News Summary
The Fleuria Audiobook Walking Club hosted nearly 90 attendees in Hermosa Beach for a monthly literary stroll, merging fitness with a love for literature. Participants enjoyed a scenic beach walk while listening to audiobooks, fostering social connections and community. The club, launched in L.A. after a TikTok discovery, has rapidly gained popularity, especially among romance readers seeking comfort during uncertain times. Upcoming events, including a guest author appearance, continue to promote wellness and literary engagement, making the club a unique gathering for book lovers.
Hermosa Beach recently played host to nearly 90 local book lovers who gathered for the Fleuria Audiobook Walking Club’s monthly literary stroll. The event took place on a cloudy morning, reminiscent of the moody landscapes often found in Virginia Woolf’s novels. As surfers gazed toward the ocean horizon, participants came together at Fleuria, Los Angeles’ first romance book truck, to kick off the event.
Organized by Stephanie Pao, the Fleuria Audiobook Walking Club closely resembles a silent disco, where attendees listen to various audiobooks while walking along the picturesque beach. Participants convene beforehand for coffee and conversation, allowing them to socialize before embarking on their beach stroll. After an hour of walking while listening, participants removed their noise-canceling headphones to engage in lively discussions about the books they were each enjoying.
Many attendees were spotted in sweatshirts and hats emblazoned with slogans such as “Hot Girls Read” and “Banned Books Lover.” Among those present was Kaley Robinson, who shared that she was listening to “The Briar Club” by Kate Quinn, a tale involving McCarthyism and a murder mystery. The growing popularity of audiobooks has surged over the past two decades, particularly during the pandemic and with the rise of audio streaming services.
Across the United States, audiobook walking clubs have begun to crop up from Washington, D.C. to Tennessee. Pao launched the L.A. group after discovering audiobook walks through TikTok. To her surprise, initial attendance expectations were surpassed, with participation nearly doubling within just three months. The allure of the walking club lies in its unique blend of exercise and social interaction in a scenic location.
The event has attracted numerous avid romance readers, a genre that has seen increased interest during the pandemic due to its comforting nature. Romance novels tend to provide happy endings, offering a sense of relief in uncertain times. These in-person gatherings help readers reconnect and build community following the isolation of the pandemic. Social media has also played a significant role in rekindling readers’ interests in literature.
The Fleuria Audiobook Walking Club welcomes members from all walks of life, including those who may identify as introverts. Participants can share their thoughts about the books or simply enjoy the camaraderie of the group. Convenience is another appealing aspect, as audiobooks allow individuals with busy schedules to continue engaging with literature. Typically, attendance consists mainly of women, though there are occasional male participants. Family-friendly elements were evident, as attendees brought along a stroller and a dog.
Many participants, such as Brittany Brown and Tatiana Espy, noted that the club supports their health and fitness goals by merging mental stimulation with physical activity. Attendees expressed their appreciation for the community aspect of the event, often exchanging recommendations for books. Pao is enthusiastic about future events, including a guest appearance by local author Lauren Okie scheduled for October.
The next meet-up of the Fleuria Audiobook Walking Club is set for October 19 at 9:30 a.m. at Yellow Jersey Patisserie in Hermosa Beach. The club continues to grow and foster a love for literature while promoting wellness through walking and social engagement.
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- Los Angeles Times
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- Wikipedia: Audiobook
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Author: STAFF HERE HOLLYWOOD
The Hollywood Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHollywood.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hollywood, Los Angeles County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Hollywood Bowl summer concerts, the Hollywood Christmas Parade, film premieres at TCL Chinese Theatre, and festivals at the Magic Castle. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and Visit Hollywood, plus leading businesses in entertainment, dining, and tourism that define the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELosAngeles.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HEREAnaheim.com, and HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
