KUALA TERENGGANU – In a world that rarely slows down, sometimes all it takes to find a little peace is a good book, an open space and the quiet company of fellow readers.
That is the simple idea behind Silent Reading Picnic, a relaxed reading gathering in Terengganu that is bringing book lovers together to rediscover the joy of reading, one page at a time.
Held at Lagun, Kuala Ibai, the initiative offers participants a chance to step away from their daily routines, settle into an open-air setting and immerse themselves in their favourite books without the pressure of formal discussions or structured activities.
Organiser Norsyaza Mohamad said the idea came to her after seeing social media posts featuring people gathering simply to read together.
Inspired by similar initiatives among reading communities elsewhere, she began exploring how the concept could be introduced to Terengganu.
"I thought, why not bring this concept to Terengganu so that readers here could also experience the unique feeling of reading together as a group?
"I started by sharing the idea with friends who have a strong interest in literacy, and we eventually agreed to bring it to life," she told reporters during the programme last Friday.
Unlike conventional book clubs, where members may be expected to discuss a book, present reviews or analyse particular passages, Silent Reading Picnic gives participants the freedom to enjoy reading on their own terms.
Everyone brings a book of their choice and reads at their own pace, with no obligation to participate in discussions or explain what they are reading.
For some, the appeal lies in the uninterrupted time to themselves. For others, it is an opportunity to meet people who share their interests.
Norsyaza said one of her main aims was to make the gathering welcoming, particularly for those who might feel awkward attending an event alone.
"Some participants prefer to enjoy their books on their own, while others take the opportunity to interact and exchange views with fellow readers.
"My main aim is to remove the awkwardness or shyness that people might feel when coming alone. They are free to focus entirely on their books or join others to get to know new friends," she said.
The programme began in September and has already shown encouraging growth, with the second session attracting more participants than the first.
The response has motivated Norsyaza to continue the reading series, with plans to explore larger and more comfortable locations to accommodate growing interest.
For participants, the experience offers more than simply a chance to finish a few chapters.
Hafzan Mohamad, 45, said the gathering provided an opportunity to unwind from work while continuing to learn.
He believes the programme deserves to become a regular event, offering a meaningful way to nurture a reading culture while introducing a different way to enjoy books beyond the usual daily routine.
Although his work as a science officer focuses largely on technical and scientific matters, Hafzan said reading across different genres had helped broaden his perspective and sharpen his analytical thinking.
"Although my main job as a science officer is more focused on technical and scientific aspects, reading across different genres indirectly broadens my perspective and sharpens my analytical thinking.
"The environment allows me to concentrate fully on what I am reading without external distractions, making my free time more meaningful," he said.
In an age of constant notifications, packed schedules and endless scrolling, Silent Reading Picnic offers a gentle reminder that reading does not always have to be a solitary activity, and that being together does not always require conversation.
Sometimes, a shared love of books is enough to bring strangers into the same space, give busy minds a moment to breathe and turn an ordinary afternoon into something worth looking forward to.