SEATTLE—What used to be a bimonthly meetup of local book worms in the lobby of Hotel Sorrento in Seattle is now a weekly Zoom meeting with guests attending from across the world. Every Wednesday at 6 p.m.,The Stranger hosts upwards of 60 people in a virtual space called the Silent Reading Party (SRP), for two hours of live piano music and the opportunity to take their minds off of whatever may be occupying their thoughts.
The SRP is known for its long lines, inviting live music by Paul Matthew Moore, and relaxing ambience, but the COVID-19 pandemic forced the party to shift to an online venue in April 2020. Like many other events and communities, the SRP has become even more meaningful for some as loneliness and isolation persist, though it is unique in that none of the guests speak to each other besides the occasional Zoom chat message.
The origins of the SRP can be traced to Christopher Frizzelle, the former editor-in-chief of The Stranger and a passionate reader. Frizzelle said that in 2003, he and two coworkers had reading assignments for their side jobs and he suggested that they all read together rather than going home alone.
“And so we did, we went to the grocery store, and we got whiskey and chocolate and figs and cheese and we went to Brendan's house because he had the most furniture for us to sit around. And we did it,” Frizelle said, as he explained how this night inspired him to bring this experience to the public.
In 2009 Frizzelle said that he was given the opportunity to pitch his idea to Hotel Sorrento staff and since then, the SRP has become a staple in many Seattleites’ lives, but because of the pandemic and the shift to Zoom, the party now attracts international and cross-country guests.
As the pandemic continues to rage and the winter months present their own challenges, the SRP has become a significant social outlet and online community for those that are continuing to social distance and limit exposure to others.
Kristin Anderson, from Seattle, has been living alone and working from home throughout the pandemic. Although Anderson said that she feels privileged to be in her current position, she recognizes some of the universal challenges that come with isolation from family and friends.
“Even though Silent Reading Party is through a screen, it still feels like we're all together,” Anderson said. “Even if we were sitting at Hotel Sorrento. . .we'd still be sitting there being quiet.”