Novel Nook: Book Hangouts began in March 2025 as a simple idea: to build a space for honest, thoughtful engagement around books and community. Through a Mellon Foundation Grant facilitated by the University of South Carolina Department of Women’s and Gender Studies and hosted monthly at All Good Books in Five Points, the group brings together students, faculty and staff from the University of South Carolina and community members from across Columbia. At its core, Novel Nook is not just about reading but also about connection and curiosity.

Dr. Nima Yolmo, faculty founder of the group, created Novel Nook to bridge the gap between the university and the wider Columbia community. “What we do in class is important,” she said, “but how are we contributing to being a part of the community?” That spirit of civic engagement shaped the group’s foundation—creating a space for the questions students and community members were already grappling with through their reading. Wolfgang Perrett, a founding student member, was invited to join by Dr. Yolmo after she noticed their interest in art. “It’s become harder and harder to find in-person hubs for likeminded people to talk without some kind of fee—especially in a college town like Columbia,” they said. “Nothing is more accessible than reading and analyzing written work.” For Wolfgang, Novel Nook represents a “third space” that’s open to all, with no cost except the desire to engage. What makes the group so special, members say, is its diversity—not just in age or background, but in perspective. “What’s unique is that it’s not only for undergraduate students, but open to anyone in the community,” said Addie Rae. “I have never been a part of an organization like that.” Eshan, another founding student member, echoed this: “A lot of our clubs are centered around USC. This club gives the opportunity to interact with people outside of campus and not just in academia.” 

The result is a space where participants bring their whole selves and find others doing the same. “There was so much scary stuff happening around campus,” said Eshan. “Having a safe space where you can just talk with people who know what’s going on in the world is really important.” Faculty member and writer Julia Elliott was drawn to Novel Nook by Yolmo’s warmth and curiosity. “Not only does she make talking about books fun and easy (like a casual conversation), but she’s a great mediator when complex and/or difficult topics come up.” Framing it as a book hangout rather than a club or course helps to lower barriers. “A space to talk about ideas and common cultural references,” said Yolmo, “and not have it be like homework.” For Addie Rae Allen, the group rekindled her love for reading. “I love reading and was very appreciative of the opportunity to be able to talk with others who also value critically thinking about the work they consume,” she said. “Reading is something I have always been drawn to, but with the rigor of classes, work, and extracurricular involvement, something I love to do in my free time regrettably fell on the back burner.” 

“I love reading and was very appreciative of the opportunity to be able to talk with others who also value critically thinking about the work they consume. Reading is something I have always been drawn to, but with the rigor of classes, work, and extracurricular involvement, something I love to do in my free time regrettably fell on the back burner.” 

-- Addie Rae Allen

What stands out for many is how discussions go beyond the books themselves. “Every meeting has reminded me that the space Novel Nook creates for productive topical conversation is absolutely needed,” Addie Rae said. She shared a moment when a discussion around Girl on Girl: How Pop Culture Turned a Generation of Women Against Themselves led to insights from older members whose lived experiences enriched her understanding. Tayler Simon, owner of the pop-up and online bookstore Liberation is Lit, found the group through guest lecturing for Dr. Yolmo’s WGST 112 course. “It was so nice to get connected to an intellectual community tied to academia to have stimulating conversations.” Whether exploring Black queer horror or current events, Tayler appreciates how Novel Nook applies literary themes to real-life perspectives. “It gives me hope that I am not the only one thinking about these things.” Part of the joy of Novel Nook is in its spontaneity. Conversations often start with books and expand into art, memory, history, and/or lived experience. For Wolfgang, designing bookmarks for the group is a meaningful creative outlet. “Seeing people use and enjoy something I’ve made is a feeling that sticks with me every time,” they said. Sometimes, it’s the smallest interactions that are most memorable. Addie Rae recalled complimenting someone’s phone case at a meeting, only to discover it was custom artwork by a friend. “It’s unlikely I would have ever met her in another context,” she said, “but there we were, heads ducked together sharing art.”

 

Novel Nook’s structure is deliberately low-pressure and member-oriented. There are no required readings or deadlines, just a broad theme to help spark discussion. Members can bring a book they are currently reading, or select a book brought from the Women’s and Gender Studies Lending Library, which folks can access any time during business hours in Suite 503 of the Close-Hipp Building.  Julia Elliott described the first event as “an invitation to join an ongoing literary conversation without the pressure to read specific books.” Elliott added, “I need an anxiety-free space to talk spontaneously with bookish people.” Looking ahead, members are excited about future community events, movie nights, and even a possible website and archive. “The hope is that it continues beyond us,” said Dr. Yolmo. “We have ideas, but they’ll have even better ones.” Another member put it simply: “Keep the spirit of literature alive. It brings individual perspectives to life.”  

Novel Nook is, ultimately, more than just a book group. It’s a space to think freely, to be heard, to listen, to reflect and to connect across boundaries of age, background and experience. As Addie Rae said, “Novel Nook has gifted me a different version of community that connects me more deeply to the broader Columbia area beyond campus.” Whether you’re a dedicated reader or just curious to join, Novel Nook welcomes you, with no expectations other than a shared love of learning and conversation.