From book clubs to bookstores, Ocala is a book lover’s paradise. Here’s the lowdown on a few options to expand your reading repertoire.
Written By Karin Fabry-Cushenbery
The new year is the perfect time to set a year-long reading goal. Whether you’re into mysteries or biographies, here are some ideas for ways to increase your bookworm cred.
BYOB
If you don’t want the obligation of reading a specific book each month but want to hang out with fellow readers and discuss books and life in general, the Ocala chapter of the Silent Book Club may be the answer. It’s a BYOB (bring your own book) type of club that meets regularly in Ocala. Consider it a book club for introverts.
“We read silently together for an hour and then talk about what everyone is reading,” says club organizer Kadisha Diaz. “We’re basically a book club where talking isn’t necessary if that’s not something you are comfortable with.”
It’s a laid back, casual atmosphere where fellow bookworms can form friendships and bond. Past meetings have taken place at the Juniper General Store and the Freedom Public Library. They even hold virtual meetings on occasion.
“We are very judgement free,” says Kadisha. Everyone is welcome as long as they are reading. Silent Book Clubs are a national phenomenon, and Kadisha is very passionate about the group.
“This group has helped me meet wonderful new people who I now call my friends,” she says. “I believe reading is very important. It’s therapy for some, an escape for others and new knowledge.”
To find out more and learn about upcoming meetups, join Silent Book Club Ocala Chapter on Facebook and stay tuned.
A Novel Idea
Michelle Gambardella has always loved to read. It’s no surprise that she chose books as her life’s work.
“I’ve been an avid reader since a very young age,” she says. “I was the kid who would read while everyone else was riding their bikes. I would rush through schoolwork so I could get to my book.”
As the owner of A Novel Idea, a used bookstore located in the Ocala Centre 6 movie theater plaza on Silver Springs Boulevard, Michelle loves to share her joy of reading with others. With more than 40,000 books on the shelves and thousands more in the back, there’s something for every interest.
Peruse the book stacks while visiting, and take a seat in one of the comfy chairs to read a few pages. While relaxing, you might get a visit from Lord Byron, the resident kitty who calls the store home.
“Customers love him, and he gets plenty of treats, toys and hugs,” says Michelle.
Michelle adds that they have thousands of titles in the store, but the top-selling category is fiction, followed by romance, mystery and adventure.
“If you’re into non-fiction, the most popular category is history, and then religion, self-help and cooking,” she says.”
But A Novel Idea, which is celebrating its 15th year in business, has far more categories than just those, including an impressive children’s book section that features everything from board books to kids’ chapter books. Another benefit to used bookstore shopping? Most of the customers in the store work off credit and trade, although it’s not required.
“Customers can bring in their gently used books, and if we have a need for them, we will give you credit for up to 25 percent of the book’s cover price,” says Michelle. “Then you can use that credit to purchase new books. This allows readers to try out new books and authors without spending a lot of money. In this economy that’s very important. It’s a lot less expensive than a bigger store or online option and books won’t be gathering dust on your shelves.
The experts at A Novel Idea even keep track of the books you’ve read in a series and what books you still have left to read.
A Novel Idea
2019 E Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala
(352) 351-9475