Where readers become community
Where great books spark even greater connections.
The Gloss Book Club was born from a simple belief: that books have the power to bring people together. Everything we do is in service of that community.
A book club born from belonging
It all began with a simple idea: to find new friends in a strange city. What began as a small book club in a London England has grown into a global community of global community of readers who read, connect, and inspire one another.
Eighteen years later, The Gloss has grown into something we never could have predicted — chapters around the world, thousands of books read together, and friendships that started over a shared story and never stopped. We still believe what we believed at the beginning: that the right book at the right time, in the company of the right people, can change everything. That’s what we’re here for.
One of our early book club meetings, when The Gloss was still called “The Girly Book Club”
A community that spans the globe.
What started in London in August 2008 has grown into the world’s largest book club of its kind, with readers across 15 countries and 150+ cities. From the USA and Canada to Australasia and beyond, The Gloss has built something genuinely rare: a global community that feels local wherever you are.
The Gloss Book Club provides a relaxed and casual atmosphere to meet friends in new cities, as well as connecting individuals with others who share their love of good books.
Our Values
Community First
Everything we do starts with people. The Gloss exists to create genuine connection — the kind that lasts well beyond the last page.
Books that Matter
We take our reading seriously. Every book we choose is selected to spark real conversation, challenge perspectives, and stay with you.
Welcome Everywhere
Whether you’re in a city with an active chapter or joining from your living room, there’s a place for you at The Gloss.
Real books. Real people. Real conversation.
Every Gloss chapter reads the same book at the same time and gathers once a month to talk about it. Meetings are hosted by a local chapter host, held at a central venue, and draw anywhere from 10 to 100 readers. Every meeting follows the same format — so whether you’re a regular or showing up for the first time, you’ll know exactly what to expect.
The Gloss is also a global community. Readers connect across chapters, follow along online, and if you’re the travelling type, you’re always welcome to drop into a chapter wherever you land.
Ready to read with us?
With over 150+ chapters across 15 countries, and over 150 books read! The Gloss is a worldwide success. If you’re traveling why not drop into another chapter’s meeting or if you’re on the move why not start a new chapter in your new home? Our goal is to bring The Gloss to all parts of the world and entice women from different backgrounds, ages and cultures to join us
@TheGlossBookClub
Books, conversation, and community — follow along.
