Talk to strangers about books
Readers rarely get to talk about what they are reading. Match with a stranger who does and swap the book that wrecked you, the one you never finished, and your next recommendation.
Start chatting — freeWhy books is better with a stranger
Reading is solitary and most people have nobody in daily life who has read the same book. A stranger who reads gives you the conversation a book club promises without the scheduling, and recommendations shaped by a completely different shelf to yours.
What people actually talk about
- The book that genuinely changed how you think
- Ones you abandoned halfway and whether to go back
- Fiction against non-fiction and what you reach for
- Authors worth reading everything by
- Books that are better than the film made of them
Conversation starters for books fans
Stuck on the first message? Open with one of these — or browse 100+ more conversation starters.
- “A book that changed how you think?”
- “One you pretend to have read?”
- “Currently reading anything good?”
- “Best opening line you can remember?”
- “A book you would force everyone to read?”
- “Physical, e-reader or audiobook?”
How it works
- Sign in with Google or email (takes ten seconds, keeps bots out).
- Add books — and up to five interests — to your profile.
- Tap Start Chatting. We match you with a random stranger, preferring people who share your interests.
- Not clicking? Hit Next for a new stranger, instantly.
Books chat — common questions
Is this like a book club?
Looser than that — no reading list and no schedule, just a one-off conversation with someone who reads. Some people use it purely to collect recommendations.
What if we have read nothing in common?
That is usually the better conversation. Explaining a book to someone who has never heard of it forces you to work out what you actually thought of it.
Related topics
Explore more
- All 22 chat topics — browse every interest you can match on.
- Chat slang dictionary — what ASL, WYD and HRU actually mean.
- Practise English with strangers — real conversations, no lessons.
- Guides and tips — how to start better conversations and stay safe.