles are reinventing traditional book club models to better suit their lifestyles and preferences. By incorporating physical activity and a more casual, social atmosphere, these reimagined book clubs are attracting a new demographic to reading and literary discussion.

The details

The book club members, a mix of Gen Z and millennial Angelenos, have been meeting up for "book runs" where they discuss the latest title while jogging or walking together through the streets of Santa Monica. This allows them to multitask, getting in their workout while also engaging in intellectual discourse around the chosen book. The group says this format helps them feel less "overwhelmed in a good way" compared to traditional book clubs.

  • The book club members have been spotted circling the streets of Santa Monica in late January 2026.

The players

Gen Z and millennial Angelenos

A group of young readers, mostly women, who are reimagining traditional book clubs in Los Angeles by incorporating physical activity into their literary discussions.

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The takeaway

This trend showcases how younger generations in Los Angeles are putting a fresh spin on classic book club models, blending physical activity and social interaction to create a more engaging and accessible literary community.